Wheel lock problem

Had this issue with McGard custom wheel bolts a long time ago. Prior owner lost the "key". McGard was willing to work with me to get a replacement, but would have taken a week or two since 1) didn't have the key code and 2) to their credit, they wanted clear evidence that the vehicle was in fact legally mine.

Someone here may have a more elegant solution to offer. In our case, we ended up taking it to a shop and drilling it out. Big drill, and probably $50 worth of bits. The sucker was torqued in there and - by design - not easy to loosen. We also risked breaking it, but we had broken bolt removal tools standing by.

If "tomorrow" is the only option, and it's "stripped", I'd find a competent shop. I believe you're a lawyer, I'd draft up a release for the shop that they are not liable for any damage or additional costs incurred (I'd ask for one). It should not be hard to get it out, though I'd be cautious if they wheels are nice.

Alternatively, if he's returning a leased vehicle, see what the lessor would charge you to just leave it on there and have them remove it...it's a BMW part and I assume returning to a BMW shop, and likely leased thru BMW Financial....if no joy, go the drill route.

 

It'll cost you a socket sometimes but I've always had good luck hammering a socket onto it and then backing it out with an impact. Don't use a hardened or impact specific socket but instead a regular one you would use for simple hand tools.

 

I agree....the local corner garage removed some mcguard locks in no time (I was not there to observe it but was told by the owner that it only took a half an hour).....when the lock key was misplaced.

 

my local bmw dealer has the wheel lock keys in stock in service for the late model cars. when my car went in for warranty service they never required my wheel lock key as they had their own. alternatively they could order a replacement lock key if necessary.

 

So, how did this end up? did the wheel come off?

hope it was not the typical end-lease fiasco.

Just as a comment, as BMW and Audi have started seriously high-volume leasing, and running their own finance companies, the "lease-end" process has become more like an IRS audit; I've been through a few of them in the past couple years.

Of course, "we" tend to take care of our cars, I've seen some lease returns where it was almost obvious the cars were abused, and one I think was actually semi-stripped (Costco house brand tires, Pep Boys discount battery, etc) - on a 2-year lease return. Hmmm. In that case, I can understand them being a bit more "rigorous" in the inspection process

 

All BMW dealers have master wheel lock key sets. We also have them at the shop (yes you can buy the master sets but they are not cheap). If the dealer is charging extra for this service while the car is on site then they are ripping you off.

If you need a replacement, they can be ordered. Each key has a number stamped in it, however, some don't. It will go by vin number. They can get you a key.

 

I saw a special socket at autozone that is designed to remove locking lug nuts.

 

Thieves just use a long cheater pipe and snap them off.....

It can crack the wheel though, which might be a step in the wrong direction.
Ruins the stud too, obviously....

 

Good news!!