substitute tool

[1933beer]

hello I purchased another bmw a 530i. it has 17" style 5 wheels and I can't find the tool to remove the center caps the owner can't either. I ordered one that won't get here from asia or somewhere for 2 to 3 weeks. with my luck ( getting a flat) is there something any of you have used to get the center piece to turn without messing them up?

another question. I can purchase a set of 18 wheels from a M series for $400. Is that a good deal?
I thing they were on a M3 2002-2004 not sure.

thanks

[demetk]

I've used large channel locks and a towel a couple of times, but you do run the risk of scratching them if the channel locks slip.

[1933beer]

I need a bigger pair. I don't think it helps that the marks are not lined up. but I don't really know if it matters.

[edjack]

Looks like you need item 10, probably available from the dealer. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=DT63-USA-01-2001-E39-BMW-530i&diagId=36_0182

ChannelLocks are a poor choice, unless you don't care about boogering up the hub cap.

M3 wheels won't fit unless you bore them out, and they have the correct offset.

[Qsilver7]

Did you look atop the spare tire's threaded bolt that helps secure it in place? That's where it's supposed to be stored. The little hole in the top is there to fit over the top of the long threaded bolt (see pics below). It is used to support the trunks cargo floor. If you don't have a hub cap tool...then it looks like the 1st pic below:



http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/Spare%20Tire%20Support%20Pad%20for%20trunk%20load% 20floor%20E39.jpg

16" Style 5 (from an e38) with hub cap removal tool atop the spare

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/1/2957/101/7390050103_large.jpg

[geargrinder]

I had a girlfriend once who kept a 'substitute tool' in her bedside table.

I didn't even know there was such a thing - leave it to QS7 to have all the details! Anyway, look for BBS center cap tool on eBay , there's loads of them, including reps of the ones w/ a handle (or the little OE spare tire one too...) which looks easier than putting a wrench on the plastic OE thing...

[JimLev]

I had a girlfriend once who kept a 'substitute tool' in her bedside table.


LOL, wait until Manny sees this post!

[Ed CT]

On my original set of Style 29's, they didn't need much force to apply, so I could actually remove/install the cap by hand using a large rubber pad to get a grip (like a jar opener). Your Style 5's may be similarly easy.

[1933beer]

WoW You guys get up early.
well I did look in the trunk to know it wasn't there but I love the pictures. its strange my spare wheel is a slightly different style than the rest of the wheels. I did order a the right tool but it wont be here for a while.
I noticed that the tools are different sizes some are 80mm and some were 82mm. I would have ordered the one on pelican parts but it was 80mm. my cap is 81.3 across, approximately. I thought getting one off of ebay would be a crap shoot on getting the right size.


edjack
the M rims are currently on a 3 series. (were on he has a second set on the car) So the offset on a 3 series is different than the 5 series? what do you mean bore them out?
My car has the M sport package and I know it has some differences in the suspension. I can see the front brakes look larger.

[BimmerBreaker]

Get a thin-ish piece of wood and cut out a slot as wide as the BBS cap, use that to twist them off

[justinca540i]

Yes, the E39 runs a very low offset. This can be overcome with spacers, for example the offset on the style 5s are E20, whereas those M3 wheels are ET47/26, meaning you'd need to run a 20mm spacer, if not closer to 25mm. And might need a 5mm in rear.

E39s used an odd bore size, 74.1mm as opposed to the typical BMW 72.56mm.