BMW locking wheelnut adaptor

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jmc330i
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Post Sun Jan 12, 2014 2:59 pm

Just picked up another E30 that has the 'splined' type locking wheel nuts, but there is no adaptor. I've got a few adaptors, but typically none of them fit.

Where would I find the code to get the right adaptor? I think there's some numbers on the nuts (inside the splines), but there's quite a bit of surface rust so can't make it out, but my guess would be they are what I'm looking for??

Cheers
James
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pacerpete
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Post Sun Jan 12, 2014 3:06 pm

Most dealers have a tray of the spline 'keys' IIRC there are approx 50 different types.
The number is on the end of the 'key' I cannot recall ever seeing it on a bolt. The other option is to get medieval with a 12 point socket on the outer surface of them. I have had success using an incorrect spline key and a big hammer BUT if it does not work , it is then too late to head to your dealer :(
jmc330i
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Post Sun Jan 12, 2014 3:20 pm

Thanks Pete. This car won't be going anywhere near the dealer so I won't be able to try some out - it's definitely china bound :D Talking of which, any idea what sort of price an M40 Cat will make at a scrappy?

Looks like I'll be buying some cheap sockets to get these locking bolts off!
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Post Sun Jan 12, 2014 3:37 pm

I've not failed yet on a set of locking wheel nuts with a hammer and chisel. I have damaged a few wheels mind, depends on how the wheel is designed.
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Post Sun Jan 12, 2014 3:43 pm

The cats are the old school ones, and worth a few £££, I got £60 for the last one I had but there is a "Catman" that comes to the yard. Irish accent.

I have a locking wheel nut remover, propper outfit. However it is still fairly medievil, much hammering and swaring is encouraged :D Seriously though its very good you are welcome to borrow.
jmc330i
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Post Sun Jan 12, 2014 4:04 pm

Cheers Byron, I'll be in touch if I can't find something closer :thumb:
Don't want to damage the wheels, they're the only reason I got the car!

That's good news on the cat price... I have a couple M40 cats plus one from a diesel 306.
James
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harry_p
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Post Sun Jan 12, 2014 4:52 pm

Enough room to put the end of a normal wheel bolt in the hole and get a bit of weld on them?

Never failed me, but depends how deep the nuts are in the wheel, and how shrouded they are.
cheers,

harry
jmc330i
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Post Sun Jan 12, 2014 5:05 pm

Welding is an option as long as it doesn't damage the wheels. Ill get my brother to have a look to see if there's enough room.
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assassin
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Post Sun Jan 12, 2014 5:16 pm

jmc330i wrote:Cheers Byron, I'll be in touch if I can't find something closer :thumb:
Don't want to damage the wheels, they're the only reason I got the car!

That's good news on the cat price... I have a couple M40 cats plus one from a diesel 306.

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Brianmoooore
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Post Sun Jan 12, 2014 7:35 pm

This is what I use: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SX200-SEALEY- ... 3a7a535256

Works on wheel bolts that don't have a loose outer sleeve.
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sanitroc1
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Post Sun Jan 12, 2014 7:59 pm

Hi James is this the blue one the same as mine ? . What are the drivers side doors like ? .
Just finished putting a e36 m42 in mine what a p i t a that was but all sorted now .
Re wheel bolts I am ashamed to say I have done the following but it worked .
Take one piece of board ( mdf or whatever ) and drill a hole in it in line with the bolt , get one long bolt that is bigger than the splines , insert bolt through board and line up with splines and tap with hammer to start it going in , take one sledgehammer ( you know what's coming ) and give it one heavy smack and undo bolt . The downside of this is getting the long bolt out of the locking bolt takes ages the first time .

Thanks Steve .
jmc330i
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Post Mon Jan 13, 2014 8:55 am

Thanks everyone, one way or another the wheels won't be on for much longer!

Steve - no, not the blue touring, I've barely looked at it since picking it up. I picked up a 4dr with some clean 15" BBS on which I've already sold hence not wanting to damage them.

I'll have a look at the drivers door on the blue touring for you, I know the rear one is damaged, but can't remember if the front was caught.
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sanitroc1
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Post Mon Jan 13, 2014 6:41 pm

James if the moredoor is china bound what colour is it ? .
Thanks Steve .