What's this BMW-item I found in my trunk?

[SopaDo]

Hi, can anyone tell me what is this BMW-item I found in my trunk?

09.jpg 10.jpg

Thanks in advance, regards!

[Mandagon4d]

It goes on top of the spare tire under the carpet, you may have noticed it’s got some threads on the top, it just screws on to the long thread that the tire sits in I believe.


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[Coupenut]

That's the wrench to remove the center cap on your wheels.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...86#36131181948



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[Timm]

Both right - it does both jobs!

[Qsilver7]

Ditto...that is the hub cap wrench for BMW wheel styles that have a specific type of hub cap (like the 16" Style 5 Cross spokes that has slots that accepts the "fingers" of the hub cap wrench). When in use...you insert the fingers of the tool into the slots in the wheel's hubcap...then you take the lug wrench to twist the hub cap off. When not in use...it sits atop the threaded bolt that secures the spare in the trunk.

BTW, the BMW part number is molded into the wrench's design, for items like this...you can just go to one of the online part databases and enter the full 11 digit part number (or the last 7 digits of the part number if you don't have all 11)...and this can reveal where and what an unknown item is.

{here's two hub cap types that use the hub cap wrench you pictured}

[SopaDo]

Great, thanks all (also for the suggestion of using an online database). regards, Sopado

[Zedbimmer]

That's the wrench to remove the center cap on your wheels.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...86#36131181948



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Hahahahahahaha, no effing way, I thought it just holds the floor board straight that goes on top of the spare wheel.

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[Aitch]

Both right - it does both jobs!

It's got 2 jobs man!

[951Dreams]

I just use a screwdriver to get my center caps off.... there's a tool???? LOL Am I NOT supposed to use a screwdriver?

How the heck does the tool work??

[Qsilver7]

I just use a screwdriver to get my center caps off.... there's a tool???? LOL Am I NOT supposed to use a screwdriver?

How the heck does the tool work??

Ditto...that is the hub cap wrench for BMW wheel styles that have a specific type of hub cap (like the 16" Style 5 Cross spokes that has slots that accepts the "fingers" of the hub cap wrench). When in use...you insert the fingers of the tool into the slots in the wheel's hubcap...then you take the lug wrench to twist the hub cap off. When not in use...it sits atop the threaded bolt that secures the spare in the trunk.

{here's two hub cap types that use the hub cap wrench you pictured}

Along with the pics above that shows two of the few types of hub caps that use the hubcap tool...you can see the owners manual instructions (below) how the lug wrench is used to torque the hubcap away from the wheel.

Many users have difficulty using the tool because they press inward while twisting the hub cap off. Since the hub cap is held on with compression instead of being threaded...if you press inward while twisting the hub cap off...it just spins and doesn't come off. On occasion I've had to take the tool from wheel jockeys after telling them not to press inward while twisting the hubcap off...then in less than 3 seconds...turn the hub cap wrench approx 1/4 turn...and the hub cap pops right off. Again, it is NOT threaded so DO NOT push inward or put pressure on it as if you're UNSCREWING the hub cap...you are not. The hub cap releases itself when you turn the tool about a quarter turn in the direction indicated to release it. The tool is NOT needed to reinsert the hubcap...to do that you just light up the little arrow on the hubcap with the corresponding arrow on the wheel and push it inward until it snaps into place:

[kahlilj]

Well dayum! learn something new every time I log on here! Thanks Timm & Q! These guys ALWAYS know what's up

[951Dreams]

Along with the pics above that shows two of the few types of hub caps that use the hubcap tool...you can see the owners manual instructions (below) how the lug wrench is used to torque the hubcap away from the wheel.

Huh, well I'll be.... I skipped the part of the manual about the wheels/jacking. But since I hadn't found that part yet I'd have likely been confused anyway. Good to know. Screwdriver works well anyway I found out. These cars never cease to amaze me.

[shenofjo]

i done mess with the hub cap so many times with the screw driver on my father's 740il.... oh well...

[Grady in Texas]

I noticed that the guy that fixed a nail in the tire had taken it out of the trunk but didn't see him actually use it. I'll have to practice. Good tip!

[Qsilver7]

...just remember, if it isn't popping off within a one quarter turn of the lug wrench...its probably because too much inward pressure (toward the wheel) is being applied and not allowing the hubcap to pop off...