I recently got one of these. If you "play" with wheels, this tool does a great job.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-M...QQcmdZViewItem

 

Hah....nice simple solution. I might have to add one of those to the toolbox

 

A friend of mine who used to own a Audi A4 said one was included in the OEM tool kit.

 

lol...

 

Here's a nicer stainless steel one for $10 (scroll down). I use these all the time. http://www.metalnerd.com/cat08.htm Available in 12 or 14mm..

 

Awsome!!! I just got one. What a great idea.

 

My Mini is on the boat coming over. So the Mini's don't have wheel lugs attached to the hub? I've never had a car like this. I would need the M14 version for a R56, correct?

 

I might have to keep mine when I sell my Audi...

 

Well sorta. While the late 06 on R53/R52 do use a 14mm bolt the thread pitch is 1.25 not 1.5. So the ones shown here won't work.

Here are some more, a bit more expensive but very well designed. Like the knurled end making it easy to install or remove. http://www.ultimategarage.com/wheelhgr.html

 

So does anyone know where to get one of these guys that fit the 07 Minis?

 

I've had these for quite awhile and love them. I got a lot of flack along with others when we purchased them back in 2003 or so. Frankly I can't remember if that discussion was on MINI2 or here but nevertheless, I keep one in my boot and one at my shop and means I don't have to struggle aligning a 40 pound wheel on the hub.

 

heres the one for the R56..i just ordered one

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MINI-...em110235327435

 

To clarify, what size would be needed for early build R53s (late 2003 build)?

 

Nice find...I like this one the best...The ebay one seemed short

 

I ordered one and it is indeed a nice tool to have in the box. I mis-spoke though. It is aluminum, not stainless..

 

^That's cool, either way it works for me

 

This is one of those "doh" tools. Just ordered one as well!

 

Or you could just change over to studs...........

 

Interesting I may have to pick one up myself too!

 

Just got it and checked that it fits correctly...it does ....it is smaller than I thought, and extremely light, but it is plenty of what you need...it sticks out about 1.5 inches from the rim

 

I'm just about to change to my summer tires and saw this post. I order one immediately. It won't help me today, but I'll be happy next fall.