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[Rockchops]

Anyone else seen quality issues with McGard wheel locks, or more specifically their keys? I had one key bend on me under quite a bit of torque -- so basically when you try to loosen the bolt it pops out. I got a brand new key today from the dealer (had to special order it) and after putting about 100 ft-lbs on the key, it bent the same way. The first one I could understand since I was putting probably 350-400 lbs of torque on it (thanks, BMW of Alexandria for over tightening...) but since then I had my local dealer break the bolts free and retorque to 100 ft-lbs so that wouldn't happen again. I've had 2 keys do this now, which is pretty pathetic since its pretty much a purpose-built item, or so you'd think. Now I've got 3 snow tires on and one runflat...which is NOT good, I know. Hopefully it'll be one day and only a trip to the dealer, since I can walk to work.

Just sharing my experience, these are the locks that BMW seems to use as OEM. Once I go back to the dealer and have them replace it with a regular ol' wheel bolt these pieces of junk are going straight in the trash. Anyone have recommendations for locking wheel bolts that don't suck? Also FWIW my winter set has narrower lug sockets so the McGards won't fit anyways.

[Ginger_Extract]

I used McGard spline-drive lug nuts on my old Mazda's summer/race setup for many years, with nary a paint chip, let alone any real issues. And they were bolted/unbolted probably hundreds of times, and saw a lot of track/AutoX use...

[gregthegr8]

I believe this is what you're talking about as I had my wheel lock key stripped and mangled pretty badly so it won't grip or take them off at all. I was told by the dealer that it's a known issue and you have to be careful with them and hand tighten/loosen them, at least at first, if not more. Supposedly BMW has since redesigned the wheel locks because of this.

This picture look familiar?

[ronster]

Had that issue before on my previous 135i. My local tire guy used impact wrench and ruined them while swapping tires. Both the lock and the key were stripped ended up had to chisel the lock out. The previous version of wheel lock from BMW (not McGard) was much better.

[Rockchops]

Originally Posted by gregthegr8

I believe this is what you're talking about as I had my wheel lock key stripped and mangled pretty badly so it won't grip or take them off at all. I was told by the dealer that it's a known issue and you have to be careful with them and hand tighten/loosen them, at least at first, if not more. Supposedly BMW has since redesigned the wheel locks because of this.

This picture look familiar?

Yep, looks a lot like mine. I didn't use an impact wrench on the second one though. My "new" key isn't really chewed up at all, just has a nice diagonal bend to the pin or whatever you might call that.

[MightyMouseTech]

Well, 100 lb.ft is too much. Spec is 88.

It is also best to use an impact to remove them. With an impact gun, you get pure rotational movement, and no force down, which can cause it to pop out of the nut and break.

I have a master set for Acuras (we also use McGuard) that I use 5 to six times a day, and have been using it for several years. Impact off, and an impact with a torque stick to put them on. Still good.

[Rockchops]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Well, 100 lb.ft is too much. Spec is 88.

It is also best to use an impact to remove them. With an impact gun, you get pure rotational movement, and no force down, which can cause it to pop out of the nut and break.

I have a master set for Acuras (we also use McGuard) that I use 5 to six times a day, and have been using it for several years. Impact off, and an impact with a torque stick to put them on. Still good.

Ha, try telling that to the BMW dealers who put the damn things on. I agree on the impact, but really, should these things deform under such little force? Thats really the issue here.

[MightyMouseTech]

I find if you try and take them off with hand tools, there is a lot more likelihood of damaging it.

[bmw1racer]

I always thought those wheels locks were rather mediocre... I removed them all and replaced them with standard bolts.

[gregthegr8]

Originally Posted by Rockchops

Ha, try telling that to the BMW dealers who put the damn things on. I agree on the impact, but really, should these things deform under such little force? Thats really the issue here.

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

I find if you try and take them off with hand tools, there is a lot more likelihood of damaging it.

Weird. The dealer told me do NOT use the gun and they must be done by hand to prevent that.

I'm debating just removing them so I don't have this issue again as I'm not sure how many people are having their rims stolen these days.

[bmw1racer]

Originally Posted by gregthegr8

I'm debating just removing them so I don't have this issue again as I'm not sure how many people are having their rims stolen these days.

My thought is that the car would be stolen as well, so if the car is being stripped, those locks would hardly impede the thieves.

[Everfly]

I have the same issue, call them up and they send me 2 keys free. I ended up throwed them away and will never use their products again

[titsataki]

hey folks not to hijack the thread. I got a 2013 135 and the previous owner did not give the dealership(infinity dealer) their wheel lock key. Are those standardized? Can I get the dealer to get the key off a list of keys or is there a master key?

Regards

Nick

[Dafttt]

Originally Posted by titsataki

hey folks not to hijack the thread. I got a 2013 135 and the previous owner did not give the dealership(infinity dealer) their wheel lock key. Are those standardized? Can I get the dealer to get the key off a list of keys or is there a master key?

Regards

Nick

Go to your nearest BMW dealer and pretend that you're 'new to the area' and you lost the lock key. Bring 4 extra bolts and see if they're in a good mood.

I might be wrong, but I think BMW has a few different lock sets. If it's not aftermarket, I'm sure a dealer could at least help you figure out which key you might need.

[titsataki]

Yup my plan of attack as well. I already purchased 4 new bolts as I am getting rid of the wheel locks..

Thank you for the input.

Nick