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Locking nuts

Printed From: Bavarian-Board.co.uk - BMW Owners Discussion Forum
Category: Technical & Model Specific Forums
Forum Name: BMW ///M Power
Forum Discription: Ask your BMW M Power Technical Questions here (M1, M2 hybrids, M3, M5 & M6)
URL: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=20722
Printed Date: 04-May-2024 at 06:59


Topic: Locking nuts
Posted By: ///Mister_G
Subject: Locking nuts
Date Posted: 10-August-2005 at 10:36

I am in need of some advice,

my car is fitted with lock nuts but the key has long been lost (by a previous owner). They look like BMW items, they are black and kind of hex shaped and look like they require a socket type key. Where can i get a key? Are they a generic item?



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Avus E36 M3.0



Replies:
Posted By: IamSpartacus
Date Posted: 10-August-2005 at 10:57

If they are BMW ones your local dealer can sort you out.

Either that or find the local wheel thief... they never seem to have a problem with the BMW locking nuts!!



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The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.


Posted By: ///Mister_G
Date Posted: 10-August-2005 at 11:06

Well, that was kind of the problem. If they are generic then I'm sure at least 3 or the local teenagers will have a key for them.

Not that 17"'s are much to brag about anymore...... but mine are motorsport 10 spokes and I don't want them rolling anywhere without the car attached.



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Avus E36 M3.0


Posted By: M3PSM
Date Posted: 10-August-2005 at 11:31
Had he same problem with my original wheel nuts & BMW wouldn't help.

In the end I bought some cheap sockets from Halfords, smahed off the spinning part of the locking nut, found the socket size that wouldn't quite fit on, then forced it on with a club hammer. Then attached the ratchet & hey presto - no more nasty wheel nuts.

If that doesn't work, what I've had to do in the past is weld a 1/2" extension bar (very carefully) to the locking nut, then attach ratched & off it comes.

Need less to say, if your not 100% comfortable attacking your wheels in this manner, get a mechanic to it for you.

Paul

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Drive it like you stole it!
___________________________
1995 3.0 E36 Coupe
1989 E30 325 Touring
1992 Yamaha TDM 850
www.myallracing.co.uk


Posted By: cecotto147
Date Posted: 10-August-2005 at 11:35

Get a screwdriver - an old one but meaty with it - remove the swivelly key hole silver bit, smack the screwdriver into the keyhole and twist.  Takes 5 minutes, no damage to wheel, lock nut off.

Worrying really how easy they are to remove.

Had to do this with mine when the key was missing at the side of the road with a puncture.  The bmw toolkit screwdriver does the job though wont survive the experience.



Posted By: UweM3
Date Posted: 10-August-2005 at 12:54
Originally posted by cecotto147 cecotto147 wrote:

Had to do this with mine when the key was missing at the side of the road with a puncture.  The bmw toolkit screwdriver does the job though wont survive the experience.



Isn't it quite surprising how we are able to solve problems quickly when desperate ? .

Taken that to the local dealer would have probably burned a big hole in your wallet.

I had to weld a socket to the locknut to get them of with a scaffolding tube attached to it!!! All four

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E61 520d, slow and buzzy but my wallet likes the mpg.....


Posted By: cecotto147
Date Posted: 10-August-2005 at 15:33

It was actually quicer than using the key - none of that faffing about with the the thing spinning around  - is it unlocked or isnt it - twist pull twist pull.  Bloody things!

Dealer wanted a lot of money for a new set to replace the one i had removed!

Theyre still wanting too!!



Posted By: andyclient
Date Posted: 10-August-2005 at 17:16
Originally posted by ///Mister_G ///Mister_G wrote:

 

They look like BMW items, they are black and kind of hex shaped and look like they require a socket type key. Where can i get a key? Are they a generic item?

they sound like BMW ones to me ? got the same on my  E36 and had them on the Hartge.

Haven't put a set on the M3 yet ,Don't reckon anyone would nick standard 15"s would they ?

Try having a word with the dealer , I think one key fits all (as daft as this sounds )

Cheers

Andy



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01 E46 320d Touring
88 E30 M3 Sadly Gone
93 E36 325 TD Gone but still going
87 E30 Hartge 325 (gone but not forgotten)



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