What bolt pattern is 5x120?

The 5x120 bolt pattern is a common wheel bolt pattern used on various vehicles, particularly European models. This pattern refers to the number and spacing of the bolt holes on a vehicle's wheel hub, which is crucial for ensuring a secure and safe attachment of the wheels.

What is a Bolt Pattern?

A bolt pattern, also known as a lug pattern, is the arrangement and spacing of the bolt holes on a vehicle's wheel hub. This pattern determines the number of bolts and the distance between them, which must match the wheel's bolt holes for a proper fit. The bolt pattern is typically expressed as a number followed by a measurement, such as 5x120, which indicates the number of bolts (5) and the bolt circle diameter (120 millimeters).

Understanding the 5x120 Bolt Pattern

The 5x120 bolt pattern is a common wheel bolt pattern found on many European vehicles, including those manufactured by BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Volkswagen. This pattern features five bolt holes spaced evenly around the wheel hub, with a bolt circle diameter of 120 millimeters (or approximately 4.72 inches).

The 5x120 bolt pattern is designed to provide a secure and stable attachment of the wheels to the vehicle, distributing the weight and forces evenly across the five bolts. This pattern is often used on larger, heavier vehicles, such as sedans, SUVs, and luxury cars, where a more robust wheel attachment is required.

Importance of Matching Bolt Patterns

It is crucial to ensure that the wheels you install on your vehicle have the correct bolt pattern, as mismatched patterns can lead to serious safety issues. Attempting to use wheels with the wrong bolt pattern can result in the wheels not fitting properly, which can cause them to become loose or even detach while driving, potentially leading to a dangerous situation.

To avoid this, it is essential to consult your vehicle's owner's manual or check the manufacturer's specifications to determine the correct bolt pattern for your vehicle. This information can also be found on the vehicle's identification plate or by contacting the manufacturer directly.

Conclusion

The 5x120 bolt pattern is a common wheel bolt pattern found on many European vehicles, designed to provide a secure and stable attachment of the wheels. Ensuring that the wheels you install on your vehicle have the correct bolt pattern is crucial for safety and proper vehicle operation. By understanding the importance of matching bolt patterns, you can help maintain the integrity and performance of your vehicle's wheels and tires.

Can a 5x120 fit a 5x114?

No, a direct fit is not possible because 5x120 and 5x114.3 have different bolt patterns, but you can use adapters or conversion hubs to make them fit. Using adapters is a common solution to mount 5x114.3 wheels onto a 5x120 vehicle, although this requires two sets of lug nuts and may push the wheel further out. Alternatively, a more involved option is to swap the hubs to a 5x114.3 pattern, which can provide a more direct fit without the need for adapters.
 
Using adapters

• This is the most common and straightforward method. 
• Adapters act as a spacer that bolts to your 5x120 hub and provides a 5x114.3 bolt pattern for the wheel to attach to. 
• You will need to use two sets of lug nuts: one set to secure the adapter to your car's hub and another to secure the wheel to the adapter. 
• Using adapters can push the wheels outward, which can be beneficial for a wider stance but may require trimming factory studs depending on the adapter thickness. 
• Ensure the adapter's center bore is compatible with your wheel's center bore. 

Using conversion hubs

• This involves replacing your vehicle's 5x120 hubs with 5x114.3 hubs, which is a more involved modification. 
• This requires ensuring that the new hubs are compatible with your vehicle's other components, such as the knuckle and wheel bearing. 
• Some people choose to redrill their existing hubs, which can also be a solution but is more complex and should be done by a professional, notes this YouTube video and this YouTube video. 

Can I fit 5x120 on 5x112?

No, a 5x112 bolt pattern will not directly fit a 5x120 hub because the bolt circle diameter (PCD) is different. However, you can adapt them to fit using specialized wheel adapters, which are essentially spacers that change the bolt pattern from 5x120 to 5x112, but this can impact vehicle handling and safety.
 
Why they don't fit

• Bolt circle diameter: A 5x112 bolt pattern has a pitch circle diameter (PCD) of 112mm, while a 5x120 pattern has a PCD of 120mm. The bolt holes are simply in different locations. 
• Incorrect fitment: Trying to force a wheel with a different bolt pattern will not work and is unsafe. The wheel will not mount correctly and could lead to a wheel failure. 

Using adapters

• Function: Adapters are thick plates that bolt to your existing 5x120 hub and have a 5x112 bolt pattern on the other side for your wheels. 
• Considerations: Adapters add complexity, cost, and can affect handling. They are often best used for special occasions when you have a desirable set of wheels in the wrong bolt pattern. 
• Safety: It is crucial to use high-quality adapters from a reputable source and ensure they are the correct size and specification for your vehicle. Always have a qualified mechanic install them to ensure proper fitment and safety. 
• Cost: The cost of the adapters themselves can often be as expensive as buying a set of wheels with the correct bolt pattern. 

What is the 5x120 bolt pattern equal to?

A 5x120 bolt pattern is the metric equivalent of a 5x4.72-inch bolt pattern. While very similar, it is slightly different from the 5x120.7mm (5x4.75-inch) pattern, which is common on some vehicles like older Corvettes and Camaros. The difference is small (only 0.7 mm0.7 mm0.7 mm), but can cause issues if not addressed with proper adapters or hub-centric rings. 
Key takeaways

• 5x120 mm is the same as 5x4.72 inches. This is a common bolt pattern for many modern vehicles. 
• It is not the same as 5x4.75 inches, though the two are often confused. The difference is about 0.7 mm0.7 mm0.7 mm (0.028 inches). 
• For a perfect fit, always match the exact bolt pattern. Trying to fit a 5x4.75 wheel onto a 5x120 hub (or vice-versa) can cause pressure on the studs and lead to damage or safety issues. 
• Use proper adapters if needed. If your vehicle has a 5x4.75 bolt pattern and you want to use 5x120 wheels, you can use a wheel adapter. These adapters can help ensure a proper fit and reduce the risk of damage to your vehicle. 
• Always check compatibility before buying. Before purchasing wheels for your vehicle, check its specific bolt pattern and compare it to the wheel's specifications. You can also check the manufacturer's website or consult a professional if you are unsure. 

Is 5x120 the same as 5X4 75?

No, 5×1205 cross 1205×120 is not the same as 5×4.755 cross 4.755×4.75, but they are very close. The metric 5×1205 cross 1205×120 bolt pattern is approximately equal to the SAE (5×4.755 cross 4.755×4.75) bolt pattern, which converts to 120.65120.65120.65 mm. A 5×1205 cross 1205×120 wheel can often be mounted on a 5×4.755 cross 4.755×4.75 hub due to the small difference, but it's not a perfect fit. 
Comparison of the two bolt patterns

• 5×1205 cross 1205×120 (Metric): This is a standard bolt pattern used on many European cars, like BMWs. 
• 5×4.755 cross 4.755×4.75 (SAE): This is the American equivalent, which is equal to 5×120.655 cross 120.655×120.65 mm. 

Important considerations

• Small difference: The difference is only about 0.650.650.65 mm, which is often smaller than the tolerance for the lug holes on a wheel.
• Tight fit: A 5×1205 cross 1205×120 wheel can often fit on a 5×4.755 cross 4.755×4.75 hub without issue, but it will be a tight fit.
• Safety: It is important to ensure that the wheel is properly seated and all lug nuts are tightened securely, especially since there is a small difference between the two measurements.