vibration and loud popping/grinding from front

[kechal]

I swapped my summer wheel/tire for the winters. Not sure if this is related or coincidence but I now have a strong vibration at low and high speed and a very loud popping/grinding noise on even slight turns (worse on bigger turns). Any ideas? The car has 139k miles and no work has been done to the front suspension. 2001 540iA Sport.
'01 540iA Sport
Steel Blue/Sand
Dinan Stage II and tranny software
Dinan CAI
M5 trunk lip spoiler
Euro style center armrest
voice command modual

[Craig in Canada]

Are they staggered? Did you accidentally put the wider ones up front? Have you used this wheel package on this car before?

[kechal]

decided to put the summer package back on to see if the problem was still there. It's then I realize the left front wheel lug bolts are finger loose. I swear I checked all the wheels twice before I drove it. I'm lucky the wheel never came off! I just goes to show stupidity knows no bounds!
'01 540iA Sport
Steel Blue/Sand
Dinan Stage II and tranny software
Dinan CAI
M5 trunk lip spoiler
Euro style center armrest
voice command modual

[edjack]

Ed in San Jose. BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319). Golden Gate Chapter. '97 540i 6 speed. Build Date 3/97. Aspensilber over Aubergine leather.

[Craig in Canada]

[540nj]

winter wheels, something seriously wrong with front end. I had seen a van parked next to my car at the local strip mall, didn't think too much of it when it drove away. Drove home and noticed something "loose" in the front end. checked my lugs, two were gone, keyed lug was still tight. I think they were trying to steal my wheels! Style 33s if you can believe that.

dave
03 540i6

[Craig in Canada]

I use style 33s in the winter too. A quality wheel, but I wouldn't expect them to attract thieves... :)