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      05-12-2011, 01:58 PM   #1
fedinand
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I didn't realize BMW changed the thread pattern on their lug bolts

My quest to get the Volks on has been temporarily stymied by the tire shop's lack of small diameter lug bolts….then my joy of miraculously finding a set that I had used on the 335xi turned to when they informed me that they were the wrong thread pattern and that BMW had changed it!
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      05-12-2011, 02:56 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by fedinand View Post
My quest to get the Volks on has been temporarily stymied by the tire shop's lack of small diameter lug bolts….then my joy of miraculously finding a set that I had used on the 335xi turned to when they informed me that they were the wrong thread pattern and that BMW had changed it!
BMW has been shifting some models to larger and stronger 14 X 1.25m (60deg. straight taper) instead of the older 12 X 1.5m thread pitch.

They started with the Mini and then they changed the following each year:

2007 - all X5s
2008 - all X6's
2009 - all 7 Series
2010 - all 5 Series
2011 - all X3's

It's part of a grand conspiracy to corner the world market on 1.25m pitch lug bolts! Once all the BMW models use 14 X 1.25m bolts, they will then switch to 15 X 1.6m bolts.

Last edited by Lotus7; 05-12-2011 at 03:04 PM..
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      05-12-2011, 03:01 PM   #3
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Thats what I get for not paying attention…

Wheels looked incredible with the tires mounted on them, though…not as small looking as I thought, but we will see once they get on the X3.
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      05-12-2011, 03:04 PM   #4
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BMW Lug Bolts

For more on which BMW models use which lug bolts see these charts:
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      05-12-2011, 03:07 PM   #5
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Thats what I get for not paying attention…

Wheels looked incredible with the tires mounted on them, though…not as small looking as I thought, but we will see once they get on the X3.
Fortunately, they use the same dia. wheel bolt holes and the same (straight) taper, so all you need to change are the bolts. Also if you change wheels yourself, it's a good idea to get a 14 X 1.25 wheel hanger.

The thread I submitted about changing a wheel on an X3 has details on a great source for a stainless steel wheel hanger that will work on a X3.

See:http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showth...hanging+wheels

Last edited by Lotus7; 05-13-2011 at 09:37 AM..
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      05-12-2011, 08:32 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by Lotus7 View Post
Fortunately, they use the same dia. wheel bolt holes and the same (straight) taper, so all you need to change are the bolts. Also if you change wheels yourself, it's a good idea to get a 14 X 1.25 wheel hanger.

The thread I submitted about changing a wheel on an X3 has details on a great source for a stainless steel wheel hanger that will work on a X3.
Great thread on changing wheels! I can't believe I have gone so long (swapping summer and winter wheels/tires) without a wheel hanger - will definitely look into them. Just realized my wheel locks (which actually do have a small diameter head) won't work on the X3 either
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      05-13-2011, 08:56 AM   #7
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I'm afraid to ask this…how about the tpms is it the same as what is on 2007 3 series?
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      05-13-2011, 09:17 AM   #8
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I'm afraid to ask this…how about the tpms is it the same as what is on 2007 3 series?
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.......The 2011 TPMS transmitters use a different radio frequency. They physically look the same but the earlier ones won't be detected on a (F25) X3.

I purchased a set from TireRack (think they were about $45 each) for my winter tires, and they work fine with the 35i.
see: http://blog.tirerack.com/blog/make-d...bmw-car-models

Why BMW changed this is anybody's guess.
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      05-13-2011, 09:44 AM   #9
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lug bolts, wheel locks, tpms…..I thought I was all prepared and the wheels swap was going to be a snap.
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      05-13-2011, 09:53 AM   #10
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lug bolts, wheel locks, tpms…..I thought I was all prepared and the wheels swap was going to be a snap.
The best laid plans of mice and men........
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