BMW Wheel Stud & Nut Install

Q: What is the torque spec for BMW wheel NUTS?     
A: Torque wheel nuts to 75ft-lbs, only when the studs/nuts are cold (ambient temp). Never torque when hot.

Q: How do I install wheel studs on my BMW?     
A: Installation may differ from one stud type to another and by manufacturer. Always follow the manufacturer's installation guidelines. BimmerWorld prefers the “double-nut method” and we offer installation jam nuts for this method. All studs should have a bit of threadlocker on the hub end. All studs should be hand-threaded into the hub first, then follow manufacturer's guidelines for final tightening. Bullet-nose studs with an Allen hex at the end should not be used for final tightening or loosening.

Q: What is the torque spec for BMW wheel studs?     
A: Torque spec may differ from one stud type to another and by manufacturer. Always follow the manufacturer's installation guidelines. Using our double-nut method we recommend an install torque of 50-60ft-lbs. Other manufacturers may advise a small initial torque of 15-18ft-lbs but in our minds this could make it too easy to back out when removing lug nuts. Only a select few BMWs came from the factory with wheel studs and the factory torque spec for new studs is 80Nm (59ft-lbs).

Wheel studs and nuts are a different mounting method than the factory wheel bolts and have a different install and torque spec than factory. Do not exceed 75ft-lbs with our wheel nuts on our wheel studs. Most groups, clubs, and sanctioning bodies will recommend 75-85ft-lbs - our recommendation is based on our own products and supersedes their recommendation.

Do clean the threads in your hub before threading studs (pick tool, fresh bolt of the same size and thread, thread chaser, brake cleaner etc).  
Do use threadlocker on the hub threads of your wheel studs if no threadlocker is pre-installed.     
Don't use anti-seize or oil or lubricant on the outer threads. Some of our wheel studs come with a light oil coating to prevent corrosion and is not for lubrication.

Top tip: check your nut or bolt torque using your torque wrench set to a lower value than the recommended spec. This is only to check wheel torque and the lower spec will help ensure you don't accidently over-torque your fastener.

Bolts are not Studs! Or vice-versa! Only follow the correct procedures or torque specs for each.

Q: What is the torque spec for BMW wheel BOLTS?     
A: the official BMW torque specification for M12 bolts is 120Nm (88ft-lbs). This applies to all E30, E36, E46, E9X, and most other models from the 1980s-2000s.     
The official BMW torque specification for M14 bolts is 140Nm (103ft-lbs). This applies to all F3X, F8X, G2X, G8X, and most other models from the 2010s-present day, including X-series SAVs.

Top tip: inattentive mechanics love to install wheel bolts with air tools - the same tool they used to tighten a wheel bearing nut, or the trailer hitch on the last job. Don't accept this as standard procedure! Try to loosen the bolts yourself because if you can't you will be in for a nasty surprise when changing a flat or swapping to winter tires. And remember that any bolt that is over-torqued is now stretched and likely weakened. It's a good idea to completely replace all of your wheel bolts every few years.

Longer wheel bolts for spacers - increase the length of your wheel bolt by the size of your spacer. i.e. if your spacer is 15mm the new wheel bolt must be 15mm longer than your existing wheel bolt. M12 bolts must have approximately 10mm of thread engagement. M14 bolts must have approximately 12mm of thread engagement. The torque spec for wheel spacer bolts is the same as the factory BMW spec for your model (see above paragraph).

Check the Visuals

BimmerWorld Wheel Stud Install video:

Wheel Spacer Install and Test (aka The Paper Test):

BimmerWorld Wheel Stud Instructions:

We offer two basic styles of wheel stud and the install instructions vary slightly. All of our studs feature a bullet nose to align the nut before it engages the threads. Our Race and Premium studs have a larger shoulder near the end and come with threadlocker pre-installed.

Street - click here to view instructions

Premium or Race - click here to view instructions

Disclaimer: all of the above info is based on our own products, developed and/or sold under the BimmerWorld brand name. Much of this info may apply to other brands of studs and nuts but we encourage you to consult and follow the manufacturer's guidelines. All torque specs and values are quoted from established or official sources.

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