Cracked BMW Alloys, not covered by warranty!

dwhelan · Joined: 11 Oct 2009 Posts: 1

Hi. I seem to be having the same problem with my BMW 325 M Sport Convertible. It is 17 months old and has 16000 miles on the clock. Have now been advised that the 2 rear rims are cracked and will have to be replaced. Have not spoken to BMW yet but would love to see the e-mail someone else on the forum mentioned.

There is also a BBC Journalist interested in this problem. I can give his details if anyone is interested.

NetDude · Joined: 15 Oct 2009 Posts: 1

Just two days ago my right front tire was 3lbs deficient of air. Upon taking it to the BMW dealership here in San Jose, California, USA, I was told that the problem is possibly due to a hairline fracture in the rim. They've since added more air and I'm waiting to see what happens. It will be very disappointing if the tire runs flat again because of a fracture. We'll see. I'll keep everyone posted.

tattycat · Joined: 19 Oct 2009 Posts: 2

I drive a 57reg 325d Msport convertible with 10k on the clock, fitted with runflats.The car was bought at 6 months old.About 6 months ago the runflat warning went off so I duly filled the tyres with air & reset system- all fine. Last month the warning went again &then again 2 days later. Husband took car in to tyre specialists, who fitted 2 new rear tyres & warned of a slight crack in 1 alloy. Since then the warning has gone off twice more with about 15psi left in tyre. We are having to monitor pressure weekly & reinflate. The car is due its first service soon so would appreciate some advice on how to tackle dealer. The posts on this issue are alarming me, particularly as I drive regularly on motorways with my kids in the car.

Kippax · Joined: 05 Nov 2009 Posts: 1

Exact same porblem here. Only driven 15k miles in a brand new 325i convertible with 19 inch wheels and two rear tyres plus one cracked alloy need replacing = £1200. Replaced one tyre because I had too but loathe to shell out for a new alloy for what seems to be a common problem not covered by warranty. If previous posters could pass on details of BBC guy or the BMW contact would be appreciated. There is obviously an inhderent problem here that BMW need to address. I am currently driving on the cracked alloy constantly checking the pressure. Is this a serious risk?

tattycat · Joined: 19 Oct 2009 Posts: 2

Update on my problem- had to drive to Manchester on business & ended up stopping 3 times to check&re-inflate tyre! This is getting beyond a joke now. Crying or Very sad

Is it true that BMW have withdrawn the 19" alloy & will not fit them to new cars?

bobbie · Joined: 07 Oct 2009 Posts: 2

Hi,
Bob here from BBC Watchdog.
The latest from BMW - as of Thursday last week - is that they have stopped selling new 19" wheels, while they try to find out what is going on. They are not accepting liability.

I've heard on the grapevine that some drivers who've previously been told they caused the damage by hitting potholes, are now getting the cost of replacements paid for by BMW.
It would be interesting to see if any of you get the same experience. Keep me posted on bob.jefford@bbc.co.uk

Meantime, anyone who has had a problem should call the customer services line at BMW's Bracknell headquarters, even if you've previously complained to BMW. They say they are going to re-investigate all the cases.
The number is 0800 777 129.
Bob