The BMW 3 Series E36 is truly an iconic car of the 90s. With its sculptural silhouette, it seduced a large number of enthusiasts of dynamic road cars. While the model has undeniably become gentrified compared to the E30, it has nonetheless remained a high-performance car, at least when powered by in-line 6-cylinder petrol engines. Excluding the M3 models (which we won’t deal with here), these offered 150 to 193 hp via very melodious 2 to 2.8 litre blocks, which could count on superior driveability, despite a certain propensity to slip in the wet, to the delight of the most skilful drivers. All in all, a great youngtimer which often just needs a set of new wheels to enhance its edgy look. What models and sizes should you choose? Find out here with a few examples of fitments!
Summary:
OEM+ fitment
You get this type of fitment with wheels of sizes relatively close to the stock ones, giving the vehicle a sporty look without requiring modifications to the bodywork. A reduced body height using lowering springs or coilovers, as well as low profile tires are recommended for a nice visual impact.
1992 320i : OEM Wheels Style 32 wheels, 17×8 +34 | Nexen N8000 215/45 tires | Eibach lowering springs
1994 325iS : BBS RC090 wheels, 17×8 +20 | Federal 295 Evo 205/40 tires | BC Racing coilovers
1992 325i : BBS RC302 wheels, 17×8.5 +15 | Nankang Noble Sport NS-20 215/40 tires | AP Sportfahrwerke coilovers
Stance fitment
This type of fitment requires specific wheel sizes to obtain a striking “flush” effect. A lowered body, a slight negative camber, stretched tires and reworked wheel arches are recommended. Wheel spacers may be required.
1997 328i : Fifteen52 Formula GT wheels, 18×9.5 +35 | Firestone Indy 500 225/40 tires | BC Racing coilovers | Rolled fenders | Wheel spacers 12 mm front
1993 325i : OZ Racing Futura wheels, 17×8.5 +20 front, 17×9.5 +25 rear | Nankang Ultra Sport NS-2 tires, 205/40 front, 205/35 rear | JOM coilovers | Rolled fenders | Wheel spacers 20 mm front, 25 mm rear
1992 325i : Rotiform LAS-R wheels, 17×9 +30 | Nexen NFera RU5 205/40 tires | MaxSpeedingRods coilovers | Rolled and pulled fenders | Wheel spacers 5 mm front
Race/Showcar fitment
This type of fitment gives the car an extreme ultra-wide look like a race car or showcar using wheels with very aggressive sizes (width, offset). Body work, suitable suspensions, a wide fender kit or overfenders are essential.
1998 328i : Japan Racing JR9 wheels, 17×8.5 +20 front, 17×10 +20 rear | Yokohama Advan AD08R tires, 215/40 front, 235/40 rear | Eibach coilovers | Wide fenders | Wheel spacers 30 mm front, 25 mm rear
1992 325iS : TSW Kemora wheels, 18×10 +25 | GT Radial Champiro SX2 RS 265/35 tires | ISC coilovers | Wide fenders | Wheel spacers 12 mm rear
1996 328i : CCW Classic wheels, 17×11 0 front, 17×12.5 0 rear | Federal 595 Evo tires, 235/40 front, 265/40 rear | Airtekk air suspension | Overfenders | Wheel spacers 6 mm front
Caution: The above examples are for illustrative purposes only and may not conform to the tire/rim size chart for road use.
Photo sources: Fitment Industries (fitmentindustries.com)