2016 BMW i3 Wheel Interchange

2016 BMW i3 Wheel Interchange, Specs, and Fitment Guide

Known OEM Fitment For 2016 BMW i3

The following specs are from the data provided for this page. Fitment can vary by trim or front vs rear. Always confirm what your specific car left the factory with using your door-jamb tire sticker, your owner’s manual, or the on-page calculator for comparisons.

If any of your vehicle’s labels or documentation shows different dimensions, use those as your baseline and compare with the calculator before purchasing wheels or tires.

How To Use The Wheel Interchange Calculator

• Open the calculator on this page. In Wheels from set the donor vehicle or enter a custom wheel and tire size that you are considering.
• In Installed on select your 2016 BMW i3 or input the known OEM specs above.
• Use Custom wheel size to test rim diameter, width, and offset changes. As you change rim diameter, the tool updates tire diameter in the comparison when you enter a tire size.
• Use Custom tire size to enter section width and aspect ratio. The calculator shows differences in overall diameter, inner clearance to strut or spring, and outer poke toward the fender.
• Aim to keep overall tire diameter close to stock to minimize speedometer error. Many installers try to keep changes within about 3 percent, but you should verify what works for your needs and clearances.
• Review brake caliper and spoke clearance visually. The calculator helps with inner and outer positions, but spoke profile and caliper shape still require a physical test fit when possible.

Fitment Checklist Before You Buy

• Bolt pattern must be 5x112. Adapters change geometry and may require longer hardware. Use only if you fully understand the implications.
• Center bore on the hub is 66.7 mm. If an aftermarket wheel has a larger bore, you will need 66.7 mm hub-centric rings sized to the wheel’s bore. Do not use a wheel with a smaller center bore than 66.7 mm.
• Fasteners are wheel bolts with M14 x 1.25 threads. Match the correct seat type specified by the wheel manufacturer. Length must account for any spacers.
• Offset: OEM reference is ET43. Use the calculator to see inner clearance to the suspension and outer position relative to the fender when changing offset or width. Measure your car for at least a few millimeters of real clearance under load and steering sweep.
• Width: Increasing rim width moves inner and outer edges. Confirm tire fit on the chosen width according to the tire manufacturer’s approved rim range.
• Brake and spoke clearance: Template check or test fit for caliper clearance. Not all 5x112 wheels will clear the i3’s brakes.
• Load rating: Wheel and tire load indexes must meet or exceed the vehicle’s requirements.
• TPMS: If your vehicle uses TPMS sensors, plan to transfer or purchase compatible sensors and perform relearn or programming as required.
• Front vs rear: Some vehicles vary by axle. If your i3 has different front and rear sizes, maintain that stagger unless you have verified an alternative setup will clear and perform correctly.

Plus Sizing And Common Upgrades

The i3’s efficiency depends heavily on tire diameter, width, and rolling resistance. When exploring different wheels and tires:

• Keep overall tire diameter close to stock for proper speedometer and stability control behavior. Use the calculator to compare diameters.
• Wider tires can improve grip but may reduce range and can create clearance issues. Confirm inner and outer clearances and fender coverage.
• If your vehicle uses different sizes front and rear, maintain the stagger unless you have confirmed an alternative keeps correct handling balance and fits without interference.
• If considering a different rim diameter, enter both wheel and tire in the calculator. Changing rim diameter without adjusting tire size will change overall diameter and can affect ride height and gearing feel.

If you do not see your exact OEM size in the table or your car’s label differs, rely on your door sticker, owner’s manual, or a dealer printout by VIN, then compare options with the calculator.

Installation Tips

• Use the correct jacking points and support the vehicle with stands on a level surface.
• Clean the hub face. Rust or debris can cause lateral runout or vibration.
• Dry threads only. Do not lubricate wheel bolt threads or seats unless the service manual explicitly instructs it.
• If using hub-centric rings, seat them fully against the wheel bore before mounting.
• Because the i3 uses wheel bolts, a wheel hanger/guide pin makes installation easier. Hand start all bolts to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten in a star pattern and torque to the BMW service specification for your vehicle. If the spec is unknown, check your owner’s manual or OEM service information.
• Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles of driving.

Tools And Helpful Supplies

• 1/2 inch drive torque wrench: Search on Amazon
• Wheel hanger guide pin M14: Search on Amazon
• M14 x 1.25 wheel bolts, correct seat for your wheels: Search on Amazon
• Hub-centric rings 66.7 mm to your wheel bore: Search on Amazon

FAQs

• What wheels from other vehicles will fit my 2016 BMW i3?

  Match the critical specs first: 5x112 bolt pattern, 66.7 mm center bore or larger with rings, and wheel bolts compatible with M14 x 1.25 threads and the correct seat. Then use the calculator to compare width, offset, and tire size for clearance and diameter. Always test fit when possible.

• Can I use a different rim diameter than 19 inches?

  Possibly, if brake clearance, inner and outer clearances, and overall tire diameter are kept within acceptable limits. Enter your proposed wheel and tire in the calculator and verify speedometer impact and fender clearance. Confirm with an installer and perform a physical test fit.

• Do I need hub-centric rings?

  If your aftermarket wheel’s center bore is larger than 66.7 mm, yes. Choose rings with an inner diameter of 66.7 mm and an outer diameter that matches the wheel’s bore. If the wheel bore is exactly 66.7 mm and the wheel is designed for this hub, rings are not needed.

• Do I need different wheel sizes front and rear?

  Some vehicles are equipped with staggered setups. Check your door-jamb tire sticker or OEM documentation for your specific i3. If your car specifies different sizes by axle, maintain that unless you have verified an alternative will fit and perform properly.

• Will I need spacers?

  Only if inner clearance to the suspension is too tight or the wheel sits too far inward. Use the calculator to estimate how much space you need. If spacers are used, they must be hub-centric for 66.7 mm hubs and you must use appropriately longer M14 x 1.25 bolts. Verify thread engagement and overall safety.

• What torque should I use on the wheel bolts?

  Follow the BMW service specification for your VIN. If you do not know the value, check the owner’s manual or OEM service information. Do not lubricate the threads unless the OEM procedure specifies it, and always torque with a calibrated wrench.

• How do I handle TPMS when changing wheels?

  If your i3 uses TPMS sensors, you may need to transfer the existing sensors or install compatible new sensors. After installation, perform any required relearn or programming as specified by OEM procedures.