Vehicles Covered in this Guide 2006-2013 3-Series sedan (E90) & Wagon (E91), coupe (E92), and convertible (E93).
LCI sedans and wagons (2009 and up) have different fitment requirements for the rear wheels. Rear fender clearance is reduced by 8mm due to a wider rear track width. See underlined notes for information regarding these cars. This does NOT apply to LCI coupe (E92) and convertible (E93) models.
Chassis Introduction The E9x generation of 3-Series is loved for its out-of-the-box capabilities, as well as endless aftermarket support. We produce a wide range of fitments for the E9x platform ranging from OEM+ replacement sizes to aggressive track/race fitments. Note: Due to BMW production changes, the LCI sedan and wagon has reduced rear wheel clearance. See underlined notes below for our specific recommendations.
Bolt Pattern
5x120mm
Centerbore
72.56mm
Lug Seat
60° Conical
Lug Thread Pitch
M12x1.5mm
Easy upgrades for street-driven cars
These fitments prioritize (in order): 1. Ease of fitment 2. Aesthetics 3. Performance
Ideal for the driver who wants a no-nonsense direct bolt-on fitment. These fitments are a small step up from stock wheels and tires, and offer a small but noticeable performance improvement.
Square Setups Recommended for most types of street and performance driving. Allows proper front-to-rear tire rotation to extend tire life & improve handling balance.
Staggered Setups Maintains stock-like handling characteristics, tires can only be rotated left to right. Maximizes both front and rear tire width.
LCI Sedan and Wagon-Specific Staggered Setup Maintains stock-like handling characteristics, tires can only be rotated left to right. Maximizes both front and rear tire width. This staggered fitment is produced specifically for the E90/E91 chassis where rear fender clearance is reduced.
Aggressive fitments focused on appearance and concavity
These fitments prioritize (in order): 1. Aesthetics 2. Performance 3. Ease of fitment
Ideal for the driver who wants to fill out the wheel wells with the widest possible rubber and perfectly flush offsets. Sometimes these fitments are a direct bolt-on, but often times require small spacers, negative camber, or rolled fenders for the sake of dialing in the perfect blend of function and form.
Staggered Setups Maintains stock-like handling characteristics, tires can only be rotated left to right. Maximizes both front and rear tire width.
Wider fitments for enhanced performance
These fitments prioritize (in order): 1. Performance 2. Ease of fitment 3. Aesthetics
These fitments are effective for both performance-oriented street cars and weekend track warriors. The suspension type, alignment settings, and tire brand/size can be changed accordingly to work for either scenario.
Square Setups Recommended for most types of street and performance driving. Allows proper front-to-rear tire rotation to extend tire life & improve handling balance.
Staggered Setups Maintains stock-like handling characteristics, tires can only be rotated left to right. Maximizes both front and rear tire width.
LCI Sedan and Wagon-Specific Staggered Setups Maintains stock-like handling characteristics, tires can only be rotated left to right. Maximizes both front and rear tire width. This staggered fitment is produced specifically for the LCI E90/E91 chassis where rear fender clearance is reduced.
Track focused fitments that require significant modifications
These fitments prioritize (in order): 1. Performance 2. Ease of fitment 3. Aesthetics
These no-compromise fitments are ideal for dedicated track / race cars. They rely on aggressive negative camber specifications and often require rolled rear fenders to prevent rubbing. Since you'll be using all available real estate under the fender arches to accommodate these wide wheels, coilovers with linear race springs are a must for inner clearance (JRZ, MCS, Ground Control, AST, Moton, etc.).
Square Setups Recommended for most types of street and performance driving. Allows proper front-to-rear tire rotation to extend tire life & improve handling balance.
Staggered Setups Maintains stock-like handling characteristics, tires can only be rotated left to right. Maximizes both front and rear tire width.
Our wheels are popular for winter use because of their unmatched caliper clearance. We recommend a square fitment in order to allow front-to-rear tire rotation, although staggered fitments can also be used.
Square setups
Each of our wheel designs is available in two or three different levels of concavity, which we call Profiles. The Profile is dictated by the width and offset, meaning wide lower-offset wheels will have more concavity, while narrow higher-offset wheels will have less concavity.
If you’re using coilovers, see the image below to identify which type of coilover spring you have, as it may effect your wheel fitment.
Aftermarket E9x 3-Series Suspensions Known To Reduce Inner Clearance (includes but not limited to):
About Camber Plates
We've used an M3 photo, but the principles are the same. Adjustable camber plates do more than just aid in wide wheel and tire fitment. They provide increased grip and reduced tire wear by spreading the load evenly during cornering. Learn more in our blog article, The Positives of Negative Camber.
We have tested many brake kits with the wheels listed in this guide. Please email us with any questions related to brake clearance, we’ll be happy to help.
Fill out our Fitment Recommendation form Call us: 925-245-0773 Email us: support@apexraceparts.com