Do I Need a Torque Wrench?

[jstiebe]

I have a 2003 325i with sport package. I sometimes take off the wheels and clean the inside to get all the brake dust cleaned off. Do I need a torque wrench when I put the wheels back on? I heard I should with aluminum wheels. What if I don't use one? What could happen?

 

[Big Daddy]

Yes you need a torque wrench. BMW's are very sensitive to torque partly due to them being hub-centric and aluminum. I failed once to torque the lug bolts on my e30 and darn near lost a wheel. Believe me they were tight when the wheel was re-installed, but worked loose due to not being torqued.

 

[BMW-FW26]

Not only that but if you have different torque per nut, the wheel is not going to expand evenly when it is heated up during braking. This WILL cause your rotors to warp. I was always told to torque to 90 pounds. It will take a lot more to crack a rim. 1/2" drive Craftsman one should be fine. If you want to get real fancy Snap-on makes torque specific extensions for an impact gun that will stop turning at the rated torque for the extension once it is reached.

 

[MrElussive]

I think it is definitely a good idea. I purchaed the shitty $30 one from Tire Rack. Granted it's cheap and shitty compared to the others, the construction of the tool is fine and it works fine, and for $30 (plus shipping), why not?

 

[epj3]

I think it is definitely a good idea. I purchaed the shitty $30 one from Tire Rack. Granted it's cheap and shitty compared to the others, the construction of the tool is fine and it works fine, and for $30 (plus shipping), why not?

Yup thats a good one to use for simple things, but don't try torquing head bolts using it

 

[GodfatherBMW]

Try Good and tight.

 

[Krafty04]

Never used one for wheels, just need to check the lugs once a month for normal driving habits. Might not be a bad idea.

Most important though......

You guys (and gals) make sure your checking the calibration on a torque wrench if your using one (at least once a year) and buy a cheap, hard case for it. Oh, and make sure you break it three times prior to use... make it "click" to lube the internal bearing prior to use (for deadly accuracy.)

Disreguard if your using the caveman dial/pointer type.

peace,
krafty

 

[BMW-FW26]

Try Good and tight.

Good thing you don't race cars.

"How do these cylinder stud's feel?"
"Good and tight"

 

[jrt67ss350]

Disreguard if your using the caveman dial/pointer type.

That's great! My dad has an old Craftsman dial/pointer wrench, so that's the one I always use.

 

[rjp325i]

The 90# mentioned earlier is OK but the actual wheel torque spec obtained from BMW is 88.5 lbs/ft. I have torque wrenches (click type) from both Craftsman (Sears) and Husky (Home Depot) and found both to be very good and very similar. Just remember not to leave the torque setting dialed in when storing.

 

[Layton]

My manual says 73.75 lb•ft/100 NM, but I've seen 88.5, 80-100 and now 90 on this forum. So which is it? Does it change from model to model or from year to year? Mine is a 2002 325I with sports package (17 rims) What about the steel winter rims I just put on?

I'm getting the impression that as long as the lug bolts are within a certain range (80-100) and equally torqued the exact number isn't important...

Mike

 

[Big Daddy]

BMW recently raised the torque specs to 90. I had always known it to be 88.

 

[rjp325i]

The specs have been updated time and again. When I bought my first BMW, a new E30 back in 1985 it was 75 lbs/ft. The 88.5 lbs/ft I obtained early this year from BMW and Mike Miller from Bimmer and Roundel magazine. Apparently it was updated again according to Big Daddy. Whichever, make sure they are torqued equally.

BMW CCA member 55052

 

[Krafty04]

Great point RJP! Turn the setting down to zero when in storage.

Man, Quality Assurance would have burnt my house down on that one!

JK