36 00... General Information, Series light alloy disk wheel E46

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 16 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW 325Ci, 2005 BMW 325xi, 2005 BMW 325i, 2005 BMW 325Ci, and 2004 BMW 325xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: All E46 vehicles are fitted as standard with light alloy disk wheels which it is difficult to distinguish visually from steel disk wheels.

Identifying features:

Sticker on light alloy disk wheel. (1) = Indication "Aluminum".

Fig 1: Identifying Sticker On Light Alloy Disk Wheel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Wall thickness of rim dish: approx. 8 mm.
Light alloy disk wheels are not magnetic.
Light alloy disk wheels can be identified from their BMW parts numbers.

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 disk wheels: always replace damaged light alloy disk wheels.
Notches in light alloy disk wheels can lead to cracking.
Do not lubricate wheel nuts.
When fitting tires, avoid damaging light alloy side wheels, e.g. on sharp-edged retaining claws on fitting machine.