BMW M3 Tire Sizes
The BMW M3 grew from a square 205/55R15 on the 1988 E30 to today's wide staggered 19- and 20-inch setups. Because an M3 runs different sizes front and rear, getting the fitment right matters more than on most cars. Here's every current size, how it evolved across six generations, and what to know before you shop.
Current BMW M3 tire sizes (2026 model year)
| Trim | Factory tire size |
|---|---|
| Sedan | 275/40R18 (Front) / 285/35R19 (Rear) / 275/35R19 (Front) / 285/30R20 (Rear) |
| Sedan Competition Package | 275/35R19 (Front) / 285/30R20 (Rear) |
| Wagon | 275/40R18 (Front) / 285/35R19 (Rear) / 275/35R19 (Front) / 285/30R20 (Rear) |
| xDrive Sedan Competition Package | 275/35R19 (Front) / 285/30R20 (Rear) |
Tire sizes by generation
- G80 (2021–present) (2021–present)
The current M3 sedan, staggered front and rear: 275/40R18 front with 285/35R19 rear on the base car, and 275/35R19 front with 285/30R20 rear on Competition and xDrive models.
- F80 (2015–2018) (2015–2018)
The first turbocharged M3 — sedan-only this generation, as the coupe became the M4. Staggered 255/40R18 front / 275/40R18 rear, or 255/35R19 / 275/35R19 on the 19-inch package.
- E90 / E92 / E93 (2008–2013) (2008–2013)
The V8 M3 (sedan, coupe, and convertible). Staggered 245/40R18 front / 265/40R18 rear, with an optional 245/35R19 / 265/35R19 19-inch setup.
- E46 (2001–2006) (2001–2006)
Staggered 225/45R18 front / 255/40R18 rear, or 225/40R19 front / 255/35R19 rear on the 19-inch wheels.
- E36 (1995–1999) (1995–1999)
The generation where the M3 went staggered — 225/45R17 front / 245/40R17 rear (early US cars used a square 235/40R17).
- E30 (1987–1991) (1987–1991)
The original M3 ran a square, non-staggered 205/55R15 — the same size on all four corners. Confirm against your door placard.
Upsizing your BMW M3
Unlike trucks and SUVs, an M3 isn't about bigger tires — it's about the right ones. The staggered setup means the front and rear are different sizes and not interchangeable, so you can't rotate front-to-rear and you buy them in matched axle pairs. Many owners keep a second set for track days or winter (BMW publishes approved winter sizes). If you change anything, keep the same overall diameter front and rear to preserve the handling balance and the stability and traction systems' calibration — and look for the BMW star-marked (★) tires engineered specifically for these cars.
Every BMW M3 year & trim
Pick a year and trim for the exact OEM fitment, decoded dimensions, and current prices.
- 2026 — Sedan
- 2026 — Sedan Competition Package
- 2026 — Wagon
- 2026 — xDrive Sedan Competition Package
- 2025 — Sedan
- 2025 — Sedan Competition Package
- 2025 — Wagon
- 2025 — xDrive Sedan Competition Package
- 2024 — Sedan
- 2024 — Sedan Competition Package
- 2024 — Wagon
- 2024 — xDrive Sedan Competition Package
- 2023 — Sedan
- 2023 — Sedan Competition Package
- 2023 — Wagon
- 2023 — xDrive Sedan Competition Package
- 2022 — Sedan
- 2022 — Sedan Competition Package
- 2022 — Sedan xDrive
- 2022 — Wagon
- 2021 — Sedan
- 2021 — Sedan Competition Package
- 2021 — Sedan xDrive
- 2021 — Wagon
- 2018 — Sedan
- 2018 — Sedan Competition Package
- 2018 — Sedan M Carbon Ceramic Brakes
- 2017 — Sedan
- 2017 — Sedan Competition Package
- 2017 — Sedan M Carbon Ceramic Brakes
- 2016 — Sedan M Carbon Ceramic Brakes
- 2016 — Sedan Standard Brakes
- 2015 — Sedan M Carbon Ceramic Brakes
- 2015 — Sedan Standard Brakes
- 2013 — Convertible
- 2013 — Coupe Competition Package
- 2013 — Coupe Standard Model
- 2012 — Convertible
- 2012 — Coupe Competition Package
- 2012 — Coupe Standard Model
- 2011 — Convertible
- 2011 — Coupe Competition Package
- 2011 — Coupe Standard Model
- 2011 — Sedan Competition Package
- 2011 — Sedan Standard Model
- 2010 — Convertible
- 2010 — Coupe
- 2010 — Sedan
- 2009 — Convertible
- 2009 — Coupe
- 2009 — Sedan
- 2008 — Convertible
- 2008 — Coupe
- 2008 — Sedan
- 2006 — Convertible
- 2006 — Coupe
- 2006 — Coupe Competition Package
- 2005 — Convertible
- 2005 — Coupe
- 2005 — Coupe Competition Package
- 2004 — Convertible
- 2004 — Coupe
- 2003 — Convertible
- 2003 — Coupe
- 2002 — Convertible
- 2002 — Coupe
- 2001 — Convertible
- 2001 — Coupe
- 1999 — Convertible
- 1999 — Coupe
- 1998 — Convertible
- 1998 — Coupe
- 1998 — Sedan
- 1997 — Coupe
- 1997 — Sedan
- 1996 — Base Model
- 1995 — Base Model
- 1995 — Lightweight
- 1991 — Base Model
- 1990 — Base Model
- 1989 — Base Model
- 1988 — Base Model
- 1987 — Base Model
Frequently asked questions
What size tires does a BMW M3 use?
On the current G80 M3, the base car uses a staggered 275/40R18 front / 285/35R19 rear, while Competition and xDrive models use 275/35R19 front / 285/30R20 rear. Earlier generations were also staggered (except the original E30, which was square) — see the table above for your exact year.
Are BMW M3 tires staggered (different front and rear)?
Yes — every M3 since the E36 uses a staggered setup with wider rear tires than front. Only the original E30 M3 ran a square, same-size-all-around fitment. On a staggered car you need to order the correct size for each axle.
Can I rotate the tires on a BMW M3?
Not front-to-rear — the front and rear sizes are different. If your tires are non-directional you can swap them left-to-right on the same axle to even out wear; directional tires can't cross sides at all. In practice many M3 owners simply replace in axle pairs.
What are BMW ★ (star-marked) tires?
A star (★) on the sidewall means the tire is approved by BMW for their cars — tuned to match the M3's suspension and electronic stability and traction systems. They're strongly recommended for the intended handling, though not strictly mandatory.
Where's the correct tire size for my exact M3?
The definitive source is the tire information placard on your driver's-side door jamb, or your owner's manual — and note it lists separate front and rear sizes. If your car has aftermarket wheels, the placard still shows the factory staggered fitment.