Where can I get a wheel installation tool?
 

The tool listed on the main page of X5world is no more. I got an email from Steve D'Gerolamo [[email protected]] yesterday that he had no more sizes for the X5 and would be making no more... :banghead:

(this is the bolt that goes onto the wheel so you can align the wheel properly when installing without massive struggle)

I have about 3 weeks before the snow starts flying, and I have a brand-spanking new winter wheel / tire package ready to install - and this tool would be REALLY handy.

Anyone have any ideas?

I got the one from BMW dealer. I think its called the wheel pin. Your dealer should be able to get it. Don't have the part #.

Found the part # 71-11-1-093-774. I believe there is already a place in trunk for it to fit along with other tools.

http://www.bmw325i.net/images/wheel_pin/IMG_8747.jpg

Is that pin sturdy enough to hold the wheel in place while you screw the lugs in ??? It looks like it'll break in half.

I was looking to get a wheel hanger myself from Ultimate Garage but now that I know they don't make it anymore, I'm looking elsewhere myself. But if this one from the dealer is sturdy enough, i'll swing by and pick one up.

I have used it with my 20" and 18" wheels and no problem. Its part of the BMW tool/car-lifting jack kit. Check item 9 on the RealOEM link below.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...=71&fg=05&hl=9

I don't use a wheel pin at all and have no problem changing my wheels. What I do is place a 1/2 thick rubber mat just barely under the tire after jacking the car up a bit - almost touching. When I put the new wheel on, it's very easy to line up with the bolt holes as the mat holds the tire up for me. Sometimes it takes just a slight adjustment of the floor jack to line it up perfectly, but I believe this way is even easier (faster) than using a wheel pin.

Wheels pins / tire hangers make changing wheels much easier. I used mine last weekend to throw on the snows. Would never change over without one again! :thumbup:

I use the old wheel installation tool available in 1978 when I was born, it's called my leg :)

I thought that part was only for the 3 and 5 series. The X series uses a larger diameter lug, thus that wheel pin won't fit snug in there, would it? Besides, can't you sit the wheel on the hub itself, which helps support the wheel while you align and put in that first bolt? That's what I did and it worked fine. I can see that a wheel hanger or pin is useful if you have spacers, But if you don't have spacers, then it's really not need.

WagnerX5, you must be an old fart!