Wheel stud conversion

jmwilson125 · 09-13-2017, 08:43 AM

Just curious if anyone has done a wheel stud conversion? Are there any benefits other than more easily swapping wheels? There are likely more lug nut optiond. My black ones are starting to look a little beat up.

overcoil · 09-13-2017, 09:09 AM

I'm curious about this also.
I like these bolts: http://www.hrewheels.com/store/acces...lugs-set-of-20

semclane · 09-13-2017, 11:14 AM

I haven't done this yet on my M235i, but did do it on my prior BmW, an E90 330i. They do make it easier to swap the wheel, and also et you use spacers without getting a longer set of lug bolts. The only downside I encountered was that my local Americas' Tire refused to touch the car with the stud conversion after buying new tires from them. I had to take the car home, take the wheels off, and bring them back in my truck before they would mount the new tires. A real PITA and it soured me on doing any more business with them if I can avoid it.

robman23 · 09-13-2017, 04:31 PM

I did it with mine. I highly recommend Apex. I believe the Apex studs are above OEM spec. One issue - most tire guys get freaked out by them (non OEM, stick out differently from the standard, blah blah blah).
Good luck

Estoril6rod · 09-13-2017, 09:47 PM

I can also vouch for the APEX conversion kit, very high quality stuff! I went for a 75mm length with chrome lug nuts, I wanted to create some contrast between the black studs and chrome lugs and it worked out great on a gunmetal colored wheel set. Go for it!

Questofthetune · 09-14-2017, 04:42 PM

Wait isn't this what we have oem

jmwilson125 · 09-15-2017, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Questofthetune

Wait isn't this what we have oem

No we have lug bolts. The stud screws into the bolt holes and then you just get lug nuts. I'd imagine that you use red locktight or something to hold the studs in. The nuts might have a reverse thread too. Sorry I didn't have time to watch the install video, but that is just my guess.

jmwilson125 · 09-15-2017, 06:52 AM

For the guys who did do the conversion, did you put a security lock on like OEM or just go without it?

Anthony235 · 09-15-2017, 04:18 PM

I run Motorsport Hardware with an actual thread pitch conversion. I use them because I run a very low offset, but also the threads are less prone to damage. I think I run the 78mm studs.

Your setup may not need such a long stud or thread conversion.

Anthony235 · 09-15-2017, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmwilson125

For the guys who did do the conversion, did you put a security lock on like OEM or just go without it?

Honestly wheel locks are pretty worthless.

jmwilson125 · 09-17-2017, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthony235

Honestly wheel locks are pretty worthless.

Yeah I figured that once my buddy told me you could hammer a socket on over it and take it off. I didnt believe it was that easy until I googled it and it likely popped up as a Google answer and read it back to me haha.

Our wheel locks be seem to have a spinning ring on the outside as well. Wouldn't this hinder that? Because a socket would just spin if hammered on?

overcoil · 09-17-2017, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmwilson125

Yeah I figured that once my buddy told me you could hammer a socket on over it and take it off. I didnt believe it was that easy until I googled it and it likely popped up as a Google answer and read it back to me haha.

Our wheel locks be seem to have a spinning ring on the outside as well. Wouldn't this hinder that? Because a socket would just spin if hammered on?

hammering a socket over the lock can be noisy and not quite the sneakiest way to steal wheels late at night. I just thought a mediocre thief would have an assortment of mcgard and gorilla keys.

jmwilson125 · 11-27-2017, 05:38 PM

Just put my order in for Apex 75mm studs today.

I lost my wheel key and got pissed off , so I decided to ditch the lock and go with studs. Still need to find a key to get the wheels off in the mean time.

Anthony235 · 11-28-2017, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmwilson125

Just put my order in for Apex 75mm studs today.

I lost my wheel key and got pissed off , so I decided to ditch the lock and go with studs. Still need to find a key to get the wheels off in the mean time.

What style lock is it? Have a pic?

jmwilson125 · 11-28-2017, 12:41 PM

Its is the factory one. It looks like a silver socket. Inside the socket is a wavy lip that fits into the wavy round lug head.

I still have the package it comes in. There was a sticker with a number on it which I tried plugging in. A bunch of sets came up that looked just like it. I'm not sure if that's the generic code for a 4 lug lockset and they key is related to a different number or something

I contacted my Sa and he said the dealship should have that key or a master key. I am just going to bring 4 bolts in and have them pull those 4 off for me I think.

Then I'll swap to studs when I get home. I do dash cam mounted front and rear with marking monitoring. I also live in a pretty safe area

I honestly didn't even think people still stole wheels until I saw 2 or 3 cars up on cinder blocks last year alone. One was in my apartment parking lot surprisingly.

I did not have a pass so I parked close to the curb on the very steep Street next to my apt. I figured with the curb, the grade, and the locks my vehicle was a hard target anyways.

335pilot · 12-05-2017, 06:57 PM

Can't recall the specs. Did this almost 2 years ago.

Switched over from lug bolts the first time a tire company fixed a flat and cross threaded the bolt into the hub on re-install. Had to buy a new hub.

Maynard · 12-06-2017, 07:33 AM

Used to be that these were either required, or considered a necessity on track - IIRC, you needed as much thread showing as the bolt diameter. They make it much easier if you are going to be swapping wheels at the track, but probably cosmetic or overkill on the street. It is essential to either use studs, or get longer bolts if you run spacers. Only seen a car lose a wheel once, but that was enough.

jmwilson125 · 12-06-2017, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maynard

Used to be that these were either required, or considered a necessity on track - IIRC, you needed as much thread showing as the bolt diameter. They make it much easier if you are going to be swapping wheels at the track, but probably cosmetic or overkill on the street. It is essential to either use studs, or get longer bolts if you run spacers. Only seen a car lose a wheel once, but that was enough.

I did it partially for looks, partially for convienience, and partially for strength. I cross threaded one of my lugs.

I re-tapped the hole straight, but I know the threads are slightly damaged. Now I will have higher strength steel holding the wheel on. That studs will also be thread locked in place so the stud will not back out due to damaged threads.

I torqued that bolt to 105 ft/lbs and it has held fine, it has never loosened or backed out either. I just wanted some more peace of mind with higher strength bolts.

Maynard · 12-06-2017, 11:39 AM

So far I've had the dealer changing my tires, but I imagine that it is harder not to cross thread w/ bolts, unless you get one of those 'starter pegs'. Another advantage of the studs is that you can easily get a visual if one of them is working loose

cxp213 · 12-07-2017, 11:33 AM

I love my ARP wheel studs on my track car and I'll be looking to convert my 2er to studs as well.

jmwilson125 · 12-09-2017, 02:37 PM

Did my install last night and swapped winter wheels on. Install went well but took longer than expected. I followed the instructions meticulously.

I'll try to post some pictures later on.

SteveInfante · 12-10-2017, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmwilson125

Did my install last night and swapped winter wheels on. Install went well but took longer than expected. I followed the instructions meticulously.

I'll try to post some pictures later on.

Where did you get them? I was looking at the APEX set.

09-13-2017, 08:43 AM	#1
jmwilson125 Major 341 Rep 1,184 Posts Drives: 2016 M235i Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Somerville, Ma iTrader: (0)	Wheel stud conversion Just curious if anyone has done a wheel stud conversion? Are there any benefits other than more easily swapping wheels? There are likely more lug nut optiond. My black ones are starting to look a little beat up.
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09-13-2017, 09:09 AM	#2
overcoil Major General 3074 Rep 5,577 Posts Drives: M235i 6spd Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (0)	I'm curious about this also. I like these bolts: http://www.hrewheels.com/store/acces...lugs-set-of-20
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09-13-2017, 11:14 AM	#3
semclane Private 33 Rep 71 Posts Drives: 2015 M235i - Dinan Suspension Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Pleasanton, CA iTrader: (0)	I haven't done this yet on my M235i, but did do it on my prior BmW, an E90 330i. They do make it easier to swap the wheel, and also et you use spacers without getting a longer set of lug bolts. The only downside I encountered was that my local Americas' Tire refused to touch the car with the stud conversion after buying new tires from them. I had to take the car home, take the wheels off, and bring them back in my truck before they would mount the new tires. A real PITA and it soured me on doing any more business with them if I can avoid it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-13-2017, 04:31 PM	#4
robman23 Private 34 Rep 73 Posts Drives: M235 Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	I did it with mine. I highly recommend Apex. I believe the Apex studs are above OEM spec. One issue - most tire guys get freaked out by them (non OEM, stick out differently from the standard, blah blah blah). Good luck
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09-13-2017, 09:47 PM	#5
Estoril6rod Second Lieutenant 40 Rep 218 Posts Drives: M235i X-Drive Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: LV iTrader: (1)	I can also vouch for the APEX conversion kit, very high quality stuff! I went for a 75mm length with chrome lug nuts, I wanted to create some contrast between the black studs and chrome lugs and it worked out great on a gunmetal colored wheel set. Go for it!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-14-2017, 04:42 PM	#6
Questofthetune Captain 446 Rep 780 Posts Drives: 13 GT50014 AW M235i(sold) Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: SFL iTrader: (1) Garage List 2014 BMW 235i [0.00]	Wait isn't this what we have oem
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09-15-2017, 06:52 AM	#8
jmwilson125 Major 341 Rep 1,184 Posts Drives: 2016 M235i Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Somerville, Ma iTrader: (0)	For the guys who did do the conversion, did you put a security lock on like OEM or just go without it?
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09-15-2017, 04:18 PM	#9
Anthony235 Lieutenant Colonel 715 Rep 1,541 Posts Drives: m235i Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: OC, Ca iTrader: (2) Garage List 2015 BMW [0.00]	I run Motorsport Hardware with an actual thread pitch conversion. I use them because I run a very low offset, but also the threads are less prone to damage. I think I run the 78mm studs. Your setup may not need such a long stud or thread conversion. __________________ For Sale: SoCal: Sportline 8s 18x8.5 (2) For Sale: OEM wheels and exterior bits
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11-27-2017, 05:38 PM	#13
jmwilson125 Major 341 Rep 1,184 Posts Drives: 2016 M235i Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Somerville, Ma iTrader: (0)	Just put my order in for Apex 75mm studs today. I lost my wheel key and got pissed off , so I decided to ditch the lock and go with studs. Still need to find a key to get the wheels off in the mean time.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-28-2017, 12:41 PM	#15
jmwilson125 Major 341 Rep 1,184 Posts Drives: 2016 M235i Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Somerville, Ma iTrader: (0)	Its is the factory one. It looks like a silver socket. Inside the socket is a wavy lip that fits into the wavy round lug head. I still have the package it comes in. There was a sticker with a number on it which I tried plugging in. A bunch of sets came up that looked just like it. I'm not sure if that's the generic code for a 4 lug lockset and they key is related to a different number or something I contacted my Sa and he said the dealship should have that key or a master key. I am just going to bring 4 bolts in and have them pull those 4 off for me I think. Then I'll swap to studs when I get home. I do dash cam mounted front and rear with marking monitoring. I also live in a pretty safe area I honestly didn't even think people still stole wheels until I saw 2 or 3 cars up on cinder blocks last year alone. One was in my apartment parking lot surprisingly. I did not have a pass so I parked close to the curb on the very steep Street next to my apt. I figured with the curb, the grade, and the locks my vehicle was a hard target anyways.
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12-05-2017, 06:57 PM	#16
335pilot Private 21 Rep 60 Posts Drives: 2015 M235, 2008 335i, 2008 X5 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: tx iTrader: (0)	Can't recall the specs. Did this almost 2 years ago. Switched over from lug bolts the first time a tire company fixed a flat and cross threaded the bolt into the hub on re-install. Had to buy a new hub. Attached Images
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12-06-2017, 07:33 AM	#17
Maynard Colonel 3848 Rep 2,873 Posts Drives: 228iX & M2C Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Upstate NY iTrader: (1)	Used to be that these were either required, or considered a necessity on track - IIRC, you needed as much thread showing as the bolt diameter. They make it much easier if you are going to be swapping wheels at the track, but probably cosmetic or overkill on the street. It is essential to either use studs, or get longer bolts if you run spacers. Only seen a car lose a wheel once, but that was enough.
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12-06-2017, 11:39 AM	#19
Maynard Colonel 3848 Rep 2,873 Posts Drives: 228iX & M2C Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Upstate NY iTrader: (1)	So far I've had the dealer changing my tires, but I imagine that it is harder not to cross thread w/ bolts, unless you get one of those 'starter pegs'. Another advantage of the studs is that you can easily get a visual if one of them is working loose
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12-07-2017, 11:33 AM	#20
cxp213 Lieutenant 313 Rep 525 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: TX iTrader: (0)	I love my ARP wheel studs on my track car and I'll be looking to convert my 2er to studs as well.
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12-09-2017, 02:37 PM	#21
jmwilson125 Major 341 Rep 1,184 Posts Drives: 2016 M235i Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Somerville, Ma iTrader: (0)	Did my install last night and swapped winter wheels on. Install went well but took longer than expected. I followed the instructions meticulously. I'll try to post some pictures later on.
	Appreciate 0 Quote