Looking for BMW Center-Lock Wheels for your M2, M3, or M4? Make sure you have $20,000 ready.

      Fabian Kirchbauer

      BMW enthusiasts, those stylish center-lock wheels that have only been an optional feature in Europe since 2023 are now available for purchase in the U.S.! But if you’re wondering about the price...

      That hefty amount totals around 2,000,000 pennies. According to BMW Blog, the retail price for the M Performance Parts center-locking wheels is $11,037.90. This is just for the parts, as labor and installation costs bring the overall total to approximately $19,995.23. Wait, what?!

      BMW is known for being pricey, and BMW M doesn’t offer any discounts either. Priced at 12,000 euros in Europe, BMW Blog breaks down the U.S. costs, which naturally include several specialized installation tools:

      - Release tool – $567

      - Sythes Glep 1 grease – $49

      - Wuerth Al 1100 aluminum paste – $51.99

      - Center-lock wheel socket – $323

      - Torque wrench – $1,270

      This is the cost for the essential tools required before the installation can commence. When you account for labor hours, that’s how the final bill reaches 20 grand. As for the reason why the torque wrench costs so much? While it may have a markup, these specialty wrenches must have a minimum torque range of 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft). BMW M specifies that installing the center-lock wheels requires a torque application of 930 Nm.

      So, what are the performance advantages of these wheels? While their history dates back to the early 1900s, center-lock wheels are a common feature in modern racing. As the name implies, a single large center nut secures the wheel, unlike the multiple lug nuts and bolts found on a standard road car.

      In racing, where fractions of a second can determine the outcome, loosening and tightening a single fastener instead of four to six per wheel significantly reduces pit stop times. Fewer lugs may also contribute to weight savings.

      These benefits are great if you race your M car and require quick wheel changes by a pit crew. However, if you're not participating in many track days or don’t need to change your wheels rapidly, center-lock wheels offer limited advantages beyond aesthetics.

      But if you're eager to spend $20,000 and own the latest M2, M3, or M4, reach out to your local BMW dealer. Reports suggest that quantities for North America are limited.

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