36 00 ... General Information, Series Light Alloy Disc Wheel E 46

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW M3, 2005 BMW M3, 2004 BMW M3, 2003 BMW M3, and 2002 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: All E 46 vehicles are fitted as standard with light alloy disc wheels which it is difficult to distinguish visually from steel disc wheels.

Identifying features:

Sticker on light alloy disc wheel. (1) = Indication "Aluminum".
Wall thickness of rim dish: approx. 8 mm.
Light alloy disc wheels are not magnetic.
Light alloy disc wheels can be identified from their BMW parts numbers.

Fig 1: Identifying Sticker On Light Alloy Disc Wheel
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION:

Use only special hub caps for E46. When using different hub caps, these can be damaged by the smaller diameter of the clamping surface, resulting in loss.
Use only BMW-approved two-part balancing weights.
When fitting two-part balancing weights, always use specified tools.
Do not straighten light alloy disc wheels: always replace damaged light alloy disc wheels.
Notches in light alloy disc wheels can lead to cracking.
Do not lubricate wheel nuts.
When fitting tires, avoid damaging light alloy disc wheels, e.g. on sharp-edged retaining claws on fitting machine.