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!