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[Eric S.]

Today was the first time for me removing a wheel/tire from my 540i/6. I was trying to perform the Inspection Service stuff, as well as bleed my brakes. I guess it's been awhile since that rear tire had been taken off the car.

After removing all 5 lug bolts (reminding me of my old Porsche 914 and its similar VW-like wheel bolts), I about got a hernia trying to pull that rim off!! I checked, and re-checked to make sure all 5 lug bolts were out.

Turns out I got a first-hand lesson in the importance of that Oil/Inspection Service Item: "Grease wheel centering hubs"! My wheels were corroded onto the hubs! issed2" class="inlineimg" />

Anyway, after repeatedly kicking one tire edge and then the opposite side of the tire, I managed to wiggle it free. Some 220 grit sandpaper restored smoothness to the mating surfaces. I also skim-coated said surfaces with some molybdenum disulfide grease (which, coincidentally, I had originally purchased back in my 1988-1990 914 days).

This little incident made me pay real close attention to the related Inspection Service item of cleaning (lightly sanding with my 220 grit) the caliper where the brake pad ears travel. One other tire was almost as recalcitrant; I am guessing that the two easier ones are the ones recently removed for state inspection.

So as a relative newbie, I am getting a first-hand appreciation for the necessity of the anal aspects of BMW maintenance. Everytime I change oil (or thereabouts), I am definitely pulling those tires off and re-greasing those hubs!!