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[canderson]

I was researching wheel locks for my new BBS wheels and was shocked to find several youtube videos that show how easy it was to hammer a socket over a wheel lock and remove it. I am considering these locks

Any other recommendations? How many people have experienced wheel theft?

[Spoolin335]

I have the BMW ones. If someone really wants your rims, nothing will stop them.
Wheel locks will not prevent the pros from taking your rims, but keep the amateurs from getting them.
I always park in my garage to protect my rims.

[fdriller9]

Those look awesome...wish I could get them shipped to the US.

[Philz BMW]

seriously...where do you live where people will steal your wheels? If anything, it seems like it would be easier to just steal the entire car.

Wheel locks (like someone else mentioned) just keep honest people honest. If someone really wants your sh*t, they will take it regardless of what preventative measures you have in place.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by canderson

I was researching wheel locks for my new BBS wheels and was shocked to find several youtube videos that show how easy it was to hammer a socket over a wheel lock and remove it. I am considering these locks

Any other recommendations? How many people have experienced wheel theft?

Thanks for finding and posting this link. My wheel lock key is worn out a bit since it has seen a lot of use in the past 4 months. I had 2 rear cracked wheels on my July/August US trip and 2 different tire shops plus myself last week used the key.

Last week during removal of my summer wheels I could not for the life of me remove the locks on one side of the car. So I ended up driving to BMW so they could unlock the locks for me with the impact wrench. As it turned out the issue was that they had been put on too tight i.e. well above the required torque limit of 88 to 90 FT/LBS.

I like the fact that the set you posted has added security plus it is made from high strength steel. My key looks like it had it so I will be ordering a new set and when I do I order it with a spare key right away.

Thanks again for posting the link.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by Philz BMW

seriously...where do you live where people will steal your wheels? If anything, it seems like it would be easier to just steal the entire car.

Wheel locks (like someone else mentioned) just keep honest people honest. If someone really wants your sh*t, they will take it regardless of what preventative measures you have in place.

Sorry I do not agree with you. I have seen cars on blocks with all four wheels gone in Toronto and Vancouver. It is piece of mind you know when one travels. Obviously we don't have a secure garage when on the road or vacation trips. Just my 2 cents.

[fdriller9]

Originally Posted by Philz BMW

seriously...where do you live where people will steal your wheels? If anything, it seems like it would be easier to just steal the entire car.

Wheel locks (like someone else mentioned) just keep honest people honest. If someone really wants your sh*t, they will take it regardless of what preventative measures you have in place.

Are you kidding me? I live in one of the wealthiest parts of north jersey and my neighbors house was broken into and he was shot...luckily he recovered.

Crime can happen anytime, anywhere. If you don't want to take a simple step to help make it more difficult for a theif to steal your wheels, that's your call. Just don't make a thread ranting about getting your wheels stolen.

[canderson]

Originally Posted by *********

Those look awesome...wish I could get them shipped to the US.

They will ship to the US or Canada. I am not affiliated with them in any way - I just found their web site and liked the look of the product.

[AlanAZ]

I have these (McGard SL Ultra Wheel Lock Bolts) on my car. Bought them Paypal from a company in the UK for a lot less than $135, they're not sold in the US.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by canderson

They will ship to the US or Canada. I am not affiliated with them in any way - I just found their web site and liked the look of the product.

Shipping cost can range from $22- to $44- to Canada (I assume similar to the USA).

I will get myself a set next time I am in Germany.

PS. Looks like they ship all over the world, after all this is the 21st Century

[canderson]

Originally Posted by AlanAZ

I have these (McGard SL Ultra Wheel Lock Bolts) on my car. Bought them Paypal from a company in the UK for a lot less than $135, they're not sold in the US.

I couldn't find them on ebay but I found them for 32.99 GBP + 3.99 shipping + 8.50 extra shipping outside Europe = 45.49 GBP here. About CDN$74 or US$72. I just ordered a set. I'll let you know when they arrive.

I think the correct standard length part number is 27179SL. Threads are M12x1.5.

[AlanAZ]

I couldn't find them on ebay but I found them for 32.99 GBP + 3.99 shipping + 8.50 extra shipping outside Europe = 45.49 GBP here. About CDN$74 or US$72. I just ordered a set. I'll let you know when they arrive.

I think the correct standard length part number is 27179SL. Threads are M12x1.5.

I didn't buy mine thru ebay, but direct from a UK co. I think I paid US$85. And that's the part number on mine 27179SL .

[Tallest]

just have insurance. if they wanna take it, it's about 1-2 min job if you haev even 2 locks per wheel. Prepare to pay deductable sum or % of insured amount ( i guess rims fall into extra equipment category where you will a %).

btw, mcgard is probably better choice htan OEM, pretty sure most pro thieves have all OEM keys anyway.

[Xaero]

I think wheel locks will not help at all if someone really wants your wheels and they know what they are doing. I wrecked my car a few years ago and lost my wheel lock key. I wanted to get my expensive wheels off my car before it went to the junkyard, and it didn’t take much work.

I went to sears and purchased a set of “Bolt Out” damaged/stripped bolt removers. These took off my lug nuts and locks without any issue. Keep in mind I am an amateur when it comes to stealing wheels, so I can’t imagine the tools and ideas pro-level thieves have at their disposal.

Just be smart with your car. I always garage mine, and at work there is gated parking. I would never leave my car at an airport for example.

[Tallest]

Originally Posted by Xaero

I think wheel locks will not help at all if someone really wants your wheels and they know what they are doing. I wrecked my car a few years ago and lost my wheel lock key. I wanted to get my expensive wheels off my car before it went to the junkyard, and it didn’t take much work.

I went to sears and purchased a set of “Bolt Out” damaged/stripped bolt removers. These took off my lug nuts and locks without any issue. Keep in mind I am an amateur when it comes to stealing wheels, so I can’t imagine the tools and ideas pro-level thieves have at their disposal.

Just be smart with your car. I always garage mine, and at work there is gated parking. I would never leave my car at an airport for example.

its confirmed as well by cops that stealing rims from closed underground parking lots is simpler than on a street under a light.

[canderson]

I emailed the Calgary Police to see if wheel thefts were common and what wheel locks were recommended and got this reply:

I have checked with our downtown analyst and airport unit and they are not aware of any reported thefts of wheel/rims, although theft of vehicles themselves is another matter……however any precautions you can take to protect your property is recommended. I know from personal experience I had attended a theft where someone went to great lengths to break into a vehicle (causing damage) and scour it to find the unique key lock, which the owner had hidden in the vehicle itself, then remove all four wheels/rims, leaving the vehicle up on blocks in the owners driveway…..whilst we do not recommend any one product over another, as I said, any and all precautions are well worth the effort…..if you get some locking lug nuts I would not leave the key in the vehicle but do remember to have it with you in case of a flat

[SilverII]

or hide in a place only you can find it...

[mryakanisachoad]

Three (diifferent) locks per wheel will stop your wheels from getting jacked.

my kid brother runs the Bronx Street Crimes unit so he's arguably the leading expert in the world concerning this crap.

[canderson]

Originally Posted by canderson

I couldn't find them on ebay but I found them for 32.99 GBP + 3.99 shipping + 8.50 extra shipping outside Europe = 45.49 GBP here. About CDN$74 or US$72. I just ordered a set. I'll let you know when they arrive.

I think the correct standard length part number is 27179SL. Threads are M12x1.5.

They arrived today so it only took a week.