Re-fitting Heavy Wheels

[TonyS]

Just before Christmas I purchased a set of used CO1 19" Classics with Pilot ALPIN winter tyres - and I am very pleased to say that they have been very re-assuring in the bad weather - I count this as a smart buy ( ... but can't wait for the lockdown to end and the fine summer weather to start when I can put the Pilot 4S set back on.)

However, fitting them was quite strenuous for an oldie like me, as holding the heavy wheel/tyre in the right position whilst trying to start the thread of the wheel bolts was unexpectedly challenging to say the least - it took me ages interspersed with cups of tea.

Since then, I considered converting the hubs to studs and using nuts - there are several BMW specific kit variations out there, but I was nervous about overall thread lengths in the hub and the fitting height inside centre cap, and so at over £40 a set was a bit of a gamble.

Instead, I found a simple Wheel fitting Alignment tool on ebay for less than £6 inc. at:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wheel-fittin ... SwL-BdkfYF

I use it when I refit the wheels after a cleaning session - it works brilliantly and is recommended.
I fit it to the uppermost bolt hole in the hub, then I can readily seat the wheel and quickly fit the wheel bolts, after which I remove it ( it has a screw driver slot in the non-threaded end ) and fit the final wheel bolt = job done.

[DocsM3]

Just ordered one thank you!

I'm always changing wheels on the E36 & E46 this will come in very handy!

[JASV8S]

Thank you, also ordered one for the same reasons as yourself, not quite as strong as I used to be.

One thing I did notice before was the Alpina wheels are quite a bit lighter than comparable sized BMW alloys.

[ScooBeeFive]

Thanks for the recommendation! BMWs are a pain not having studs - it can be a struggle with bigger wheels (although it's true the Alpina ones are pretty light for their size). Just ordered a couple, as my Wife's 1 Series is a different fitment.

[churchie386]

I've used these on my previous Porsches. I found using two, with a free hole between 'em, made it even easier.

[AG]

pretty sure my old e30 had a wheel alignment tool like that in the toolkit.

[Hector's Dad]

Thanks - just bought two, what a simple but brilliant idea! (Maybe from another vendor though - I needed M14 not M12)

[Yad3100]

pretty sure my old e30 had a wheel alignment tool like that in the toolkit.

It certainly did, but had a grey plastic end.

Think I have one somewhere, but not frail enough to need it

[JohnW]

The E36 had one too. I keep two with my trolley Jack.

[TonyS]

Goodness me ! - wasn't expecting so much response - I suspect should have arranged a commission fee first !
... but pleased it was of interest to others.

[davettf2]

It was, got me out in the workshop, found a M12 x 1.5 die, a long M12 bolt (A4-80) and made one. An enjoyable Sunday afternoon.

Cheers
Dave

[BarryM]

Think I have one somewhere, but not frail enough to need it

Something to look forward to then....unless cars have been banned by the time you get old

[Yad3100]

Think I have one somewhere, but not frail enough to need it

Something to look forward to then....unless cars have been banned by the time you get old

Yes I know, I’m starting with the health issues early, high blood pressure, failing eye sight, type 2 diabetes. The way things are I might never get to the shrinking stage.

As the Kurgen said “its better to burn out, than fade away”