I've got my stock 17" wheels in the garage and since it's now winter I am going to slap them back on my car. The one catch is .. I never denoted which wheel was previously at what location on my car. Now that I want to put them back on.. I am wondering if there's an easy way to look at them and figure out which one should go where (basically a delayed tire rotation). Any ideas? Anything to look or in tread wear or should I not worry about it much and just slap them on where ever? I am planning to do this one myself but I don't have a hydraulic floor jack or jack stands.. probably going to go pick these up (brand&model recommendations welcomed).

 

If the wheels are non staggered then it doesn't really matter unless the thread is directional. Look on the inside of the tire because it wears quicker than the outside.

 

+1 only worry if they are staggered.

 

thanks kind of what I figured (yes they're square) but thought i'd check ;-)

 

I presume the OP was talking about tires that were already mounted on the wheels (removed complete). One suggestion is that BMWs tend to (evenly) wear the inside tread of the rear tires. So, if you find two wheel/tires that seem to have the inner tread blocks more worn than the outer - they are probably the rear set. Similarly, even on a car with a good alignment and good struts, the front may be worn on the outer tread blocks - especially if the car is driven aggressively.

All that said, and especially if the tires are "directional" be sure the wheel tire rotation is correct.

I suppose the next time you'll mark the inside of the wheels/tire with a yellow tire marker so the current set will be returned to their original locations.