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[_Ryan_]

I wish I fitted studs sooner! Significantly easier to remove and refit the wheels, plus peace of mind as I've had a lug nut drop on this car in the past.

I've been asked for photos as they do extend slightly. (attached below)

You may also enjoy my DIY summary:

Parts
Nuts - 17mm MH Titan Cold Forged Alloy Steel Race nuts 12×1.5
http://motorsporthardware.com/produc...e-nuts-12x1-5/
Note- these are steel, not Alu. which is known to be a poor choice for wheel nuts.

Studs - 75mm Black Bullet Nose Race Stud Kit 12×1.5
http://motorsporthardware.com/produc...-bmwminilotus/
Note - These were the only studs I found which are TUV certified. This is of interest to those who drive on the street.

Fitting time <1hr
Difficulty Easy

When fitting the nuts to the mounted studs, I used a small amount of grease on the threads to ease first use, keep in mind less torque is typically required when a thread is lubed. Also of note, the longer nuts extended further than the 75mm studs due to my thick OEM wheels, this may be an issue for your scrutineers and in that case, the longer studs or shorter nuts may be of interest.

Overall, a recommended modification for those who want to make their lives easier. I wish I got mine sooner. I'm impressed with the quality of the parts although I do now carry a deep 17mm socket in the car.

Ryan.

[VMRWheels]

Nice! One of the best mods you can do.

[schmidtp]

How did you decide on the length of the studs? I want to do this in the summer but was wondering how to determine what size to use. I won't be running any rims that the stock lugs couldn't handle. Thanks!

[scotty_miller]

I got all my stuff from motorsport hardware last year and it's still holding up great. I got 82mm studs and neo chrome lugs. Great company to deal with. Make sure when you torque them do not torque them from the allen key on the end of the stud. Do the double nut method for a peace of mind.

[schmidtp]

Originally Posted by scotty_miller

I got all my stuff from motorsport hardware last year and it's still holding up great. I got 82mm studs and neo chrome lugs. Great company to deal with. Make sure when you torque them do not torque them from the allen key on the end of the stud. Do the double nut method for a peace of mind.

How'd you decide on the length? Sorry, total newbie at studs here.

[scotty_miller]

I actually got them for my old 330xi and was running a 19x9 et 35 with a 12mm spacer and a 19x10 et 38 with a 15mm spacer and I just called Ryan at Motorsport hardware and asked what size I should run. I searched around and people went with 90mm but he said with my specs 82mm work fine. I never put them on my e90 cause I parted out and sold the car a week later. But on my 135 they look great and the stud comes right to the face of the extended lug so it's the perfect size in my opinion. You could run a 45mm stud if you didn't plan on running spacers.

[schmidtp]

Originally Posted by scotty_miller

I actually got them for my old 330xi and was running a 19x9 et 35 with a 12mm spacer and a 19x10 et 38 with a 15mm spacer and I just called Ryan at Motorsport hardware and asked what size I should run. I searched around and people went with 90mm but he said with my specs 82mm work fine. I never put them on my e90 cause I parted out and sold the car a week later. But on my 135 they look great and the stud comes right to the face of the extended lug so it's the perfect size in my opinion. You could run a 45mm stud if you didn't plan on running spacers.

I am looking at getting 18X8 and 18X9.5 for my summer rims. I will give them a call. Thanks for the help!

[_Ryan_]

Originally Posted by schmidtp

How did you decide on the length of the studs? I want to do this in the summer but was wondering how to determine what size to use. I won't be running any rims that the stock lugs couldn't handle. Thanks!

1- guessed
2- verified with the vendor

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by schmidtp

How'd you decide on the length? Sorry, total newbie at studs here.

You decide based on spacer length. 75mm studs can handle up to a 12mm spacer.

I run 75mm studs.

[P1]

I say purely from a cosmetic perspective, they stick out too far. Looks a bit silly...

[chris82]

Studs look good but those nuts look whack!

[EM58NDS 135i]

Will look alot better with an aftermarket wheel :-)

I just bought a set of 68mm studs for mine, with 48mm long open ended nuts. (No spacers).

How much torque do you think i should apply to the hub studs? Does 15-20ft/lbs sound about right? (Will use Loctite 271 threadlocker).

[Pyrat 2]

Originally Posted by EM58NDS 135i

Will look alot better with an aftermarket wheel :-)

I just bought a set of 68mm studs for mine, with 48mm long open ended nuts. (No spacers).

How much torque do you think i should apply to the hub studs? Does 15-20ft/lbs sound about right? (Will use Loctite 271 threadlocker).

Show pics please

[_Ryan_]

Originally Posted by P1et

I say purely from a cosmetic perspective, they stick out too far. Looks a bit silly...

Good thing I am function > form. ;-)

Originally Posted by EM58NDS 135i

Will look alot better with an aftermarket wheel :-)

I just bought a set of 68mm studs for mine, with 48mm long open ended nuts. (No spacers).

How much torque do you think i should apply to the hub studs? Does 15-20ft/lbs sound about right? (Will use Loctite 271 threadlocker).

The vendor should provide installation instructions. 208M wheels are great for someone who does 30k miles PA on varying roads.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by EM58NDS 135i

Will look alot better with an aftermarket wheel :-)

I just bought a set of 68mm studs for mine, with 48mm long open ended nuts. (No spacers).

How much torque do you think i should apply to the hub studs? Does 15-20ft/lbs sound about right? (Will use Loctite 271 threadlocker).

should be a dry torque of 20 ft-lbs. Typically you meet resistance with the hub and a 1/4 turn

[Indo Rider]

Sorry if this is a newb question, but what exactly is the functional advantage of studs over the OEM style bolts? Other than ease of mounting wheels? Assuming either is the appropriate length... thanks.

[schmidtp]

Originally Posted by Indo Rider

Sorry if this is a newb question, but what exactly is the functional advantage of studs over the OEM style bolts? Other than ease of mounting wheels? Assuming either is the appropriate length... thanks.

For me it would be mostly aesthetic, will make it slightly easier to change out winter/summer rims but that is only twice per year. I just like the look of the studs.

[Pyrat 2]

Originally Posted by Indo Rider

Sorry if this is a newb question, but what exactly is the functional advantage of studs over the OEM style bolts? Other than ease of mounting wheels? Assuming either is the appropriate length... thanks.

Ease of mounting only. If you are running spacers then it makes it considerably easier since you aren't trying to line up the spacer, the wheel and the bolt hole all at the same time. If you are running a very narrow spacer like 3 or 5 mm then you are also fighting to keep the wheel on the hub at the same time. The studs eliminate that fight.

Looks are subjective so if you like the look then get them. If you don't like the look then you need to decide if the benefit of an easier install is worth it in comparison to the aesthetic downside. If you are buying them to help with your spacer issue then make sure you get the right length depending on the width of your spacer.

Personally I never thought about getting them until I put some 5mm spacers on to allow my square tire setup. After a couple tire swaps I made the investment.

Pics below are 68mm studs. 5mm spacer in front and none in the back.

[feeshta]

Why wouldn't you just get a couple pin tools for $30? Using a single one is a bit of a pain with spacers, but if you have two it's easy.They work perfectly, and don't change the look of the car in a negative way(obviously that part is opinion based, but to me these lugs look pretty silly).

I'm guessing maybe you are coming from Japanese cars and stuck in your ways?

[_Ryan_]

Originally Posted by feeshta

Why wouldn't you just get a couple pin tools for $30? Using a single one is a bit of a pain with spacers, but if you have two it's easy.They work perfectly, and don't change the look of the car in a negative way(obviously that part is opinion based, but to me these lugs look pretty silly).

I'm guessing maybe you are coming from Japanese cars and stuck in your ways?

1- Do you work on your own cars?
2- Have you ever had studs or lugs fail?
3- Do you track your car?

[Adam135]

Studs dont provide a "finished" look...

[chris82]

Is there an improper way to install these? I come across threads/reviews where people say theirs broke off at the track or high performance driving, but I don't know if that is due to poor stud quality or improper installation.