[Snowbird]

Hi guys, picked up 2009 E92 328i from Kero's auto broker over the weekend . The car drives great and will bring it to BMW Seattle for a complete check up. but today I found a piece of trim? under the passenger seat, anyone know what this is? Also the rear passenger tire looks new but have some tire damage close to the wheel, sales person told me its to protect the rim . Any advise will be appreciated.

P.S. how do i tell if my car is build in Germany or SA? - SOLVED. Found the VIN with P so its Germany

The broken piece - SOLVED its a window trim from another BMW.

Tires- SOLVED Seattle BMW suggest changing all 4 tires for 1785

[Raman335i]

Your tire damage should be fine, its just cosmetic.

[jonnylin1]

That will be okay, i've gotten a worse cut on my winter wheels when i had my WRX, still beasted that tire for like 6 months with no issues lol.

[atown88]

I too purchased a wheel with similar tire damage. Depending on how deep that chunk is will determine your need to replace. Some will say that that damage just makes it all the more susceptible to further damage. If I had the money, i'd replace all 4 wheels anyway.

Also, is that the trim that wraps around the bottom of the seat where the buttons normally are?

Oh yeah, CONGRATS! I work pretty close to Keros so i'm always checkin out the rides they have.

[Snowbird]

Thanks for the advise, yea I would've just replace it too, but its like 350 a pop . So we will see how it holds up. Eddie at Kero's told me if the side wall of a RFT is damaged it will start to "bubble". Will keep an eye on it.

Still can not find out where that piece fits, I look under both seats but couldn't really tell where's missing a trim. Even went look at seat diagram for parts and still could not figure it out. You think they will just drop something there to mess with me ?

[Snowbird]

Just to follow up, went to BMW Seattle yesterday for inspection, SA Tony took care of me and told me that's a piece for window trim for another BMW !!!

The inspection also reveal that front suspension thrust rod bushings cracked (normal wear) and cost around 620 to replace. Also suggest change all tires for 1785. Own the car for 5 days and already in for 2500. ANYONE got good tires to sell ? Maybe those flooded BMW in NY and NJ, sell me your RFT for cheap !!! .

[Taran.J]

I'm selling 16" type 268 wheels with brand new RFT's from the dealership when I bought the car. Pm me if interested

[.Lindsay.]

Originally Posted by Snowbird

ANYONE got good tires to sell ? Maybe those flooded BMW in NY and NJ, sell me your RFT for cheap !!! .

I have two run flats in the garage. Ill have to check on the details because I don't remember what size they are or anything- they were on the car when I bought it. Would sell for cheap if you're interested

[andybui82]

Originally Posted by Snowbird

Just to follow up, went to BMW Seattle yesterday for inspection, SA Tony took care of me and told me that's a piece for window trim for another BMW !!!

The inspection also reveal that front suspension thrust rod bushings cracked (normal wear) and cost around 620 to replace. Also suggest change all tires for 1785. Own the car for 5 days and already in for 2500. ANYONE got good tires to sell ? Maybe those flooded BMW in NY and NJ, sell me your RFT for cheap !!! .

my advice...dont get RFT. go with other tires that are much cheaper and better. Im on rft right now cause it came with the car.

[Snowbird]

Originally Posted by .Lindsay.

I have two run flats in the garage. Ill have to check on the details because I don't remember what size they are or anything- they were on the car when I bought it. Would sell for cheap if you're interested

Hi Lindsay, let me know the detail and tread left. in the mean time searching for regular tires online. Where do you guys go for installation and alignment (do i need that? ). Went to Wal-Mart for my Altima, but guess not for the BMW.

[andybui82]

Originally Posted by Snowbird

Hi Lindsay, let me know the detail and tread left. in the mean time searching for regular tires online. Where do you guys go for installation and alignment (do i need that? ). Went to Wal-Mart for my Altima, but guess not for the BMW.

i heard wal mart has a good selection of tires. never been. well if you are getting same size wheels then you dont need an alignment.

[m34SPD]

Don't the Germany build VIN cars start with W? Why do you have a P?

[atown88]

Do NOT go RFT. Unless you're ultra paranoid about getting a flat and not getting help, non RFT's feel and handle way better. Those RFT felt like rocks on my car. You can get a decent set of wheels and tires for that price, and not be stuck with 16's.

Discount tire has tires that you can get for like, 120-180 per.

My advice to you, (from my mistake) is to buy a set of wheels now since you're buying new rubber. I regretfully spent like 700$ on tires for the stock 16s. almost 1k on tires for a set of 18's, and now 1200 for my 19s. All within 2 years. Save yourself the time and money and do it right the first time.

[.Lindsay.]

Originally Posted by Snowbird

Hi Lindsay, let me know the detail and tread left. in the mean time searching for regular tires online. Where do you guys go for installation and alignment (do i need that? ). Went to Wal-Mart for my Altima, but guess not for the BMW.

I'll let you know what size, tread, etc when I get home tonight.

Also, Discount Tire is about the only place that gets my business. I've occasionally just ordered off Tirerack.com and paid to have them mounted and balanced, but Discount is an easier route to go if you dont have a hookup on the mount/balance part. Discount does price matching and offers some of the best customer service, and they're experienced with modified cars/wheels.

[Snowbird]

Originally Posted by atown88

My advice to you, (from my mistake) is to buy a set of wheels now since you're buying new rubber. I regretfully spent like 700$ on tires for the stock 16s. almost 1k on tires for a set of 18's, and now 1200 for my 19s. All within 2 years. Save yourself the time and money and do it right the first time.

Well I have the stock 18s on, I think that's the standard for coupe so just need rubber for now, I am happy with the wheels.

Yea I got my Altima's tire from discounted tire direct last time when they have a 100 mail in rebate promotion and mounted at Wal Mart. Will look into that too.

[atown88]

Oh ok, you have the 193s?

[Snowbird]

Originally Posted by atown88

Oh ok, you have the 193s?

I have the 197s. Looks great !!!

[Snowbird]

Originally Posted by jattditutti

Don't the Germany build VIN cars start with W? Why do you have a P?

Nope, see the following link.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=102071

People are debating SA and Germany build quality should be the same. I think it makes no difference other than the vin is different. Its not like people gonna see your BMW and said its build in S. Africa .. xD

[atown88]

Originally Posted by Snowbird

I have the 197s. Looks great !!!

197's yeah thats what I meant. Lol Although 193's are one of my favorite wheels. I was trying to find a set of 197's a while back, nice wheels.

[andybui82]

Originally Posted by atown88

197's yeah thats what I meant. Lol Although 193's are one of my favorite wheels. I was trying to find a set of 197's a while back, nice wheels.

there you go trying to find stock wheels again.

[atown88]

Originally Posted by andybui82

there you go trying to find stock wheels again.

[Snowbird]

Originally Posted by andybui82

there you go trying to find stock wheels again.

He did said it was a while back

Project pending, front thrust rod bushings, brake bleed/cabin microfilter, and oem Alarm. BMW really cost money to run and maintain big thanks to the forum and everyone in the community.