[delvek]

So, somewhere between here and there I lost a valve stem cap.

Since I need one, I was going to get maybe a little nicer set of stainless or something. Any recommendations out there?

Was considering http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Gasket-3663.../dp/B000CMIYE0 but would rather something less shiney.

[crmgr]

I would be careful with anything other than plastic caps. BMW caps use to be metal, but are now made of plastic. Metal caps are not compatable with the alloy used in the TPS valve stems,resulting in the caps fusing to the stems under certain conditions. Here is the US it usually occurs in winter because of the salt and cold temps. Found that out the hard way with my previous Audi A6. Now I even swap out my plastic BMW logo caps with the factory caps in the winter.

[vdubturbo]

I noticed the other day the stock valve stems are black rubber sprayed to look more silver. Stay classy BMW!

[toot535ix]

Be careful of using metal caps, I put a set on with the BMW logo and they corroded in place. I live in Michigan, it was during the winter and there is salt used on the roads.

We salvaged the stems (TPMS--expensive to replace), but it took a lot of work to get them off.

I suppose you could periodicaly remove the caps and lubricate them. But the plastic/rubber version works well.

[delvek]

Originally Posted by crmgr

I would be careful with anything other than plastic caps. BMW caps use to be metal, but are now made of plastic. Metal caps are not compatable with the alloy used in the TPS valve stems,resulting in the caps fusing to the stems under certain conditions. Here is the US it usually occurs in winter because of the salt and cold temps. Found that out the hard way with my previous Audi A6. Now I even swap out my plastic BMW logo caps with the factory caps in the winter.

Originally Posted by vdubturbo

I noticed the other day the stock valve stems are black rubber sprayed to look more silver. Stay classy BMW!

Originally Posted by toot535ix

Be careful of using metal caps, I put a set on with the BMW logo and they corroded in place. I live in Michigan, it was during the winter and there is salt used on the roads.

We salvaged the stems (TPMS--expensive to replace), but it took a lot of work to get them off.

I suppose you could periodicaly remove the caps and lubricate them. But the plastic/rubber version works well.

Thanks for excellent feedback. Guess I will head down to the parts counter and get some of the silver plastics.

[crmgr]

I usually order the BMW Logo caps off of Amazon. You can get several syles and most are now made of plastic. Some of the metal ones may still be out there, so look for the words stating "compatable with TPMS valve stems". I like the logo caps because I think they dress up the wheels.

[yxc145]

Don't get them. They look nice, yes. But people steal them. Last 3 times I got the nice stainless steel BMW or Mercedes caps, they were gone in less than a week.

[ausfahrt]

What I used to do was tighten down the caps with pliers so they cant steal them by just using their fingers. Who really carry pliers to steal caps!

[EV0LVE]

Just make sure you carry pliers so you can fill your tires when needed!!! It may be obviuos, but I've seen people who cant take off their caps.

[twodsea]

agree
have had three sets stolen
people suck

[BMW1]

I have BMW caps that need a special tool to get them off it's a metal BMW cap with a plastic insert. When they are screwed on they snap in place and metal cap free spins . to remove slide this plastic key over the cap and it allows to remove cap. Dont know mfrg name picked them up at auto show

[535MSport]

http://www.bavauto.com/shop.asp
They have a lot of different ones- above poster was correct, you do not want metal ones as they can react with the valve stem and seal themselves on where you can't get them off

[aosman]

http://www.shopbmwusa.com/ProductLis...?CategoryId=94

[aosman]

Originally Posted by twodsea

agree
have had three sets stolen
people suck

Not everywhere, maybe in New Jersey?

J/k