This as accurate as I can find - thanks to Ronnie of bmwforumsinfo If you are aware of any errors or omissions please PM me. BMW wheel bolt torque settings. BMW wheel nut torque settings. BMW recommend torque settings be done with the threads dry but clean, no lubrication/grease. Warning. No responsibility is taken for the accuracy of these settings. 1600 / 2002 = 90NM Bavaria / CS = 90NM 1 series. E81 = 120NM E82 = 120NM E87 = 120NM E88 = 120NM F20 = 140NM F21 = 140NM 3 Series. E21 = 100NM E30 = 120NM E36 = 120NM E36/7 & E36/8 = 120NM E46 = 120NM E90/91/92/93 = 120NM F30/31 = 140NM F34 = 140NM 4 series F35 = 140NM 5 series. E12 = 100NM E28 = 120NM E34 = 120NM E39 = 120NM E60/61 = 120NM F07 = 140NM F10/11 = 140NM F18 = 140NM 6 series. E24 = 100NM E63/64 = 120NM F06 = 140NM F12/13 =140NM 7 series. E23 = 100NM E32 = 120NM E38 = 120NM E65/66 = 140NM F01 = 140NM F02 = 140NM 8 series. E31 = 120NM X1 E84 = 120NM X3 E83 = 140NM F25 = 140NM X5 E53 = 140NM E70 = 140NM X6 E71 = 140NM Z1 E30 = 120NM Z4 E85/86 = 120NM E89 = 120NM Z8 E52 = 120NM Mini R50/52/53 = 120NM R55/56/57/58/59 =140NM Warning. No responsibility is taken for the accuracy of these settings. There are further additions to be added, after the accuracy has been checked. In short, for recent cars. M12 x 1.25 bolts are 120NM. M14 x 1.25 bolts are 140NM.
Thanks Bob. Seems I've been under-torquing some of my cars - even the existing one. Need to get out with that torque wrench tonight.
Just out of interest. Tightening torque for bolts are notoriously unreliable because of the variation of friction values, surface finish of components etc. Nowadays in the offshore industry, flanges on the critical high pressure systems are tightened by applying the required tensile load to each stud-bolt using hydraulic rams. The nuts are then tightened to just finger tight, and the hydraulic rams released. As some of our friends in Aberdeen may know. Probably a bit OTT for wheel bolts on the car though.
