I've noticed that my OEM wheels have one bolt whose head is different from that of other bolts. Is it an antitheft device? Do all wheel shops have a corresponding wrench? I'm scared of the idea of being unable to have a flat tire replaced in a non-BMW wheel shop.

 

Yes it is.

The counterpart should be found in your trunk.

You'll find it in the tool box inside your trunk lid, or as in the pic
from my cars trunk on the right hand side of the tire repair set.

 

Thanks. I'm afraid I didn't see a counterpart in my car. It's definitely not in the place shown on your pic. But then again, I have a wagon. Where might it be? The manual says nothing on this topic.

 

Find the tool box in your E61's trunk. I'm sure it's there.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?mode...hg=71&fg=05

 

Found! Thanks a lot for the tip. I've seen that shiny thingy many times before, but I was sure it was meant to keep the plastic cross in place.

 

You're so smart to verify you have the correct key for your wheel locks.

I went through a time consuming experience with a buddy who didn't even know he had locks on his Honda until we had a pothole take out a tire 200+ miles from his home. The tire shops didn't have a master key for the McGards Honda uses but fortunately the local Honda dealer did!

You can also order a spare "key" for BMW wheel locks - I recommend it highly; keep one hidden away in the car ... the other in a safe place at home. Each lock is numbered with a corresponding key version (e.g. 37). The extra cost me $8 at my dealer parts department. BMW dealer service departments probably have a master but if you're out on the road don't expect a repair shop to stock every wheel lock key for the companies that manufacture them!