Nissan Note E12 bolt pattern: how to choose wheels and tires without errors

Choosing new wheels or tires for Nissan Note E12 and don’t know which bolt pattern is suitable? This model, released in 2006–2013, has unique wheel mounting parameters, which are important to consider when selecting spare parts. An incorrect choice can lead to vibrations, uneven tire wear, or even damage to the hub.

In this guide we will look at original bolt pattern, permissible deviations, compatibility with disks from other models Nissan and give practical advice on selection. We will also answer frequently asked questions from owners, for example, is it possible to install disks with Micra K13 or Juke without modifications.

What is a bolt pattern and why is it important for Nissan Note E12

Bolt pattern (or PCD — Pitch Circle Diameter) is the diameter of the circle on which the holes for the wheel mounting bolts are located. For Nissan Note E12 this parameter is fixed and amounts to 4×100 (4 holes, distance between opposite ones - 100 mm). But this is not the only criterion: also important departure (ET), center hole (DIA) and disk diameter.

If you ignore these parameters, the consequences can be serious:

• 🔧 Vibration at speed - even with a slight mismatch of the PCD, the wheel will “beat”.
• 🚗 Accelerated bearing wear — incorrect reach displaces the load axis.
• 💥 Unscrewing the bolts - if the holes do not match, the fastening weakens.

On Note E12 wheels were installed from the factory 15×5.5J or 16×6J with departure ET40–45. But many owners strive to install wider or larger wheels - this is where the problems begin.

Original bolt pattern and rim parameters for Note E12

Factory specifications of wheels for Nissan Note E12 (2006–2013) are shown in the table below. This data is relevant for all modifications, including versions with engines 1.4 And 1.6:

Parameter	Meaning	Note
Bolt Pattern (PCD)	4×100	Same as Micra K12/K13, Juke (until 2014)
Center Hole (DIA)	66.1 mm	Can use discs with DIA 66.6 mm (for Renault)
Departure (ET)	ET40–45	Acceptable deviation is ±5 mm without modifications
Bolt thread	M12×1.25	Bolt length - 28–30 mm
Disc width	5.5J–6.5J	For 15" and 16" drives

Important: central hole must be on disk no less 66.1 mm. If it is larger (for example, 66.6 mm), you will need centering rings (hubs). Without them, the wheel will be mounted off-center, which will lead to imbalance.

⚠️ Attention: Mounting bolts on Note E12 have conical fit (60° cone). Do not use flat or ball head bolts - they will not provide a secure fit.

Compatible with wheels from other Nissan models

Many owners Note E12 trying to save money by buying used wheels from other models Nissan. But not all of them are suitable. Below is a list of compatible and incompatible options:

• ✅ Suitable without modification:
• 🚗 Nissan Micra K12/K13 (2002–2017) - PCD 4x100, DIA 66.1 mm.
• 🚗 Nissan Juke F15 (before 2014) - PCD 4x100, but check offset (ET40–48).
• 🚗 Renault Clio III/IV — PCD 4×100, DIA 66.6 mm (hubs needed).
• ❌ Not suitable:
• 🚫 Nissan Qashqai J10/J11 — PCD 5×114.3.
• 🚫 Nissan X-Trail T31/T32 — PCD 5×114.3.
• 🚫 Nissan Almera N16/G15 — PCD 4×114.3.

If you find discs from Micra or Juke, be sure to check:

1. Departure (ET) — a deviation of more than ±5 mm will require hub boring.
2. Disc width — if it exceeds 6.5J, it may touch the arch.
3. Diameter — 17" wheels can be installed, but only with low-profile tires (for example, 205/45 R17).

What happens if you install disks with PCD 4x114.3?

This type of bolt pattern is incompatible with Note E12 — the bolts simply won’t screw in. If you drill out the holes, the wheel will only be attached to 2-3 bolts out of 4, which is extremely dangerous. Vibration at speeds over 60 km/h is guaranteed, and during sharp braking the disc can break off.

How to choose tires for Nissan Note E12: sizes and restrictions

Factory tire sizes for Note E12 depend on the configuration:

• 🔄 175/65 R15 - basic version.
• 🔄 185/55 R16 — top modifications (for example, Tekna).
• 🔄 195/50 R16 — optional for tuned versions.

When choosing alternative sizes, consider:

1. Diameter - must match the original within ±3%. For example, for 175/65 R15 will do 185/60 R15 (difference in diameter - 1.5%).
2. Width — no more than 205 mm for 15" and 16" disks. Wider tires will require the arches to be rolled out.
3. Profile — for 17" drives minimum profile 45 (For example, 205/45 R17).

Popular non-original sizes that owners use:

Tire size	Disk	Change in clearance	Note
185/60 R15	6J ET40	+5 mm	Improves comfort, but slightly raises the speedometer
195/50 R16	6.5J ET42	-2 mm	Sports version, stiffer than the original
205/45 R17	7J ET40	-5 mm	Requires low-profile tires, possible problems with arches

⚠️ Attention: When installing tires with a diameter larger than the original by 3% or more Speedometer readings will be low. For example, with size 195/60 R15 the actual speed of 100 km/h will be displayed as 95 km/h.

Wheel tuning: what can be changed without harm to the car

Many owners Note E12 want to give the car a more aggressive look by installing large wheels and low-profile tires. But there are limitations here:

• 🔧 Maximum disc diameter - 17 inches. 18" can theoretically be installed, but you will need:
• Rolling out the front and rear arches.
• Replacing shock absorbers with shortened ones (for example, from Micra K13).
• Using profile tires 40 and less.
• 🔧 Minimum reach — ET35. At ET30–35, it is possible that the caliper may hit (check on a lift!).
• 🔧 Disc width — up to 7J for 16" and 17". Wider wheels will require the installation of arch extensions.

An example of successful tuning:

• 🚗Disks: 17×7J ET40 (For example, Enkei PF05).
• 🚗 Tires: 205/45 R17 (For example, Michelin Pilot Sport 4).
• 🚗 Additionally: 15 mm spacers (if you need a wider wheel footprint).

But remember: Lowering the tire profile reduces comfort and increases the risk of damage to discs in pits. Optimal balance for Note E12 - disks 16×6.5J with tires 195/50 R16.

Common mistakes when choosing wheels and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when choosing wheels for Note E12. Here are the most common mistakes:

1. Ignore Center Hole (DIA). If the disk has a DIA of 57.1 mm (like VW), it cannot be adapted to Nissan even with hubs, boring will be required.
2. Buying the wrong type of bolts. Flat head bolts (eg from Toyota) will not provide reliable fastening - only conical (60°) are needed.
3. Unaccounted axle load. Disks with a low load index (for example, for Kei-car) may crack on Note E12, especially when fully loaded.
4. Neglect of balancing. Even original wheels need to be balanced after a seasonal tire change - imbalance at speeds of 120+ km/h leads to steering wheel vibration.

How to avoid problems?

⚠️ Attention: If you buy used wheels, be sure to check them for radial and axial runout. Maximum permissible runout for Note E12 - 0.5 mm. Exceeding this value will result in vibration at speeds above 80 km/h.

Where to buy wheels and tires for Nissan Note E12: proven options

When choosing a place of purchase, focus on:

• 🛒 Official dealers Nissan — original wheels (items: 40501-4M000 for 15", 40501-4M010 for 16"), but the price is high.
• 🛒 Specialty stores (For example, K&K, Replica) - high-quality replicas at a price 30-40% lower than the original.
• 🛒 Marketplace (Avito, Drom) - used wheels from Micra or Juke, but requires careful verification.
• 🛒 Foreign sites (For example, TireRack, MyTyres) - a wide range, but delivery is required and there may be problems with the warranty.

Buying Tips:

• 🔍 Check it out country of origin. Wheels from China (brands Lenso, Neo>) often have poor casting quality.
• 🔍 Ask certificate of conformity. In Russia, discs must be marked EAC or DOT.
• 🔍 For tires, choose proven brands: Michelin, Continental, Goodyear (for winter - Nokian Hakkapeliitta).

Example of a budget kit for Note E12:

• 🚗Disks: Replica R15 (15×6J ET40) — ~15,000 rub. for 4 pcs.
• 🚗 Tires: Kama Euro-520 (175/65 R15) — ~12,000 rub. per set.

💡

When purchasing used wheels, be sure to check them for cracks (especially near the bolt holes) and traces of “welding.” Damaged discs can fly apart while driving!

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about the Nissan Note E12 bolt pattern

Is it possible to install 5x114.3 disks using adapters?

Technically yes, but this highly not recommended. Adapters increase the offset, shift the center of gravity of the wheel and create additional load on the wheel bearing. In addition, the traffic police may have questions when passing a technical inspection.

What bolts are needed for discs with hubs?

For Note E12 Bolts with article number fit 40520-4M000 (M12×1.25, length 28–30 mm, cone 60°). If you use hubs (for example, with DIA 66.6 mm), the bolts remain the same - the hubs do not affect the threads.

What should I do if vibration appears after replacing the disks?

The reasons may be as follows:

1. PCD misalignment (even 1 mm causes vibration).
2. Lack of centering rings (if disk DIA is greater than 66.1 mm).
3. Wheel imbalance (needs re-balancing).
4. Damaged disc (cracks, deformation).

Solution: check all parameters at a service station using laser wheel alignment stand.

Which tires are best for winter on the Note E12?

Optimal options:

• 🔹 Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 (175/65 R15) - soft tires, good grip on ice.
• 🔹 Michelin X-Ice North 4 (185/55 R16) - durability + low noise.
• 🔹 Continental IceContact 3 - a budget option with good reviews.

Avoid studded tires wider than 185mm as they reduce handling on snow.

Is it possible to install 18-inch rims on the Note E12?

Theoretically yes, but serious modifications will be required:

• Rolling out the arches (front and rear).
• Shortened springs/shock absorbers (e.g. from Micra K13).
• Tires with profile 35–40 (For example, 215/35 R18).

However this inappropriate - the car will become rigid, fuel consumption will increase, and the suspension life will be reduced.