The Exact Bolt Pattern Of A BMW Z4

We’ve written extensively about the BMW Z4 and numerous questions you can have about this car. Today, we will talk about the information you need to have to select the correct new tires or rims for your BMW. Specifically, we’ll take a look at the bolt pattern for each generation. Let’s start with a quick answer:

BMW Z4 manufactured from 2020 onwards, have a bolt pattern of 5×4.40 inches (5x112mm), a center bore of 2.62 inches (66.6mm), and five lug bolts with a thread size of M14 x 1.25 that need to be tightened with 103 lb-ft (140Nm) of force.

BMW Z4 manufactured between 2003 – 2017, have a bolt pattern of 5×4.72 inches (5x120mm), a center bore of 2.86 inches (72.6mm), and five lug bolts with a thread size of M12 x 1.5 that need to be tightened with 85 lb-ft (115Nm) of force.

However, that certainly doesn’t tell the whole story. Below we’ve outlined the bolt pattern in more detail for each generation. We also discuss what lugs/bolts are used precisely, the exact diameter of the center bore hub, and the torque specifications of the bolts. Finally, we also have information about each engine type’s exact tire size and rim size. You should know precisely what you can and cannot buy this way. Read on!

Also, read our main article in which we outline the bolt pattern for all BMW models.

Wheel Fitment Specifications Per Generation

To fit a wheel properly on your BMW Z4, you’ll need to know more aspects than just the bolt pattern. Below we’ve outlined all the factors you should be aware of for each generation of the BMW Z4. These include: center bore diameter, wheel tightening torque, whether lug nuts or bolts are used, and the thread size of the bolts.

We also want to clarify that the below-listed specifications are the same for all models within that generation. The Z4, of course, comes in different trim levels and engine options. However, these bolt patterns, lugs used, and torque specifications do not change for other models within a generation.

Furthermore, we also listed the exact tire and rim size used with each engine option to give you a precise idea of what tires you can and cannot buy.

2018-2022

BMW Z4 with an M40i engine have the following specifications:

• Tire size: 255/40ZR18
• Rim size: 9Jx18 ET32

BMW Z4 with a sDrive20i engine have the following specifications:

• Tire size: 225/50ZR17 or 225/50R17 
• Rim size: 7.5Jx17 ET24 or 7.5Jx17 ET24

BMW Z4 with a sDrive30i engine have the following specifications:

• Tire size: 225/50ZR17, 225/50R17 or 255/35ZR19
• Rim size: 7.5Jx17 ET24, 7.5Jx17 ET24 or 9Jx19 ET32

2017 

BMW Z4 with a sDrive20i engine have the following specifications:

• Tire size: 225/45ZR17
• Rim size: 8Jx17 ET29

2014-2016

BMW Z4 with a sDrive28i engine have the following specifications:

• Tire size: 225/45ZR17
• Rim size: 8Jx17 ET29

BMW Z4 with a sDrive35i engine have the following specifications:

• Tire size: 225/45ZR17 or 225/40ZR18
• Rim size: 8Jx17 ET29 or 8Jx18 ET29

BMW Z4 with a sDrive35is engine have the following specifications:

• Tire size: 225/40ZR18
• Rim size: 8Jx18 ET29 

2009-2013

BMW Z4 with a sDrive30i engine have the following specifications:

• Tire size: 225/45ZR17
• Rim size: 8Jx17 ET29

BMW Z4 with a sDrive35i engine have the following specifications:

• Tire size: 225/45ZR17 or 225/40ZR18
• Rim size: 8Jx17 ET29 or 8Jx18 ET29

2006-2008

BMW Z4 with a 3.0i or 3.0si engine have the following specifications:

• Tire size: 225/45ZR17
• Rim size: 8Jx17 ET46

2003-2005

BMW Z4 with a 2.5i engine have the following specifications:

• Tire size: 225/50R16
• Rim size: 7Jx16 ET47

BMW Z4 with a 3.0i engine have the following specifications:

• Tire size: 225/45ZR17
• Rim size: 8Jx17 ET47

Retightening The Bolts

As said before, most generations of the BMW Z4 that we discussed have five lug nuts. These need to be secured in a specific way when you mount the wheel to the car again. This information is stated in the owner’s manual, but we’ve gone through the effort of instructing you here. BMW advises you to bolt these nuts in the way that’s shown below. You have to follow a crisscross pattern.

You do this by tightening all the nuts with a wheel wrench first. Please make sure only to tighten them halfway; otherwise, you’ll run into problems.

In the second round, you tighten them with the wheel wrench to the appropriate lbs-ft or Nm that we’ve stated earlier. Please note that the newest generation of the BMW Z4 needs to have the bolts tightened to 85 lb-ft.

It’s expected that your wheel also have a center cap or cover. These need to be secured in the same pattern. Please tighten them first-hand snug with your hands. Then, use the wheel wrench to tighten them another one-quarter turn.

It’s also important to check if the lug nuts are still secured after 30 miles (48 kilometers). Please make sure they are all in place and still tightened with the proper force. If not, tighten them again and recheck. If this keeps happening, you’ll need to replace the wheel.

When Or Why To Rotate/Change Tires

Suppose you’re changing your tire. You also need to know when to change or rotate it precisely. Let’s first talk about changing your tires. Tires usually last around 60,000 – 75,000 miles or 4-5 years. After this period they need to be replaced. Sometimes this happens earlier, and therefore, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the tread wear indicators. These are shown in the image below. These indicators show when the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in) or less tread remaining.

Another occasion when you’ll need to take off your tires is when you’re rotating them. In the owner’s manual of the Z4, it’s said that this needs to happen every 5,000 – 7,500 miles (8,000 – 12,000 kilometers) for FWD or RWD vehicles. It’s advised you rotate the tires in the exact way that’s shown below. The front tires are moved to the back, and the front tires move crisscross to the front.

Sources

• https://www.wheel-size.com/size/bmw/z4/
• https://ownersmanuals2.com/bmw-auto/z4-2020-owners-manual-82501