Tips for Removing and Fitting E39 B10 Softline Wheel Centres

Toasey · Post by **Toasey** » Sat Apr 22, 2017 3:51 pm

Hi all,
I'm seeking some advice please. I have had my 1999 E39 B10 3.3 Touring for about five months and loving it.

However, I have struggled with removing and fitting the lockable centre caps. The four that I bought it with all had bubbling on them so I've been gradually replacing them. The first two new ones I bought fitted on beautifully compared to the struggles I had with the old ones. But now I am having trouble fitting the third new one.

The centre caps are the ones with the lock on the edge with a metal bar that swivels through ninety degrees when the key is in the lock. With this third one however I can't turn the key enough.

Are there tips that I should follow in order to make it easier? I've learnt to align the two prongs on the inside of centre caps either side of a wheel nut and keep the lock and metal bar away from the valve head.

I've read that lubricating the rubber seal that goes around the circumference of the centre cap helps. What would be the best lubricant for that job?

Failing any good ideas I will buy this tool
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Alpina-wh ... V4RMwZSnBw
which I've read elsewhere on here helps greatly.

Many thanks in advance,
Chris

greenelekta · Post by **greenelekta** » Sat Apr 22, 2017 5:47 pm

Bend the metal tab/bar back a little to give more clearance

Toasey · Post by **Toasey** » Sat Apr 22, 2017 8:21 pm

greenelekta wrote:Bend the metal tab/bar back a little to give more clearance

Yes, that is essentially the problem. There isn't enough clearance. I might try the third centre cap on other wheels to see if it's the centre cap that is the problem or the wheel. If it's the centre cap then some bending may be in order.

greenelekta · Post by **greenelekta** » Sat Apr 22, 2017 11:38 pm

Just bend the Tab to suit

Toasey · Post by **Toasey** » Sat Apr 22, 2017 11:45 pm

Bending the tab worked. I just prised it open a bit wider with a flat ended screwdriver. Interestingly the new centre cap did fit on another wheel without adjustment so it was definitely something about that wheel.

Thanks all.