The BMW E39 M5 was only offered in one wheel style, style 65. The detailed specs of this wheel are documented below.

The E39 M5 was unveiled at the Geneva Motor show in 1998 and production started in October of that year. For the first time in a M car a V8 power plant was offered, significantly increasing power of the outgoing E34 M5 allowing for an unrestricted top speed of 186mph. In total, 20,482 units were produced in three different variations. The North American spec model and the European spec model in right hand and left hand drive. Throughout the production run of the E39 M5, no special models were produced.

Make sure to view our base model BMW E39 wheel style reference guideHERE

BMW E4 M5 wheel style specs:

The BMW E34 M5 wheel styles totaled to only 3 different designs over the life of production spanning across all M5 sedan and touring models. The iconic two piece M system style 20 and style 21 wheels extract hot air out of the wheels to aid in cooling the brakes. Only style 37 wheels were offered in the final years of production for models manufactured after May 1994.

✔ Check out our BMW wheel style number guide HERE

The BMW E9X (E90 sedan, E92 coupe and E93 convertible) M3 was offered in a total of four wheel variants over its life. Production ran from May 2007 through October 2013 after being unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow in March 2007. The E92 M3 wheel style variants were also found on the E90 M3 sedan and E93 M3 convertible. Special or limited edition models such as the E92 M3 GTS or E90 M3 CRT have special wheel sizes unique to that vehicle.

➊ Make sure to learn the interior upholstery options found on the E90, E92 and E93 M3 by clicking HERE

➋ Make sure to learn the paint color options found on the E90, E92 and E93 M3 by clicking HERE

➌ Check out our BMW wheel style number guide HERE

➍ Check out our wheel style guide to the E60 sedan base model HERE

BMW E36 M3 wheel style specs:

The BMW E36 M3 wheel styles totaled to four different designs over the life of production spanning across all models. All wheels were 17" diameter but varied in width. The lightest wheels were the Style 24 wheels which were used on the most limited production E36 M3 models such as the LTW and the GT as well as the convertible models since they were the heaviest compared to the coupe and the sedan. Lear the OEM BMW E36 M3 wheel specs and options as they came delivered from the factory below.

✔ Check out our BMW wheel style number guide HERE

✔ Learn the E36 M3 production data numbers: HERE

What is wheel offset?

Offset is the distance from the centerline of the wheel to the mounting face of the hub (the face touching your rotor). Traditionally this measurement quantified in millimeters.

What are the three types of offset found on wheels?

Offset is measured in three types: zero, positive, and negative.

Zero offset indicates the hub mounting surface is directly even with the centerline of the wheel (SEE PICTURE ABOVE).

A positive offset is when the hub mounting surface is located towards the face of the wheel in relation to the centerline (SEE PICTURE ABOVE). A positive offset is the most common offset found on cars today.

Negative offset is when the hub mounting surface is located closer to the inside wheel flange in relation to the centerline of the wheel (SEE PICTURE ABOVE). Negative offset wheels are mostly found on trucks and off-road vehicles where the wheels stick out past the fenders.

How can I find the offset of my wheels?

Most OEM BMW wheels feature a stamped offset marking ET followed by a number. "ET" is a German abbreviation for "Einpresstiefe" or "insertion depth". A number stating the offset in millimeters follows the "ET" stamping. A marking of ET35 has a positive offset of 35mm. See the image below for clarification.

Why is the offset of wheels important to understand?

Offset is of no use to you if you are running the factory wheels originally delivered with your vehicle. Knowing and understanding wheel offset comes into play when you are in the market for new wheels; even if they original wheels from another model. Most people purchase wheels based off of looks and stud pattern but often overlook offset as a key factor in installation fit.

Too low of an offset and your wheels will hit your fenders, too high of an offset and your wheels will hit your inner suspension components. It is important to note that if you are going for a wider wheel but keeping the same offset, you are already moving the wheel face closer to your fender. If changing wheel width you have to consider offset for a proper fit. Consult with a proper technician or do your research on changing offset before buying an expensive set of wheels.

Can I change offset without changing wheels?

Yes. Companies make wheel spacers with varying thicknesses which allow you to change the offset of your wheel quickly and easily. The wheel spacers essentially reduce the distance from the center of the wheel to the hub, thus reducing positive offset. The lower number positive offset you achieve, you space your wheels out towards the fender or sometimes beyond the fender.

If you add spacers to your wheels, the stock bolts will not thread all the way in and your wheels are at risk of loosening and falling off. It is critical to get longer bolts to accommodate the spacer or you can change from the bolt design to a stud design using a stud conversion kit. See the link below at the end of this article to learn about using wheel studs in place of bolts.

How will too much positive offset negatively affect my car?

Too much positive offset (the wheel sits too far in towards the car) can cause damage to inner suspension and brake components from the inside lip. This can lead to poor handling making the car unstable at speed. Sometimes the rubbing will happen on the inner sidewall of the tire causing a rupture of the tire.

How will too much negative offset negatively affect my car?

Too much negative offset (the wheel sits too far outwards from the car) can also contribute to poor handling due to additional stresses on the suspension components. The steering wheel can flick back in hard cornering causing unstable handling and a possible accident.

Why would I want to change the offset of my wheels?

One of the most popular reasons is it allows for a more aggressive look, giving the car a wider stance. Adding as little as a 10mm wheel spacer can substantially change the stance of a car. This look typically does not compliment the vehicle unless the vehicle has been lowered, reducing the wheel gap with the fender.

If you lower your car a substantial amount the vehicle's camber will naturally change on its own. Likely, the front struts will rub against the inside of your wheel with a low positive or negative offset. You need to install wheel spacers to push the wheel outward and provide proper clearance. Make sure you are able to move your steering wheel to full lock without any signs of interference.

Learn about wheel studs vs. wheel bolts, which is better?

✔ Learn more on wheel studs vs. bolts by clicking HERE

image source of wheel offset: lesschwab.com

BMW Style 24 wheels were first introduced in 1994 as an optional wheel for the E36 M3 at a dealer price tag of $1,850.  These wheels came standard on the limited production E36 M3 LTW and E36 M3 GT in 1995 which are the model M3s which made these wheels gain some real recognition.  

Style 24's came only in 17-inch diameter with 7.5 inch wide fronts and 8.5 inch wide rears.  The offset is ET+41 and each front wheel weighs 8.94 kg (19.71 lbs) with the rears weighing 9.48 kg (20.90 lbs) each.  Although an inch difference in width, both the front and rear wheels use the same tire dimensions of 234/40-17. Each wheel produced was individually inspected using X-ray and precision balanced after forging and machining, as a result some wheels show evidence of grinding on the inside get true balance.

The preface E36 M3 (3.0L S50 engine 1994 - 1995) had a slightly different version of wheel than the facelifted E36 M3 (3.2L S52 engine 1996 - 1999).  These wheels are still a popular OEM wheel option for the E36 M3 and as a result, the design is replicated by many companies trying to profit off the look.  

It is worth knowing what to look for in differences if you are in the market for a set.  Let's get into the details of what makes the wheel original from a replica.

Style 24 Dealer Details

The 1994 - 1995 wheel has the "BMW MOTORSPORT" stamp on the outside of the wheel.
The 1995 - 1999 wheel has the "M" badge decal below the center cap.
Only offered with a painted silver finish or polished.
Has BMW stamped on the inside of the spoke.

Manufacturer Stamp Codes

A 3 digit stamp exists on the outside of the wheel next to the valve stem, the 3 digits decode to:
350 : original painted front rim through 1995 stamped "BMW MOTORSPORT"
360 : original painted rear rim through 1995 stamped "BMW MOTORSPORT"

759 : original polished front rim M3 GT only
760 : original polished rear rim M3 GT only

850 : polished front rim with "M badge decal" below center cap
860 : polished rear rim "M badge decal" below center cap

851 : later polished 7.5" rim but I have no info on when or where these were used

BMW Wheel Style 24 Replica Warning Signs

Any replica wheel will obviously not have the official BMW stamp on the back.  The wheels will often be stamped with Italy as the country of origin. In addition, the majority of the replica wheels will only have the "MOTORSPORT" stamped on the front, it will NOT have the full "BMW MOTORSPORT".  If the wheels are replicating the facelifted version many will omit the recessed area for the "M" badged sticker below the center cap.  See below pictures for examples of authentic LTW / GT Style 24 wheel markings.