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2011 535i Tires and Rims

48 messages,  Last post on Dec 07, 2011 at 6:15 AM

You are in the BMW 5-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Sedan

Messages Page 5 of 6

#32 of 48 Re: Rim and tire problems 535xi [shipo] by james_m3

Oct 18, 2011 (9:30 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Oct 18, 2011 3:12 am)
My 2011 535 is a lease that includes the sport package option. I haven't upsized anything, or purchased any aftermarket products. I've had so much damage to my tires and wheels in the last 10 months that I'm having to change my driving routes in order to avoid "rough" roads (in Los Angeles... paved roads). I'm having to drive like a pussycat! I also avoid valet parking because I'm worried that the attendant will damage the tires. I've leased many BMW's over the years. Never seen a problem like this, or even heard of a problem like this on any other car. Truly unfortunate.

#33 of 48 Re: Rim and tire problems 535xi [james_m3] by shipo

Oct 19, 2011 (3:15 am)

Replying to: james_m3 (Oct 18, 2011 9:30 pm)
If I recall correctly you have in fact upsized the wheels. I may be confusing you with someone else, but if I recall correctly you purchased not only the Sport Package, but you also sprang for the larger wheel option. How does that not qualify as upsizing the wheels?
 
Just to make sure I'm not confusing your post with that from another, what wheel and tire size are you running?

#34 of 48 Re: Rim and tire problems 535xi [shipo] by techman9

Oct 19, 2011 (3:56 am)

Replying to: shipo (Oct 19, 2011 3:15 am)
The sport package comes only with 19' wheels, that is what my car had. Actually thinking about it the disclaimer that you speak about so often that comes on almost every wheel that BMW sells should come on the sport package option itself. " May not be suitable to drive over roads that every other car can.

#35 of 48 Re: Rim and tire problems 535xi [james_m3] by techman9

Oct 19, 2011 (4:10 am)

Replying to: james_m3 (Oct 18, 2011 9:30 pm)
James same problem here. Avoiding roads, and cringing every time you go over a bump. If you have not already done so, file a complaint with the NHTSA. The more complaints they receive the greater the chances are they will act on a resolution for this issue. Second if you haven't spoken with BMW customer support do so today. This will be a battle but just be direct and respectful during the conversation, insist that you meet with someone from BMW. They will most likely refer you to a dealer. Let then know that you are concerned for your safety in this vehicle. This problem is very much a safety issue. After you hang up with BMW CS, assuming that your vehicle is leased through BMW Financial, speak to a CS rep there and tell them the same thing that you are driving a BMW leased vehicle that has enormous safety concerns. They are also a party in this issue and speaking to the correct person may help you to get some action.
 
I think you safety is worth a few phone calls while stuck in LA traffic.
Let me know how you make out.

#36 of 48 Re: Rim and tire problems 535xi [techman9] by shipo

Oct 19, 2011 (7:36 am)

Replying to: techman9 (Oct 19, 2011 3:56 am)
"The sport package comes only with 19' wheels, that is what my car had."
 
Silly me, I was looking at the BMW USA web site which indicates the Sport Package of some models of the 5-Series can be had with the following:
 - 19" Light alloy Y-spoke wheels style 315-with performance run-flat tires
 - 20" Light alloy Double-spoke wheels style 316-with performance run-flat tires
 
I guess you know better.
 
"Actually thinking about it the disclaimer that you speak about so often that comes on almost every wheel that BMW sells should come on the sport package option itself."
 
As far as I know, all Sport Package equipped 5-Series models come with the disclaimer regarding the low profile tires.

#37 of 48 Re: Rim and tire problems 535xi [shipo] by busiris

Oct 25, 2011 (10:02 am)

Replying to: shipo (Oct 19, 2011 7:36 am)
I've been keeping up with this forum for a while, and I am in agreement with you.
 
I have no doubt that many dealers fail to adequately explain the issues with low-roller tires to potential customers (as few salesfolks wish to do anything negative in the sales process), but we are talking about purchases well above the $50K range here. I know when I spend that kind of coin, I do a bit of research before-hand, so that I know EXACTLY what I am getting in on...
 
BMW has made it pretty clear that RFT's are its offering, so I really don't have much sympathy for one who purchases a new BMW and then realizes later it came equipped with RFT's and no spare. Like you, I would prefer BMW offer alternative tires (and at lease a place to store a space-saver spare), but the company sees differently. Since they continue to set sales records, especially in difficult economic times, it speaks volumes about how little the "important and significant" issue is to new BMW buyers.
 
No doubt a low-profile RFT is tougher on a wheel rim than a comparable GFT, but I can take you to a local wheel repair shop that has no shortage of work in repairing rims that were bent running GFT's, so it obviously occurs across the board...RFT's AND GFT's.
 
To me, the real issue being avoided is our road and highway decline. Everyone wants a smooth road and no potholes, but much fewer are willing to pay the road taxes required to keep our roads in the shape needed. Its an age-old problem.
 
I think its human nature to want to blame someone else for bad things that happen to us, and in these particular cases, its easier to blame BMW for bent wheels than to accept responsibility for buying a product that needs an extra amount of "attention to detail" when being used in order to avoid damage.
 
So, the comment another poster wrote about BMW needing to state a warning that BMW wheels may sustain damage on roads that will cause no damage to any other manufacturer's wheels/tires rings hollow for me...

#38 of 48 Re: Rim and tire problems 535xi [shipo] by james_m3

Nov 03, 2011 (11:18 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Oct 19, 2011 3:15 am)
No, I didn't upsize the wheels. I know there are other James's on this thread. Perhaps you did confuse me with a different James. I ordered the basic Sport Package. Nothing else.
Having been a huge BMW fan and consistent owner for so many years, I must say that I'm very sad about this whole thing. Knowing how conservatively I drive, and where I drive, I still maintain that BMW should be taking responsibility for this problem.

#39 of 48 Re: Rim and tire problems 535xi [techman9] by james_m3

Nov 03, 2011 (11:31 pm)

Replying to: techman9 (Oct 19, 2011 4:10 am)
I took your advice and contacted BMW Customer Service. Had some very lengthy and polite conversations. Bottom line: they claim there has not been a higher number of tire/wheel complaints since they have been equipping their cars with RFT's and larger wheels. I was told, therefore, that the continuous damage to my tires and wheels are the result of potholes in the street.
For 10 months, I have been driving a car that shimmies and shakes at certain speeds. It drives me crazy. And I'm paying so much for this lease!

#40 of 48 Re: Rim and tire problems 535xi [james_m3] by techman9

Nov 06, 2011 (9:26 am)

Replying to: james_m3 (Nov 03, 2011 11:31 pm)
I understand the your predicament. Go back to the dealer where you leased your vehicle, and don't back down. See if they will exchange the wheels on the vehicle for 18" conventional tires. Ask them to fight the fight, I have a feeling they will be more willing to help you. I know my dealer eventually came around and assisted me.
 
How much longer on the lease?

#41 of 48 Re: Rim and tire problems 535xi [techman9] by james27

Nov 06, 2011 (2:20 pm)

Replying to: techman9 (Nov 06, 2011 9:26 am)
Keep in mind that with a conventional tire, if you go with one of the kits like that from Continental, when you use it, you will also end up buying a new TPS, as the goop used to seal the hole will also gum up the TPS...that adds at least another $50 to the repair bill, plus the fee for dismounting, cleaning, patching. If anything, a runflat should help preserve a wheel as it is designed to hug and protect the rim much more than a conventional one. The biggest killer is the low-profile tires from upsized wheels.

Messages Page 5 of 6

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