[X]
Write ReviewJump to 
7
Helpful
Votes
Votes
BMW Complaint - Run Flat Tires:Damaging & Unacceptably Rough Ride! - 2009 335xi with RFTs
2009 335xi with RFTs - Complaint
It is with great disappointment that I write this note. Since purchasing my 335xi with great anticipation of having the greatest driving experience of my life, I have, instead, avoided driving after experiencing the incredible roughness, rim-damaging impact at any pothole of any size (even small deviations from smooth pavement), and increased expense I have associated with the run-flat tires on the sport wheels I was strongly advised to purchase with my vehicle.
When I purchased this vehicle, I was led to believe that the cost of driving, particularly regarding maintenance, was miniscule due to the excellent coverage associated with the initial Ultimate Warranty policy. Why then would you subject drivers to such a harsh riding vehicle that becomes damaged every time there is even a minor bump in the road. When I drive over any deformity from smooth pavement, it feels like I’m on a boat and I’ve crashed into a rock. These tires offer no protection or cushioning from minor road imperfections. In the city, uneven pavement is a norm!
I have already had to pay for one new rim and new tire even before I accumulated 5,000 miles on the vehicle. Because the walls of these tires are more rigid, they do not absorb shock and if they deform it can be permanent requiring immediate replacement. And two of my other rims are dented, although not to the extent that they required immediate replacement. I have been driving exceedingly carefully, with my eyes glued to the road ahead as if I were expecting a land mine. Still, it is impossible to dodge every road imperfection.
Although I believed I was relatively informed about BMW’s, I believed that tires would be the least of my concerns. As it turns out, I am completely uncomfortable driving this vehicle anywhere. For a vehicle that cost nearly $60,000, I was expecting the car by which all prior driving experiences would pale by comparison in their inferiority. I can honestly say that I would prefer driving my 1969 VW Beetle or the Mazda GLC I once owned than the vehicle you have sold me due to the persistent discomfort and hypervigilance I experience knowing that, at any moment, a small pothole will cost me having to pay for a new tire and rim or worse.
Having read through one or two blogs, it is clear that my experience is not unique in this regard. I am writing you to find out what your company is doing to remedy these issues for drivers like me who purchased these expensive vehicles in good faith and were misled by their dealers and your company to outfit these cars with these poorly designed tires which are also responsible for the damage to my rims and what other untold damage to the chassis and other structural elements due to these tires.
When I purchased this vehicle, I was led to believe that the cost of driving, particularly regarding maintenance, was miniscule due to the excellent coverage associated with the initial Ultimate Warranty policy. Why then would you subject drivers to such a harsh riding vehicle that becomes damaged every time there is even a minor bump in the road. When I drive over any deformity from smooth pavement, it feels like I’m on a boat and I’ve crashed into a rock. These tires offer no protection or cushioning from minor road imperfections. In the city, uneven pavement is a norm!
I have already had to pay for one new rim and new tire even before I accumulated 5,000 miles on the vehicle. Because the walls of these tires are more rigid, they do not absorb shock and if they deform it can be permanent requiring immediate replacement. And two of my other rims are dented, although not to the extent that they required immediate replacement. I have been driving exceedingly carefully, with my eyes glued to the road ahead as if I were expecting a land mine. Still, it is impossible to dodge every road imperfection.
Although I believed I was relatively informed about BMW’s, I believed that tires would be the least of my concerns. As it turns out, I am completely uncomfortable driving this vehicle anywhere. For a vehicle that cost nearly $60,000, I was expecting the car by which all prior driving experiences would pale by comparison in their inferiority. I can honestly say that I would prefer driving my 1969 VW Beetle or the Mazda GLC I once owned than the vehicle you have sold me due to the persistent discomfort and hypervigilance I experience knowing that, at any moment, a small pothole will cost me having to pay for a new tire and rim or worse.
Having read through one or two blogs, it is clear that my experience is not unique in this regard. I am writing you to find out what your company is doing to remedy these issues for drivers like me who purchased these expensive vehicles in good faith and were misled by their dealers and your company to outfit these cars with these poorly designed tires which are also responsible for the damage to my rims and what other untold damage to the chassis and other structural elements due to these tires.
Comments:
Posted by Hugh_Jorgen on 2009-12-21:
For what it's worth, see if you can find someone that wants a set of run flat wheels and tires and see if you can do a swap. Perhaps your dealer knows someone that wanted the run flat's and didn't get them.
Either that, or buy new wheels and tires and sell your old ones to people that damage theirs - sounds like there might be a good market for those wheels.
Either that, or buy new wheels and tires and sell your old ones to people that damage theirs - sounds like there might be a good market for those wheels.
Posted by Class Advocate on 2009-12-21:
There are dozens of pending class action lawsuits against BMW and tire manufacturers relating to the durability of run flat tires. Just do a couple of simple google searches.
Posted by redmx3racer on 2009-12-21:
That is what happens when you opt for the "performance" option, your ride quality suffers. Low profile tires (which run flats are) are not going to ride as good as a taller tire.
A tip-when you see a pot hole, don't hit it, go around it whenever possible. Even if you drive an SUV/truck whatever it is a good idea-less chance of tire/wheel damage, knocking your alignment out of wack etc.
A tip-when you see a pot hole, don't hit it, go around it whenever possible. Even if you drive an SUV/truck whatever it is a good idea-less chance of tire/wheel damage, knocking your alignment out of wack etc.
Posted by Slimjim on 2009-12-21:
Sounds like a fair complaint to me. It's one thing to have a rougher ride on performance tires, and another to have the tire unable to protect the rims under normal conditions.
Posted by PepperElf on 2009-12-21:
to be honest i never considered getting run-flats
think i'll stick with my current tire plan - full spare in the trunk and AAA.
ain't ever had more than one tire go flat at the same time.
=)
think i'll stick with my current tire plan - full spare in the trunk and AAA.
ain't ever had more than one tire go flat at the same time.
=)
Note: All comments are reviewed by a moderator before being published. Please be sure to read our guidelines before commenting.
Company Reps: Post your company response!
Recently Discussed:
- Don't buy a BMW - No warranty coverage for a known defect.
- No-Cost Maintenance
- "2006 BMW 750LI Valve Job at 75,000 miles car is a waste of money" - BMW would not step up at all!!!
- Non-existent Roadside assistance and Customer Service that ignores you - Roadside assistance and Customer Service
- Add To The List of Horror Stories With Garages! - 15 Point Fall Inspection for $29.95