BMW Tire & Wheel Protection? - did the search!

[RedRockin]

Hi All, Did the search in both X5 forum and Advanced and each time the page went blank. As I am new to THIS forum, I am guessing a blank page is an indication of no hits for a search (or the search feature is temporarily down). Regardless, I am researching the issue of tires for my soon coming 1st BMW (X5 - of course).

I searched over in bimmerfest and there were differing opinions. Xbimmers had no hits (at least in the X5 forum). So, the topic revolves around BMW Tire & Wheel Protection - but I would also like to carry this a bit beyond and hopefully get some dialog going about X5s, runflats, average W&T (for leases) Rim damage (road hazard?), and all aspects of this subject.

I am focused on this matter because I am at the end of a 2 yr lease on an Infiniti G35S with 96W rated tires. I know little about tires but know these are high performance for the Sport model car. With only 14k miles, my inspection claims 3/32 measure on the outer grove of the rear tires only and I have to replace them. Here in AZ, the highways, when I moved here 15 years ago, were really good but since then repaving has been done cheaply causing much road chipping/flaking which obviously causes excess tire wear

So, I have an X5 (30i) on order for a 3 yr 10k mi/yr lease. I asked if it comes with All-Season tires and was told yes. I asked if I could get it without run-flats and was told no. So:

1) Assuming I will have to replace the tires (at the very least for wear) to pass end of lease inspection, I would prefer to replace the tires with non-runflats at some point during the first year and then put the runflats back on before inspection. This would be significantly less expensive than replacing 4 runflats. Can the 2010 X5 handle non-runflats or would this cause problems with the car's computer? Will BMW lease permit non-runflats or will I have problems when I go in for service?

1b) What are peoples' experiences with leases and lease end inspections relative to tire wear? My dealer says that at end of lease all tires must be matching brand and models. My Infiniti lease end inspection says I can replace the rear tires and as long as speed ratings match, they do not have to brand match the fronts (which in my case do not require replacement).

2) What are issues to consider with BMW Tire & Wheel Protection? Are the prices fixed for the car and number of years or is this another negotiation with the dealer?

3) What "road hazards" could could cause rim damage as covered under the plan? I have had many cars and have not yet (knock on wood, as I knock on my skull) experienced rim damage.

4) Seems the plan has value especially for nails, etc but what exclusions need to be considered?

5) Anything else tire related, and/or plan related, that would be helpful to know and contribute to this discussion for the benefit of any/all following?

I know this is a long post and I thank all in advance for the time and responses!

[JLausch]

Running non runflats shouldn't be an issue. For turn in, bmw does require that the tires you have on are bmw approved (atleast thats what i was told, and i'm assuming thats more based on specs than brand name/model), which if i remember right, you would need run flats. Don't have much else to input for the other stuff at this point (i'm in a rush)

[Quicksilver]

Discussion found here Xoutpost.com - Search Results

[RedRockin]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

Discussion found here Xoutpost.com - Search Results

Thanks but I when I click your link:
Attention:
Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms.

I have tried searching several times, assuming this HAS been discussed, but each time I get a blank white page.

[ard]

1. I am not aware of a BMW wheel and tire plan. Is this underwritten by BMW or is it whatever 3rd part plan that BMW dealers sells??? I cannot find any BMW plan on line.

2. These are generally a rip off, IMHO. In 3 years and 30k miles, how many tires can you possibly go through? For wheel coverage, it usually requres that the wheel not hold air- but the lease inspection will not be as lenient. You can have a damaged wheel that is not acceptable for lease return, and not covered by the insurance.

3. What is the VW guideline on tires? I always assumed it was 'legal tread', which is anything above the wear bars. I swear people talk aboiut all the beneifts of a lease, but it seems like it can get pretty pricey.

[Quicksilver]

Actually there are a number of matches. But you're
right the links keep failing. I hope this one works.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-related-...rotection.html

[RedRockin]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

Actually there are a number of matches. But you're
right the links keep failing. I hope this one works.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-related-...rotection.html

Thanks Quick. that one worked great. It sure makes the plan seem worthwhile. However, it does not yet answer my question about replacing the tires with non-RFs. If non-RFs will mess with the cars computer and.or cause me problems at BMW when I go in for service with non-RFs on the car, then the plan certainly makes sense. However, IF - Big IF - we can replace the RFs with non-RFs, over a three year lease pulling the RFs (holding them for lease end remount) and using good quality non-RFs would be significantly less costly. Assume 4 non-Rfs at $125 ea is $500. THese are patchable and cheaply replaced. Replacing 4 RFs could easily cost over $1500 depending on size and the Plan could be between $600-$1500. That is a pretty big price difference for the same amount of tread wear. I'll spend it if I have to but I would certainly save it if I can (without other consequences).

[Michelle]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

Discussion found here Xoutpost.com - Search Results

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

Actually there are a number of matches. But you're
right the links keep failing.

Just an FYI (Barry I know you try to do this a lot), but you cannot link to search results. The link will not work.

MICHELLE'S HELPFUL TIP OF THE DAY:
To let someone know what you found -- (A) Post links to the individual threads that appeared in your search results or (B) Let the OP know what you entered in the search field to find the results.

[Quicksilver]

I can't answer you additional questions but I use the words
from your thread title "Tire & Wheel Protection" and thats
how I found the info. There are other threads listed using
that search criteria.

Hope it helps..

Regards

[RedRockin]

Here is a thread from Bimmerfest: Tire Hazard Insurance? - bimmerfest - BMW Forums it confirms the the plan is of value if you have the runflats. It also indicates that the Plan only covers BMW original equipment. In other words, if I were to put non-RFs the plan would not cover. So I am closer to concluding that if we must have the RFs, the plan looks worthwhile (and it still appears to be priced based on tire/wheel size and length of coverage). Equally, I am feeling that IF we can use non-RFs on the car, with no probs from BMW, that is a much less pricey way to go.