On all four of my BMW’s wheels, this hard, white substance is accumulating around the center caps. I tried washing them off, but it’s incredibly difficult to get them off. They appear to be severely jammed on.
The image makes it difficult to tell, but it almost like scrapes were someone used a tool to remove the central cap. If not, it’s most likely some kind of calcification or lime deposit. I would remove the caps, apply distilled white vinegar to the region for 5–10 minutes, and then gently scrub the area with a toothbrush or a microfiber towel.
It was a corrosion problem with our F30, so I think it’s a problem with the different metals. We weren’t as fortunate as some owners, who were able to get their wheels or caps changed under warranty. purchased new caps.
Galvanic corrosion I tried sanding off the corrosion the last time I rotated my tires (yes, I do that), but it only made the corrosion worse. Today, I replaced the caps and rotated once more. Since my caps are the originals, I anticipate needing new ones in another five years.
based on the amount of money you want to spend. Alternatively, you can spend a lot of money at your local dealer or buy knockoffs on Amazon and eBay.
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The dimension of all BMW Center caps is the same.
The BMW Center caps come in two sizes:
One size of the cap has a diameter of 2 11/16″ (68 mm), while the other is 23 15/64″ (59 mm). If your wheels are genuine BMW. Sometimes you’ll notice 56mm or 65mm; I asked our engineer, “Why do BMW center caps come in two sizes?” If you are still unsure, check the BMW official website to the specific date. We checked it beforehand, but it was problematic because different people use different measurement techniques.
Do center caps have to be used?
In the middle of most wheels, there is a hole. The centerbore is the name of that hole. The centerbore’s functions are as follows:
- Keep the wheel and hub in proper alignment.
- lessening wheel vibration
The issue is that the centerbore leaves the spindle nut exposed if the center cap is missing. The seal is the only line of protection for the wheel bearing. When you drive, a lot of dirt, moisture, road salt, and grime are in contact with your wheels. The spindle nut and wheel bearing may become contaminated by those contaminants. This could result in:
- Spindle and spindle nut corrosion
- Failure of the seal causes the wheel bearing to fail.
The centerbore is concealed by a wheel center cap. This stops the contamination of these components by the contaminants. Some wheel center caps have enough room to accommodate all of the lug nuts. This protects the lug nuts from the weather. Wheel removal and installation are much simpler when your lug nuts are kept clean.
What are the prices of center caps?
What is the Price of a Center Cap Replacement? You may spend anywhere from $10 and $230 only on parts to replace a wheel center cap. The cost of labor varies between auto repair shops.
The BMW insignia on the steering wheel can it be changed?
On a 135i, the chrome parts are corroding from the inside, which is why you want to remove the roundel from the center of the steering wheel. Can you remove it without much effort?
According to BMW, no. Making a warranty claim would enable me to ask for a replacement airbag. Information on Bimmerfest can be found here and here.
I forgot to note that the roundel isn’t sold separately. Use one of the overlay roundels if you are unable to obtain a warranty replacement.
My initial hunch would be eBay. They might be the carbon fiber overlays, though perhaps someone in the commercial section has them. It’s just stickers, really.
I purchased mine on eBay, but it is not an overlay sticker like the ones I have on my hood and trunk; rather, it is a carbon fiber roundel with 3M tape attached to the back. In essence, you simply remove the 3M backing and adhere the new roundel on top of the stock one. In my opinion, it looks extremely fantastic.
I apologize for the delay.
This is the actual CF Roundel that covers the OEM roundel on the steering wheel; I apologize for the enormous size. It’s a little dusty from fingerprints and other things, though. Since true roundels aren’t really currently available for the E88/82 trunk, my overlays in CF black are only on my hood and trunk.
went in for an oil change and annual maintenance inspection. I informed my SA about the airbag roundel, and they quickly switched out the old part for a new one.
I mentioned the cracked roundel on the driver-side airbag and the depression on the passenger airbag when I drove my car in for service today. My car’s oil was changed by the dealer, but he declined to remedy the roundel and indentation problems since they weren’t serious enough to warrant the expense.
YES!!! My experience was exactly the same. I peeled off the old rondel after purchasing one off eBay for $5 with 3M on the back. The new one is the ideal fit!
You think it can be done on a 2000 Z3 2.3, I’m going to toss it out there.
Because everything I’ve read says DON’T do it! that these automobiles’ airbags will detonate. I already have the roundel in my possession, but I really want to try to remove the old one and replace it with the new one I just bought. I’d be grateful for any assistance.
How are plastic hubcaps cleaned?
Lacking that new-car sensation? The simple remedy is less expensive than taking your car to a car wash and paying top bucks for detailing. After washing and vacuuming your car, use baking soda to make the hubcaps and tires gleam.
Simply combine two cups warm water, one tablespoon dish soap, and one-half cup baking soda in a small bowl. Wash and scrape the hubcaps and tires with a soft towel or sponge. Your car is prepared for a road trip after a quick water spray.
How should I clean my hubcaps?
Either a moderate soap solution or a specialized chemical brake dust cleaner will get rid of brake dust. In fact, many professionals advise utilizing both. Here are the steps to follow if you wish to try this method:
- Put on eye protection to avoid splashback from oil.
- In the same manner as the wheels, remove the hubcaps for cleaning.
- Spray the wheels with a hose to clean them.
- Carefully clean all of the nooks using a little brush.
- To wash an automobile, combine water and car wash soap as directed by the manufacturer.
- Apply soapy water to the hubcaps on all 4 wheels with a sponge and brush.
- To remove dirt and grime, use a brush to scrub all of the wheels and hubcaps. Since brake dust tends to accumulate most on the rims, pay particular attention to them.
- All of the dirt that the brush loosens should be removed with a sponge.
- When you are finished with the remainder of the task, go back to any particularly unclean areas and re-soak them with the soap solution.
- Each tire and hubcap should be thoroughly rinsed with a hose until the runoff water is clean.
- Put on a work apron, gloves, and mouth protection to protect yourself from corrosive substances.
- On one wheel and hubcap, test-spray a chosen brake dust remover over a discrete area.
- Spray the chemical onto all of the wheels and hubcaps if there is no damage.
- As advised by the instructions on the package, let the solution sit.
- Scrub each wheel and hubcap with a brush, paying particular attention to any fissures.
- Repeat as often as required until the hubcaps and wheels are uniformly glossy.
- Rinse away all remnants of brake dust and cleaning fluid using a hose.
- Be careful not to get wax on any braking surfaces while you wax the wheels and hubcaps.
What is the name of the wheel’s center?
Hub. The hub, which sits in the middle of the wheel and usually has a bearing, is where the spokes come together. A wheel type without a center hub is referred to as a hubless wheel, rim-rider, or centerless wheel.