I'm quite sure the lug tightening torque is engineered to be for "after several cycles".

Since dry torque spec on 14-1.5 is about 150 ft·lb, they aren't anywhere near the yield strength. At 100 ft·lb probably 11-12,000 # per bolt or 55-60,000# of preload on the wheel. They will be quite well attached even if half the spec torque is used.

What I read is that the stretch of the bolt and "nut" changes the load on the threads on subsequent tightening. In one study I read, they tightened dry 1/2-13 bolts to clamping force of 5T. And it took like 90,110,120 ft·lb to achieve the clamping force desired.

They didn't do multiple tightening lubricated but I'd be willing to bet there is less change per cycle.

There is nearly zero corrosion on my 19 year old lugs. Also, with the spinning cones I'm sure that affects the change per cycle in a good way.

Lubricated spec on 14-1.5 is 112 ft·lb equivalent of 149 ft·lb dry. So if tighten to 100 lubricated that's closer to 133 dry and 14500*5=72500 pounds of preload. I wouldn't tighten that tight. (it's still reasonably within spec on the bolt so it's not going to damage the threads).

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2011 E70 • N55 (me)
2012 E70 • N63 (wife)