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[The Database]

Anybody have some suggestions for wheel locks other than the OEM ones. The past owner of my car had them way over torqued and they got stripped pretty badly.

[M3SQRD]

RAD wheel locks are high quality (grade 10.9). Unlike the oem locks, the key slips over the lug bolt (larger diameter splined head so torque is better distributed over greater contact area). They make them in standard (26 mm) and extra long (use with spacers) lengths. WSTO carries them and they cost $39 (just ordered longer ones last week).

[SamS]

If you use the OEM ones, do most dealers have the key(s) to fit when taking off wheels/etc? Sometimes it's a pain to remember to give a service dept the wheel lock key.

[The Database]

Originally Posted by SamS

If you use the OEM ones, do most dealers have the key(s) to fit when taking off wheels/etc? Sometimes it's a pain to remember to give a service dept the wheel lock key.

Just keep your wheel lock key in the trunk and you'll never have a problem with that.

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by SamS

If you use the OEM ones, do most dealers have the key(s) to fit when taking off wheels/etc? Sometimes it's a pain to remember to give a service dept the wheel lock key.

Yes but they are easily stripped especially if you don't remove your wheels often. Why not store the key in the tool tray in the trunk?

[SamS]

Originally Posted by The Database

Just keep your wheel lock key in the trunk and you'll never have a problem with that.

Originally Posted by dbarnes

Yes but they are easily stripped especially if you don't remove your wheels often. Why not store the key in the tool tray in the trunk?

That's what I do with my daily driver. I just forget some times to tell them where the lock is, etc.

I'm open to any suggestion for wheel locks for my M3. I went to the RAD site, but was overwhelmed with the proper choice for the M3.

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by SamS

That's what I do with my daily driver. I just forget some times to tell them where the lock is, etc.

I'm open to any suggestion for wheel locks for my M3. I went to the RAD site, but was overwhelmed with the proper choice for the M3.

Stock e9x M3 size is 12 mm x 1.5 mm, 26 mm length.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by dbarnes

Stock e9x M3 size is 12 mm x 1.5 mm, 26 mm length.

Thank you!

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by SamS

Thank you!

Your welcome

Just go to wheelsto.com (forum vendor) - they stock the RAD locks

[SamS]

Originally Posted by dbarnes

Your welcome

Just go to wheelsto.com (forum vendor) - they stock the RAD locks

Even better.. will do

[The Database]

Thanks, I'm ordering mine tonight.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by dbarnes

Your welcome

Just go to wheelsto.com (forum vendor) - they stock the RAD locks

I never could find the RAD locks on the wheelsto site. But, it looks like they're stocked at jlevistreetwerks.com

I was taking the wheels off my daily yesterday, and started thinking about how hard it's going to be taking off the M3 wheels, and trying to put them back on the lugs without banging up everything. I know places sell the wheel lug installation hanger/guide, which makes sense. Dumb question: what's the easiest way to unscrew one of the OEM lugs without damaging it, so I can screw the guide in?

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by SamS

I never could find the RAD locks on the wheelsto site. But, it looks like they're stocked at jlevistreetwerks.com

I was taking the wheels off my daily yesterday, and started thinking about how hard it's going to be taking off the M3 wheels, and trying to put them back on the lugs without banging up everything. I know places sell the wheel lug installation hanger/guide, which makes sense. Dumb question: what's the easiest way to unscrew one of the OEM lugs without damaging it, so I can screw the guide in?

I wonder if you couldn't find them because they had started the transition to becoming VR? I say that because I had ordered two sets at about the same time. Glad you were able to find them at another site vendor!

I've never had a problem installing wheels on BMWs. I place the wheel on the hub centering ring and then thread the lugs one at a time, in a star pattern, by hand with a socket (you can buy a socket with an outer rubber protector), snug them with a breaker bar and then torque them, again in a star pattern, with a torque wrench. Taking a wheel off I use a cordless impact gun to loosen the lug bolts and I've never damaged a wheel.

However, to answer your question, I'd recommend getting a 17 mm deep reduced-diameter socket with a rubber protector to minimize any potential wheel damage (Groit's Garage has them but you'll have to buy a set).

[SamS]

Originally Posted by dbarnes

I wonder if you couldn't find them because they had started the transition to becoming VR? I say that because I had ordered two sets at about the same time. Glad you were able to find them at another site vendor!

I've never had a problem installing wheels on BMWs. I place the wheel on the hub centering ring and then thread the lugs one at a time, in a star pattern, by hand with a socket (you can buy a socket with an outer rubber protector), snug them with a breaker bar and then torque them, again in a star pattern, with a torque wrench. Taking a wheel off I use a cordless impact gun to loosen the lug bolts and I've never damaged a wheel.

However, to answer your question, I'd recommend getting a 17 mm deep reduced-diameter socket with a rubber protector to minimize any potential wheel damage (Groit's Garage has them but you'll have to buy a set).

Sorry, I may have been unclear. I know how to remove the lug nuts (actually just got some nice coated sockets), it's the actual studs/bolts that I'm not sure how to unscrew. I'd have to unscrew one stud on each wheel to insert this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/330484536738...ht_1376wt_1159

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by SamS

Sorry, I may have been unclear. I know how to remove the lug nuts (actually just got some nice coated sockets), it's the actual studs/bolts that I'm not sure how to unscrew. I'd have to unscrew one stud on each wheel to insert this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/330484536738...ht_1376wt_1159

Sorry about that!

Have you switched to wheel studs or are you still using the OEM lug bolts? Are you trying to replace one wheel stud with the wheel lock lug bolt?

[SamS]

Originally Posted by dbarnes

Sorry about that!

Have you switched to wheel studs or are you still using the OEM lug bolts? Are you trying to replace one wheel stud with the wheel lock lug bolt?

Still using the OEM studs. I just want to find something to assist in lining up the wheel to the studs as I put the wheel back on.

[ThunderMoose]

Originally Posted by SamS

Sorry, I may have been unclear. I know how to remove the lug nuts (actually just got some nice coated sockets), it's the actual studs/bolts that I'm not sure how to unscrew. I'd have to unscrew one stud on each wheel to insert this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/330484536738...ht_1376wt_1159

Sam - if you're still OEM, then you have single piece lug bolts. When you remove, you remove everything. I have a similar hanging pin, and I just hand tighten it.

http://www.rmeuropean.com/Images/pro...E_6BB4EABD.jpg

[SamS]

Originally Posted by ThunderMoose

Sam - if you're still OEM, then you have single piece lug bolts. When you remove, you remove everything. I have a similar hanging pin, and I just hand tighten it.

http://www.rmeuropean.com/Images/pro...E_6BB4EABD.jpg

Ah, OK! Ya, I feel dumb. Never removed the lugs from my M3 before, I thought it was a two piece design, like my other cars.

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by SamS

Ah, OK! Ya, I feel dumb. Never removed the lugs from my M3 before, I thought it was a two piece design, like my other cars.

Yep, just remove one lug bolt and install the stud hand tight.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by dbarnes

Yep, just remove one lug bolt and install the stud hand tight.

Makes sense now. That lug guide is going to be essential!