What are the best wheel locks?

[Ben H]

I need to get wheel locks for my car. What do you guys use? any suggestions. How do the BMW locks with keys work? do they just lock out the bolt part of the existing lug nust so that you can't put a wrench on it?

also, where's the best place to get it? Any places that are cheaper than the dealers with a CCA discount?

Thanks

[Stylin]

I used McGuard locs.. they're alright.. I had a problem with them last time coz a shop tightened my lock too tight and I was unable to get it off.. Stripped everything and ended up having to drill the lock out with a kit McGuard sent me. But if u tighten it to the proper tq. U should be fine. But theres always ways around locks. I still have them in my car at the moment, they serve the purpose so why buy another kind. The BMW locks are cool with the key.. but they're black.

[Zippy M3]

I use the BMW kind with threads. They seem to work well and they are easy to take off unlike some aftermarket ones. Don't get the BMW ones with keys. I heard that they freeze up in cold winters!

[Scott Yu]

I have heard some complaints about them... anyway, I've got them on my car and regular cleaning when I have the wheels off (always gotta fix something, you know) and the occasional burst of Wurth HHS lubricant keeps 'em working just fine.


Originally posted by Zippy M3
I use the BMW kind with threads. They seem to work well and they are easy to take off unlike some aftermarket ones. Don't get the BMW ones with keys. I heard that they freeze up in cold winters!

[jaramill]

I have the BMW Wheel locks that come with the adapter (not the key ones). Don't get the key ones. More expensive and the key could be picked as opposed to an adapter.

Gio

[Ben H]

Thanks for the info guys, I think I'll go with the BMW ones that use adapters, not keys.

[corwyn]

The salesguy at my Bimmer dealer told me that he'd go with the adapter ones. They're cheaper, and the keyed locks freeze (either from ice or buildup of road crud).

Of course, I've also been told that adapter-type wheel locks in general can be overcome by taking a socket of approximately the right size and using a mallet to mash it on.

That reminds me...I have to stop off at the dealer and pick up some locks and touch-up paint one of these days.


Originally posted by Ben H
Thanks for the info guys, I think I'll go with the BMW ones that use adapters, not keys.

[AlexT]

Good decision. I've went through 4 sets with keys before I switched to adapter ones. They are easy to use and don't have to worry about over torq. The key ones are so sensitive, if you put the key in the wrong depth, it's stuck. If someone pull it out wrong, it's stuck. All 4 sets were drilled out. Worse of all, I found out that 2 of my 4 sets have the same key. Now I wonder how many same key ones are out there. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of having them keys. The adapter ones use the same adapter too, but from what I understand from wheel thiefs, if you have more than 1 set of locks on your wheels, they won't bother. I have 2 sets on my M3 and uses 1 adapter.