2018 BMW i3 Wheel Interchange

2018 BMW i3 Wheel Interchange, Sizes, and Fitment Guide | wheelinterchange.com

Known OEM Fitment For 2018 BMW i3

The following specifications are known OEM values for the 2018 BMW i3. Some trims or factory option packages may differ. Always confirm on your driver door jamb tire placard, in the owner’s manual, and by comparing in the on-page calculator before buying.

Notes: The i3 lineup has had staggered options and alternate tire sizes in some years and trims. If your vehicle’s placard does not match the tire listed above, use the placard as your baseline and compare it in the calculator to avoid clearance or speedometer issues.

How To Use The Wheel Interchange Calculator

The calculator on this page lets you safely compare donor wheels and tires to your 2018 BMW i3. It shows changes in inner clearance, outer poke, overall tire diameter, and speedometer impact.

• Step 1. In Wheels from (donor vehicle), enter the wheel and tire specs you want to try. You can pick a vehicle or enter a Custom wheel size and Custom tire size.
• Step 2. In Installed on (your vehicle), select 2018 BMW i3 and confirm the stock baseline. If your door placard differs from the values listed above, edit the baseline to match your exact OEM size.
• Step 3. Adjust Custom wheel size. Change rim diameter, width, and offset. The tool will calculate inner clearance to the strut and outer poke toward the fender.
• Step 4. Adjust Custom tire size. Changing rim diameter will update the compared tire diameter. Aim to keep overall tire diameter change within about plus or minus 3 percent for proper ABS and speedometer behavior.
• Step 5. Review the warnings and differences. Watch inner clearance, outer poke, and backspacing. Confirm brake caliper clearance and steering lock clearance in a physical test fit before driving.

Tip: Use the calculator to compare not just wheels but also spacer thickness and hub-centric ring needs. If the donor wheel center bore is larger than 66.6 mm, a hub-centric ring is typically required. If it is smaller, the wheel will not fit.

Fitment Checklist Before You Buy

• Bolt pattern: Must be 5x112.
• Center bore: Hub must seat on 66.6 mm. If the aftermarket wheel bore is larger, plan for quality hub-centric rings. If it is smaller, it will not fit.
• Thread and fasteners: M14 x 1.25 lug bolts on BMW applications. Verify lug seat type for your wheel, usually ball or conical, and match the bolts to the wheel seat design.
• Offset and width: Use the calculator to compare inner clearance and outer poke against your baseline. Check for fender, liner, and strut clearance at full lock and full compression.
• Brake and suspension clearance: Spoke design and barrel shape matter. Always test fit to confirm caliper clearance, especially on non-OEM wheels.
• Tire load and speed rating: Choose tires that meet or exceed the OEM load index and speed rating. EVs like the i3 benefit from tires designed for EV load and efficiency.
• TPMS compatibility: Reuse your sensors if possible or purchase compatible replacements. Match valve stem type and frequency to your vehicle using OEM sources or your VIN.
• Range and efficiency: Wider or stickier tires can reduce driving range. The calculator helps you visualize size differences, but consider rolling resistance ratings too.
• Spacers and rings: If spacers are needed, use hub-centric spacers with matching center bore and extended M14 x 1.25 bolts of the correct seat. Verify thread engagement length meets OEM guidance.

Plus Sizing And Common Upgrades

The i3’s OEM setup is engineered for efficiency and low rolling resistance. Owners sometimes explore wider tires, different offsets, or larger diameters for stance or handling. These changes can affect range, ride comfort, and clearance.

• Plus sizing basics: When increasing rim diameter, choose a tire with a lower aspect ratio to keep overall diameter close to stock. Use the calculator to keep overall diameter change near plus or minus 3 percent.
• Width and offset: Increasing wheel width pushes the inner and outer edges outward by half the added width. Adjust offset in the calculator to keep inner clearance safe while avoiding excessive poke.
• Staggered setups: Some i3 trims have used different front and rear sizes. If your placard shows staggered sizes, evaluate front and rear independently in the calculator. Do not assume a square setup will work without checks.
• Efficiency trade-offs: Wider tires or aggressive tread may reduce range and increase road noise. Balance desired grip with efficiency needs.
• Winter setups: Narrower winter tires can improve snow traction and slush evacuation. Match load rating and ensure chain or sock clearance if required.

If you do not see your exact trim’s OEM values listed above, verify your door placard and then use those values as your baseline in the calculator. OEM sources and your VIN are the best way to confirm exact fitment.

Installation Tips

• Preparation: Park on level ground, use jack stands at approved lift points, and chock the wheels. Wear eye and hand protection.
• Clean mounting faces: Use a wire brush to remove rust and debris from the hub face and wheel mounting pad. A very light film of high-temp anti-seize on the hub center can help prevent sticking, but keep it off threads and seats. Follow BMW service guidance.
• Hub-centric rings: If your wheels have a larger bore than 66.6 mm, install quality rings that reduce to 66.6 mm. Ensure a snug, fully seated fit.
• Test fit: Hand-thread bolts and spin the wheel to check for any scraping. Verify caliper clearance and inner liner clearance at full steering lock.
• Torque: Tighten bolts in a star pattern in stages, finishing with a calibrated torque wrench to the OEM torque spec from your owner’s manual or BMW service documentation.
• After driving: Recheck torque after 50 to 100 miles, then at your next service interval.
• TPMS: Transfer sensors carefully or install compatible ones, then perform relearn or programming as required by BMW procedures.

Tools And Helpful Supplies

• 1/2 inch drive torque wrench: Search on Amazon
• Wheel hanger guide pin M14 x 1.25 for BMW lug bolts: Search on Amazon
• Hub-centric rings 66.6 mm inner bore: Search on Amazon
• Digital tire pressure gauge: Search on Amazon

FAQs

• What is the 2018 BMW i3 bolt pattern?

  5x112.

• What center bore do I need for hub-centric fitment?

  66.6 mm at the hub. If your wheel bore is larger, use hub-centric rings that reduce to 66.6 mm. If the bore is smaller than 66.6 mm, it will not fit.

• What fasteners does the i3 use?

  M14 x 1.25 lug bolts. Match the bolt seat style to the wheel seat design. If the wheel uses a different seat type than OEM, choose bolts that match the wheel.

• What is the stock tire size for 2018?

  155/70R19 is listed above. Some trims or packages may differ or be staggered. Check your door placard and use those values as your baseline in the calculator.

• Will wider wheels or tires fit my i3?

  Possibly, but it depends on width, offset, tire size, and brake clearance. Use the calculator to compare inner clearance and outer poke, keep overall diameter close to stock, and always test fit. Wider tires may reduce range.

• Do I need new TPMS sensors?

  You can usually transfer OEM sensors if the new wheels accept them. If buying new sensors, match compatibility to your VIN or BMW parts catalog, then perform relearn as required.

• Can I run spacers on the i3?

  If used, choose hub-centric spacers that maintain a 66.6 mm hub and use the correct extended M14 x 1.25 bolts. Verify thread engagement and clearance. Spacers change load paths, so use quality parts and follow best practices.

• What torque should I use on the lug bolts?

  Follow the torque specification in the BMW owner’s manual or service information for your VIN. Do not rely on generic values.

• How close should my new tire diameter be to stock?

  As a general guideline, try to stay within about plus or minus 3 percent of the OEM overall diameter. The calculator shows exact differences and speedometer impact.

• How do I confirm specs that vary by trim?

  Use your door-jamb tire placard and owner’s manual as the source of truth, then set those values as your baseline in the on-page calculator. Cross-check with BMW parts catalogs using your VIN.