Run Flat Tire Insurance
 

Hey,
I'm picking up my X5 in a couple of weeks or at least that's what my sales guy is promising. I've been waiting for over 2 months now.
Anyhow, the sales guy is trying to convince me in to buying the runflat tire insurance. It's around $600 and good for 5 years. What do you guys think?

QJody.

IMHO, I think it's a good idea, considering the cost of these tires, and the way they seem to damage easier than regular tires (this policy also covers your snows too!..make sure they are "snowflake" brands though)...but do keep in mind, the prices on these "dealer added extras" are negotiable. I know I payed less for my tire insurance, for the same term. Mine has 19s, so I wouldn't be surprised if the tire insurance price is higher with 20s, and lower with 18s.
If you are taking other extras (like tint, boomerang, paint protection, etc..) you can sweeten the deal even more. There's alot of mark-up on these items, so go for the jugular!

I got it on my 545, considering how much a run flat or BMW rim costs, if you have a problem once..you've made twice your money.

I declined it, figuring that since I hadn't had a flat tire in 8 years, it might not be worth it. Of coarse I did get a flat after 2 months of driving my E70! The big problem was that they didn't have a single tire in stock and had to ship one in. It took more than 48 hours to change a tire! In the end though they charged me less than $400 for the new rubber so I am still ahead as long as I don't get another flat in 5 years!
I say buy it, but try to get it cheaper. Also see if your dealership even stocks the tires for your E70.
I'm in Canada BTW.

Just be very careful...I have heard stories of people making a claim on the insurance and having issues. Specifically there is a max per tire which does not cover the cost of runflats

BTW- If the tires are Michelin, look at the warranty.

IT COVERS ROAD HAZARD.

The basic warranty has a coverage called "ZP Assurance Plan" which covers road hazards.
http://www.michelinman.com/assets/pd...inwarranty.pdf

(see page 6)

I am having a tire replace for free today, as it has a slow leak in the tread and the dealer says it cant be replaced.

I got the road hazard protection. Paid $733.00 for 5 years of the Deluxe Coverage.

Per Occurrence Limit $400 for each Tire
Per Occurrence Limit $400 for each Wheel

Lifetime Benefit is $5,000.

Had a nail in one tire and it cost $770 to replace and mount it through BMW. I was given $70 off since I am a valued customer I guess. So I paid $300 out of pocket.

I saved $400 for having the insurance and I now have $4,600 remaining coverage. Minus what the insurance paid and my BMW bonus.... When you think about it... my insurance investment cost now is only $333.

One more claim and the coverage is paid for!

If you think that in 5 years you wont get a nail or blow out a tire.... I hope your right. I got a nail in the first 6 months. I have the 20" low profile tires. I had the 20" LowPro tires on my prior X5 before and they are nail magnets!!!

Yes, but in my case the insurance would have been a waste.
I just had a tire replaced for free by the Michelin dealer for a nail. Look at your run-flat warranty before throwing money away on third party coverage.

See the link I posted above for the Michelin coverage...even my dealer was surprised at the coverage.

U.S.A. - 3 , Canada - 0
 

Great Find!

Seems like the first 24 months are full replacement, with an additional 4 years of pro-rated coverage...very nice for you U.S X5 owners!

However, looks like this is yet another area where Canadians are getting screwed......the warranty specifically limits these claims to the United States.
Oh well, maybe Canadians get a similar warranty from our branch of the relevant tire company...but I doubt it! I'll let you guys know when I get mine in about a month....unless, any existing Canadian owner would like to chime in on this issue ???

Looks like U.S.A - 3, Canada - 0 !!!

Scoring for the U.S......stand-alone active steering option, available comfort seats, and now.... free tire warranty!!

Please check out page 3 of the coverage PDF...

WHAT IS NOT COVERED
Tires which become unserviceable due to:
Road hazard injury (puncture)

If they replaced your tire for free.... it was done in error and not in accordance with their written warranty.

I would enjoy seeing some other written proof that says the manufacturer is willing to replace a properly made tire that was damaged due to some outside source.

No, you need to read the entire warranty. The page you are refering to is for standard tires. Page 5 is for our tires.

It is an extended coverage specifically for ZP tires. I called the 800 number and confirmed the coverage, IT EXISTS. They sent me to a local dealer who inspected the tire and replaced it...FREE.

The ZP Assurance Plan
In addition to the limited warranty coverage described above,
Michelin® Self-Supporting Zero Pressure™ (ZP) tires also carry
Michelin’s exclusive ZP Assurance Plan.
Most tire punctures can be repaired if the puncturing object is
removed at the first signs of tire air loss. No tire, regardless of its
quality, is indestructible and even a self-supporting zero pressure
tire can be rendered unserviceable by road hazard injury. If this
happens, Michelin® will replace your tire under the same terms
and conditions described in HOW REPLACEMENT CHARGES ARE
CALCULATED. This ZP Assurance Plan is not a warranty or protection
against all road hazard injuries. It is an added value to the
consumer which provides for replacement of tires that come out
of service as the result of conditions not covered by the limited
warranty.