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[BMWfan69]

I have always just used a standard lug wrench and tightend to feel with out any problems. It seems that a lot of folks use tourque wrenches for their wheel changes. Is that really necessary, or just an excuse to buy an expensive wrench? . If you feel it's necessary what torque setting is right for a 1 series?

[Red Bread]

For the simple fact that the 1er brake backing plates like to rattle around if not torqued properly, I'd say it's an easy choice. I track my cars and do lots of my own maintenance, so the torque wrench is already necessary, but why not have one? 88ft/lb gets the job done.

[BMWfan69]

Originally Posted by maxnix

More so for plugs, perhaps. How good are you at gauging the difference between say 72 ft. lbs. and 84 ft. lbs.?

Yeah plugs, that makes sense to me. By feel I couldn't tell you exactly what torque I was at, or the difference in feel between 12ft. lbs. All I know is I have never had a problem.

What benefit do people think they are getting with the torque wrench? Piece of mind? Most of the time I think the dealers or shops puts them on too tight anyway.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by BMWfan69

Yeah plugs, that makes sense to me. By feel I couldn't tell you exactly what torque I was at, or the difference in feel between 12ft. lbs. All I know is I have never had a problem.

What benefit do people think they are getting with the torque wrench? Piece of mind? Most of the time I think the dealers or shops puts them on too tight anyway.

It's not uncommon when mounting wheels, even if torqued on the ground to the proper spec, that they'll loosen over the first few miles of driving. So rechecking them later is indeed peace of mind. As mentioned, the dealer tends to just hit them with the air gun and over tightens them, which can result in "warped" rotors and over stressed lug studs.

Convincing someone of this is sort of a tough job, you're asking, which would seem to indicate interest, but you're also resistant. Did anyone ever die from not using a torque wrench when mounting wheels? Doubtful. But has more damage been done than the cost of a decent wrench? Certainly.

[rsjean]

Every nut and bolt on the car has a specific torque spec. Why would I treat the lug bolts any different? And I would already have a torque wrench just for the reason already stated.

[ptack]

That's kind of like asking why buy a hammer if you can use a rock?

[Itanius]

For those of you with your own torque wrenches, how often do you have them calibrated? Where do you get it done and how much does it cost you?

[rsjean]

Originally Posted by Itanius

For those of you with your own torque wrenches, how often do you have them calibrated? Where do you get it done and how much does it cost you?

DIY: Craftsman Digital Torque Sensor (PN 44598) $120

[Itanius]

Awesome, thanks!

[escobar929]

Originally Posted by ptack

That's kind of like asking why buy a hammer if you can use a rock?

haha, exactly

in the end, its your car OP, if you dont wanna spend $100 for a decent torque wrench, then thats your choice. But my baby gets everything she needs

[Victory Road]

Using a torque wrench is NEEDED when mounting wheels. I have seen many wheels fall off due to inproper torquing. The Lug bolts can loosen from being torqued too loose AND too tight, there is a sweet spot between 70-90 ft*lbs where they need to be.

[VMRWheels]

BMW Torque specs is recommended at 87ft lbs.

-Charles@VMRWheels