The New BMW Centre-Lock Wheels: Are They Worth It?

There’s something undeniably cool about centre-lock wheels. Are they necessary? Absolutely not. Will most owners feel the benefits? Probably not. But if you’re into OEM+ mods, these are killer. They scream motorsport heritage and will likely pave the way for more wheel manufacturers to offer their own centre-lock options for the M2, M3, and M4.

BMW isn’t just selling old wheels. This is a manufacturer with a split clientele, giving their OG fans something to remind us that we haven’t been forgotten. Many of us remember the days their slogan read “the Ultimate Driving Machine”. That’s an article for another day.

This is the kind of accessory manufacturers and tuning companies should be producing, rather than endless vulgar body kits.

Unlike traditional five-lug wheel setups, centre-lock wheels use a single central screw. This means faster wheel changes, reduced unsprung weight, and a direct motorsport connection. It’s not just an aesthetic upgrade—it’s a performance-driven enhancement.

The wheels bring more to the table than just their looks. They bring tangible benefits:

• Faster wheel changes: A single nut means pit-stop speeds for swapping wheels.
• Weight reduction: Less rotating mass improves acceleration, braking, and handling.
• Enhanced rigidity: The single central fastening provides a stronger connection between the wheel and hub.

The BMW centre-lock wheels come in a sleek Y-spoke design, finished in matte Jet Black. The front wheels measure 19 inches, wrapped in 275/35 ZR19 tyres, while the rears come in at 20 inches with 285/30 ZR20 tyres. The milled M Performance logo is a subtle yet bold nod to their pedigree.

There’s no sugar-coating it—telling your wife these are an “investment” might be best. The wheels themselves cost approximately $6,696. However, the true cost comes with installation. Unlike a simple wheel swap, centre-lock wheels require new wheel hubs, specialised tools, and precise calibration. The total price? Close to $20,000 once everything is factored in.

Beyond the wheels and installation, you’ll need specific tools to fit and maintain them properly. Below are some approximate prices found on BMW Blog to give you an idea of what you’d be expected to purchase for installation. These include:

• Release tool – $567
• Sythes Glep 1 grease – $49
• Wuerth Al 1100 aluminium paste – $51.99
• Centrelock wheel socket – $323
• Torque wrench (measuring up to at least 1,000 Nm) – $1,270

If you’re considering the upgrade, it’s not just a case of bolting them on. You’ll need a professional with the right expertise to ensure proper installation. Incorrect fitting could lead to catastrophic failure at speed, so this isn’t the place to cut corners.

Would I personally put these at the top of my upgrade list? Not really. But if I had plenty of unspent money, I wouldn’t say no to a set. They’re definitely not a practical choice for daily driving—unless you fancy carrying around a massive torque wrench to ensure they’re tightened to spec (930Nm) should you ever need to remove and refit a wheel.

Would they have been a cool standard feature on something like the M4 CSL? Sure. It would add to the exclusivity factor, but it would also drive the price up even further. BMW knows exactly what they’re doing by keeping this as an aftermarket option—giving enthusiasts the choice to splurge, and splurge they will.

BMW has designed these wheels based on extensive motorsport experience. Engineers have fine-tuned every aspect, ensuring they meet the high standards of professional racing. The single-locking mechanism has been used in endurance racing for years, proving its durability under extreme conditions.

It’s not a game-changing upgrade, but if you’re in the know, you’ll appreciate them. They’re a subtle statement piece. One that tells others you understand BMW’s motorsport DNA. And for many, that’s reason enough.

I’m super happy to see that the M Performance division really pulled through with these; a nod to the enthusiasts.

If you need a push of persuasion to buy a set, you can bet that they’ll hold their value, maybe even increase when they are likely discontinued years in the future. Couldn’t comment on the return on investment, but we all know that’s not why you buy them and remember you have my vote.

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