Silly newbie question - removing wheel nut covers

Hi all,

I can't believe I'm actually asking this, but I'd rather ask and look
stupid than break something and feel stupid.

How do you remove the wheel nut covers on a 1997 e39 528i SE? It has the
stock alloy wheels, with the central covers covering the wheel nuts (or
bolts).

The cover has a tiny notch along its circumference, which looks like
it's for a screwdriver to lever the cover off. I've levered quite hard,
but they won't come off. If this the correct way to remove them (only
lever harder), or am I missing something?


TIA


--
Grunff

"Grunff" > wrote in message
...

If they are like the aftermarket alloy wheels I bought for winter use on my
M3 you pry them off just like you were trying. I wrapped a cloth around the
screwdriver so that it wouldn't chip the coating on the wheel. The first
time I removed them I thought they were going to break. I'd put a little
lube on the surface where the spring holds them in. Just a little corrosion
makes them really hard to get off.

John
>...
> How do you remove the wheel nut covers on a 1997 e39 528i SE? It has the
> stock alloy wheels, with the central covers covering the wheel nuts (or
> bolts).
>
> The cover has a tiny notch along its circumference, which looks like
> it's for a screwdriver to lever the cover off. I've levered quite hard,
> but they won't come off. If this the correct way to remove them (only
> lever harder), or am I missing something?
>...

"Grunff" > wrote in message
...
> Hi all,
>
> I can't believe I'm actually asking this, but I'd rather ask and look
> stupid than break something and feel stupid.
>
> How do you remove the wheel nut covers on a 1997 e39 528i SE? It has the
> stock alloy wheels, with the central covers covering the wheel nuts (or
> bolts).
>
> The cover has a tiny notch along its circumference, which looks like it's
> for a screwdriver to lever the cover off. I've levered quite hard, but
> they won't come off. If this the correct way to remove them (only lever
> harder), or am I missing something?

Brother Grunf,

Welcome to AAB.

Which type BMW wheels do you have?

Reference:
http://www.wheelcollision.com/bmw3.htm

-Fred W

The Malt Hound wrote:

> Brother Grunf,
>
> Welcome to AAB.

Hi Fred - thanks for the welcome.



> Which type BMW wheels do you have?

Superb site! I have these:
<http://www.wheelcollision.com/wccpix/59251b.JPG>


--
Grunff

"Grunff" > wrote in message
...
> The Malt Hound wrote:
>
>> Brother Grunf,
>>
>> Welcome to AAB.
>
> Hi Fred - thanks for the welcome.
>
>
>
>> Which type BMW wheels do you have?
>
> Superb site! I have these:
> <http://www.wheelcollision.com/wccpix/59251b.JPG>
>

Ah, OK. Then yes, they just pry off. Just protect the wheel from scratches
and have at it. Probably best to do it when the cap is not cold to reduce
the risk of cracking.

-Fred W

In article >,
Grunff > wrote:
> How do you remove the wheel nut covers on a 1997 e39 528i SE? It has the
> stock alloy wheels, with the central covers covering the wheel nuts (or
> bolts).

> The cover has a tiny notch along its circumference, which looks like
> it's for a screwdriver to lever the cover off. I've levered quite hard,
> but they won't come off. If this the correct way to remove them (only
> lever harder), or am I missing something?

Yes - just lever harder. They have a wire spring inside. The toolkit
screwdriver is the correct size if this helps.

--
*To be intoxicated is to feel sophisticated, but not be able to say it.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

The Malt Hound wrote:

> Ah, OK. Then yes, they just pry off. Just protect the wheel from scratches
> and have at it. Probably best to do it when the cap is not cold to reduce
> the risk of cracking.


Great, many thanks.


--
Grunff

Dave Plowman (News) wrote:

> Yes - just lever harder. They have a wire spring inside. The toolkit
> screwdriver is the correct size if this helps.

Thanks Dave. Actually, the toolkit is missing the screwdriver (as well
as a spanner and one of the two wheel stud adaptors), but I reckon I
have one that's pretty close.

Fantastic car though.


--
Grunff

In article >,
Grunff > wrote:
> > Yes - just lever harder. They have a wire spring inside. The toolkit
> > screwdriver is the correct size if this helps.

> Thanks Dave. Actually, the toolkit is missing the screwdriver (as well
> as a spanner and one of the two wheel stud adaptors), but I reckon I
> have one that's pretty close.

It's not critical. As regards the adaptor, check it's been replaced every
time anyone may have used it. I had two when I bought the car, and the
fooking dealer lost one. Of course I didn't check there and then. I do now.

> Fantastic car though.

Yup. Their reputation was truly deserved - despite what some here say. ;-)

--
*What am I? Flypaper for freaks!?

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Dave Plowman (News) wrote:

>>Fantastic car though.
>
>
> Yup. Their reputation was truly deserved - despite what some here say. ;-)

That vibration you mentioned in an earlier thread - there is definitely
some vibration at 60-70mph. I intend to get the wheels balanced first,
just to rule that out. If that doesn't fix it, it'll be the track
control arms as you suggested. Just so that I'm clear about what I'm
replacing - are we talking about the wishbones?


--
Grunff