Do
customers require central-locking wheels for their road cars? Absolutely not. Originally
a racing technology, the central-locking wheel was created to expedite wheel changes significantly, while also reducing some rotational mass, and it has existed for over a century. However, since
Porsche introduced central-lock wheels on its GT-series vehicles, customers have shown great interest in them. Why? Because it’s like having a race car. And now,
BMW customers can get equally excited, as the company is providing these wheels for the M2, M3, and M4.
This new central-locking wheel option is available through BMW’s M
Performance Parts catalog, where you can purchase various fascinating accessories for your BMW. Initially designed for the recently released 3.0 CSL, a highly expensive, immensely exclusive modern version of BMW’s famous 1970s racing-inspired sports car of the same name. Now, BMW is offering the same wheel, albeit in a different color, for its more common M cars.
The wheels come in a single staggered size setup: 19 inches for the front and 20 inches for the rear, with tire sizes of 275/35 ZR19 and 285/30 ZR20, respectively. Instead of the matte gold finish seen on the 3.0 CSL, the M Performance versions are only available in matte black. These wheels feature a single, large lug at the wheel’s center, unlike the typical five smaller lugs. While the regular lug-bolt torque specification is around 85-90 lb-ft, BMW mentions that the central locks require 686 lb-ft (930 Nm). So, if you intend to change these wheels at home, you better have a robust breaker bar on hand.
Will these wheels significantly improve handling or driving experience on the track? Unlikely, particularly on modern M cars, which are too precise and devoid of sensation to notice slight changes in wheel mass. Will the potentially quicker wheel changes simplify your life if you frequently switch between track wheels and tires? Possibly. But do they look stylish and enhance your car’s appeal? Absolutely.
BMW has not yet released pricing for these wheels in North America; however, European customers will have to shell out 12,000 euros ($13,100), according to BMWBlog. Fortunately, if you’re purchasing them for an M2, you won’t be obliged to buy any additional M Performance parts. Because that could get expensive fast.
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