7
Q.
What is the difference between a staggered and non-staggered tire setup?
A. Model year 1995 M3s came from the factory with a non-staggered setup (all four wheels and tires are the same size), whereas 1996-1999 M3s
were fitted with a staggered setup (see wheel and tire sizes below). Some believe this was BMW's way of reducing oversteer to help American
drivers, but since the change had been implemented worldwide it may not be the case. As you may have guessed, the original non-staggered
setup is more balanced and allows the car to rotate or oversteer with less effort. All M3s can run either setup without any problems.
Q. What are the OEM tire and wheel sizes and weights?
A. See table below:
YEAR OEM TIRE – WHEEL SIZE OFFSET WHEEL WEIGHT
M Round Spoke M Contour M Forged
1995 235/40-17 x 7.5 (all) 41 mm 21.30 lb 22.30 lb 19.50 lb
M Round Spoke II M Contour M Forged
225/45-17 x 7.5 (front) 21.90 lb 22.30 lb 19.70 lb
1996-1999
245/40-17 x 8.5 (rear)
41 mm
22.90 lb 23.40 lb 20.90 lb
From left to right: M Round Spoke II [also referred to as double spoke] (style 22), M Contour (style 23), and M Forged wheels (style 24)
Q. What are the differences between genuine M Forged wheels and replicas?
A. BMW made two versions of the M Forged wheels, an early (for the 1995 M3 Lightweight) silver painted version with 'MOTORSPORT' text and later
(1996+) a polished version with no lettering. The more common 1996+ forged wheels included small pockets for the '///M' logo, something no
replica includes. Also, be mindful that the replicas are not forged, making them significantly weaker and heavier than the genuine wheel.
Q. Will 16 inch diameter wheels fit on my M3?
A. Generally, most (if not all) 16 inch wheels will not fit due to brake caliper clearance issues. Ronal and ATP do make 16 x 7.5 inch wheels that
should fit (verify with your wheel distributor) and may be a worthy option if you intend to drive in the snow. A recommended minus one sizing for
tires is 205/55-16.
Q. What are the recommended stock tire pressures?
A. The information located on the driver side door jamb indicates 33 psi front and 36 psi rear for 1995 M3s and 30 psi front and 35 psi rear for 1996-
1999 M3s. However, a few psi higher in both front and rear will help better protect your rims from potholes with the minor downside of increased
ride harshness. An increase or decrease in front or rear tire pressures may result in altered vehicle dynamics per Tire Rack's informative table
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/racepres.htm. Also note that your vehicle may respond more like the BFG R1 tire example if it has low profile
tires with stiff sidewalls.
Q. What is the recommended torque for the lug bolts?
A. The 17 mm lug bolts require 100 Nm (± 10 Nm) or 73.8 lb ft (± 7.4 lb ft) of torque.
Q. What is the clunking noise coming from the back of my car when going over bumps?
A. The clunk or rattling noise (emanating from either the right or left side, aft of the rear seats) when going over bumps or rough roads is likely
caused by a failed shock mount. Replacement of the mount is the only fix, however JT Designs
http://www.jt-designs.com offers a stronger
urethane mount that should last considerably longer. For additional information, be sure to visit Ron Stygar's page at
http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/suspension/e36_replace_rear_shock_bushings.html.
6
6
.
.
E
E
L
L
E
E
C
C
T
T
R
R
O
O
N
N
I
I
C
C
S
S
Q. Where can I find the radio code if I don't have it?
A. First check your stereo manual to see if the code has been written in it. If not, contact your local BMW dealer. With your radio serial number (for
Harman Kardon units see the volume question below, otherwise, you may need to pull out the radio) and VIN they should be able to look up your
radio code.
Q. Why does my Harman Kardon stereo increase and decrease volume automatically and can I adjust it?
A. The Harman Kardon head units are set to dynamically adjust the volume at certain speeds to compensate for engine, road, and wind noise. The
amount of automatic volume adjustment can be controlled by modifying the head unit's default settings. To do this, start with a unit that is off,
then turn it on and hold the 'm' button (approximately 10 seconds) until the display shows the head unit's serial number. Use the '<' and '>' keys
to navigate through the options and look for "GAL 1-6." Now select the radio buttons '1' through '6' for the desired setting ('1' produces a
negligible volume shift and '6' produces a dramatic volume shift). Note that this also works for the BMW business radio in most M3s.
Q. What is the whirring noise I hear from the center of the dashboard after I turn off my car?
A. The noise is normal and it is the operation of the interior temperature sensor fan.
