Wheels Bolts

[Boxbrownie]

Hi,
Are the wheel bolts for steelies the same as for alloys? seat taper...length etc

I know they are all M12x1.5 but what else?

Thanks mates

Best regards David

[mostwired]

For some alloys you need longer bolts. When I got new alloy rims, I had to order extra set of 20 bolts - the old ones were too short.

[e30fanm3]

i think they have to be different metals

[cbouchez]

you need longer bolts.

[e30fanm3]

not always, some steel wheels use the same length as alloys

[mrkbik]

So the answer is......*drum roll*...........Maybe!!!

[e30fanm3]

the taper is different on the bolts, alloy wheels have an insert that except the taper of the bolts made for alloys, steel wheels dont, if you use bolts made for alloy wheels on steel wheels they will come loose and fall off. I think steel wheel bolts mount flush to the rotot and alloy wheel bolts taper down and have a smaller surface against the rotor

[Boxbrownie]

Originally posted by e30fanm3@Feb 25 2005, 12:11 AM
the taper is different on the bolts, alloy wheels have an insert that except the taper of the bolts made for alloys, steel wheels dont, if you use bolts made for alloy wheels on steel wheels they will come loose and fall off. I think steel wheel bolts mount flush to the rotot and alloy wheel bolts taper down and have a smaller surface against the rotor

[snapback]298635[/snapback]

Hmm you sure? Because the locking wheel bolts sold by BMW I have been told by the dealer are the same for both steelies and alloys!

So I was assuming the only difference between them is the length?

I know my existing bolts on my steels have a taper for sure, and look very much the same angle as the taper on the alloys, I guess I could just try and wait for the wheels to fall off

Best regards David

[e30fanm3]

thats just what i was told by my dad, but wheels may be made different now where they will both work, i dont know for sure, but the length varies from wheel to wheel no matter what metal they are

[Boxbrownie]

Originally posted by e30fanm3@Feb 25 2005, 04:26 PM
thats just what i was told by my dad, but wheels may be made different now where they will both work, i dont know for sure, but the length varies from wheel to wheel no matter what metal they are

[snapback]299131[/snapback]

Right, full investigation carried out here now.......the taper is the same, the length is the same for two sets of alloys I have here (winter & summer) and the steelies.

It would appear that it is the same size of bolt for the steels and alloys I have here, there may be other lengths for other alloy styles but I doubt it, I can't see BMW making the flange face of the wheels any thicker than it need be for style rather than strength. I assume the difference is really more to do with appearance than construction of the bolts. Anyway after all that I will probably use Ford bolts which have exactly the same taper and slightly great depth (2mm) but are high chrome finish. Will decide after the wheels fall off........

Best regards David