Dealers will sometimes price match on tires---just ask them to see if they do. Of course, you have to figure in shipping from Tirerack into the equation when looking at total cost.

My dealer emailed me an offer yesterday. If I buy 4 new tires and alignment, they will give me a free detailing (worth $199). I thought WTF!

I would never take them up on such a ridiculous offer.

Of course I asked them but they said the price is what the price is, take or leave it. So I said no thanks, I'll order them online. Shipping 2 tires from tirerack is $40 still about $160 cheaper than dealer for the same exact tire.

Have you had your car detailed before from them? Some dealers are tricky with their definition of detailing which does not even include claying and polishing.

No, my X5 has only been detailed by Phil (when new) and by me since then. Definitely wouldn't have it done by dealer.

Lsdt time my dealer "detailed" my 335i, I had to spend almost an entire day and used a harsher compound to remove all the spider web they've put on the paint.

I've asked my advisor to write as a note on my file: Don't bother washing the exterior, vaccuum the interior instead.

My dealer knows not to take mine through their automatic wash---it says on my front info page "DO NOT WASH !!!"

I print a note in 72pt font, DO NOT WASH, DO NOT DETAIL. I tape it to the dash so it sits over the speedo, AND I place one under the wiper blades.

Below this, in 24pt font is:
No Permission to Operate Vehicle off dealership property

And all three repeated on the work order when I sign it.

Same here !! They made such a mess on my wife's X5, I told the advisor to leave it alone next time. Sad......

As far as the tires go, I would go with TireRack. I am actually going to need tires before the winter but this time around I am ditching the runflats since they have goten so loud in the last couple of months and are so harsh that it feels like I am driving a bus. Going for an all season tire such as Contis DWS. The only downside is that now I have to buy the spare kit.

I purchased my tires via Tirerack.com and then had BMW of Austin install them since I have nitrogen. They will refill the nitrogen for free. $115 for the install.

Cheers,
Rob