The $20,000 BMW M Wheels You Likely Shouldn't Approach With a Ten-Foot Pole | Carscoops

      The newly introduced centerlock wheels are compatible with all current M2, M3, and M4 models.

      7 hours ago

      by Brad Anderson

      These lightweight forged wheels necessitate new hubs, significantly increasing overall costs.

      Dealers are required to have specialized tools, including a torque wrench rated at 737 lb-ft, for installation.

      Although the wheels come with a hefty price tag, there’s no denying their stunning appearance.

      For a standard street car, the advantages of centerlock wheels are minimal. They are often cumbersome to install, require costly specialty tools that most people don’t typically have in their garages, and purchasing them can be extremely expensive. For instance, the new 963M centerlock wheels launched by BMW M in the US will cost buyers nearly $20,000.

      Initially rolled out in Europe via the M Performance Parts catalog in late 2023, these wheels have recently arrived in the U.S. Tailored for the BMW M3 and M4, they feature 19-inch wheels in the front and 20-inch wheels in the rear. They look incredibly attractive and are a perfect match for these M models—if you’re spending twenty grand on wheels, they certainly should.

      The wheels themselves carry a price of $6,696, which isn't excessive for a set of lightweight forged rims from a prominent automaker. However, centerlock wheels demand specific hubs, which can drive up costs. As reported by BMW Blog, the hubs will cost an impressive $11,037. If you prefer a dealer to handle the installation, you'll also need a $567 release tool, a $323 centerlock wheel socket, and a $1,270 torque wrench that can handle 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm), not to mention $49 for Synthes Gap 1 grease and $51.99 for Wuerth AL 1100 aluminum paste.

      Centerlock wheels are ideal for racing teams, as they facilitate quick wheel changes. However, they can be troublesome for DIY enthusiasts; if you get a flat tire with centerlock wheels, you might find yourself stranded and unable to make a replacement unless you carry around a 6-foot torque wrench at all times.

      According to Road & Track, BMW USA currently has only seven sets of these wheels in inventory. If demand is sufficient, more sets could be imported from Germany. So, if you have disposable income and wish to enhance the track-ready look of your M car, BMW is eager to accommodate your request.