If there’s one fixed within the BMW world, it’s that modifications are occurring on a regular basis. Whether or not it’s a brand new coloration, trim degree, engine, or an extra mannequin, Bavaria by no means rests. However right here’s one thing we weren’t essentially anticipating to listen to: sources near Munich have instructed us future fashions might get completely different wheel locking bolts. We’ve been instructed it’s not a change for the sake of change.
BMW goals to discourage wheel thieves by equipping automobiles with a “specifically formed” locking bolt that solely a devoted, automaker-supplied device can take away. Doing so would provide better safety in opposition to wheel theft, at the least till thieves replicate the device and resume their wrongdoings.
It’s unclear which fashions would be the first to characteristic this. Nevertheless, we do know that the following wave of merchandise will arrive subsequent yr. The 3 Collection (G50), i3 (NA0), and X5 (G65) are all due in 2026. BMW may also give the flagship 7 Collection a mid-cycle facelift. In the meantime, the second-gen iX3 debuts this September, however deliveries are unlikely to start out till early subsequent yr.
The present wheel bolt locks can be found from the BMW Authentic Equipment catalog and are available as a four-piece set with a grasp key and a code card. You’ll need to hold the latter in a protected place, as reordering the grasp key requires that code. As proven within the tutorial video above, the present gadgets are available two sizes.
New locking bolts wouldn’t be the primary wheel-related replace we’ve talked about not too long ago. The ultra-rare 3.0 CSL launched center-lock wheels, a characteristic that might later develop into an elective improve for the M2, M3, and M4 by the M Efficiency Components catalog. BMW sells the 19-inch entrance and 20-inch solid wheels in Jet Black at a steep value. Issue within the wheels, hubs, essential instruments, and set up prices, and also you’re spending $20,000.
When the three.0 CSL was launched a couple of years in the past with its flashy gold wheels, BMW said that the 930 Nm of torque utilized in the course of the meeting technique of the middle locks was the very best of any manufacturing automobile within the Group.