36 13 Subsequent installation of wheel-bolt lock

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2003 BMW 540i, 2002 BMW 540i, 2001 BMW 540i, 2000 BMW 540i, and 1999 BMW 540i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Loosen wheel bolts.

Lift car until wheel can be turned.

Loosen wheel bolts enough for it to be easy to move wheel on wheel hub.

Turn wheel so that valve is face down.

Remove upper wheel bolt and insert wheel-bolt lock.

Fig 1: Removing Upper Wheel Bolt And Insert Wheel-Bolt Lock

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Possible play in wheel center and wheel weight could cause imbalance.

This imbalance is reduced to a minimum by installing the somewhat heavier wheel-bolt lock in the top wheel-bolt position.

Tighten wheel bolts crosswise and by hand in this position (wheel-bolt lock at top, valve at bottom).

Lower car and tighten wheel bolts crosswise.

For tightening torque,

refer to WHEEL AND TIRES - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 540i

Should a customer complain about wheel imbalance after installation of wheel-bolt lock, wheels will have to be finish-balanced.

Fig 2: Tightening Wheel Bolts Crosswise

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.