What is the lug nut torque for a BMW?

It depends on the model: BMW 3 Series — 103 ft·lbs (140 N·m); BMW 5 Series — 103 ft·lbs (140 N·m); BMW X3 — 103 ft·lbs (140 N·m); BMW X5 — 103 ft·lbs (140 N·m).

What size socket do BMW lug nuts need?

BMW models on this page use 17 mm. Always use a six-point socket; a twelve-point rounds the flats.

Do all BMW models use the same bolt pattern?

No. BMW models on this page use 5×112. Bolt pattern must match exactly for a wheel to fit.

BMW Lug Nut Torque Specs by Model — 103 ft·lbs

Model	ft·lbs	N·m	Pattern	Thread	Socket
3 Series	103	140	5×112	M14×1.25	17 mm
5 Series	103	140	5×112	M14×1.25	17 mm
X3	103	140	5×112	M14×1.25	17 mm
X5	103	140	5×112	M14×1.25	17 mm

How BMW Wheel Torque Works

BMW uses wheel bolts that thread into the hub, not studs and nuts — so the wheel must be supported while you start them. Current cars use M14×1.25 bolts at 103 ft·lbs (140 N·m) with a 17 mm hex. Older M12×1.5 cars take 89 ft·lbs (120 N·m).

Tightening Any BMW Wheel

Star sequence, always. Never work around the wheel in a circle. Five-lug wheels go 1 → 3 → 5 → 2 → 4; six-lug wheels go 1 → 4 → 2 → 5 → 3 → 6; eight-lug wheels go 1 → 5 → 3 → 7 → 2 → 6 → 4 → 8.

Two passes. Snug everything to about half spec first, then bring each wheel bolt to full torque in the same order.

Dry threads. BMW publishes these figures for clean, dry threads. Lubricant at the same wrench setting produces far more clamp load than intended.

Re-torque after 50–100 miles. This matters most on alloy wheels and after any wheel-off service.

These are reference values for the generations listed on each model page. Trim levels with different wheel packages, and any vehicle fitted with aftermarket wheels, can differ — confirm against your own owner's manual. Full lug nut torque guide →