Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[KEVIN88GT]

My 17 inch RFT turanzas were under recall and I had them replaced at the dealership with 2 brand new tires. Now a huge sidewall bubble in one of them after about 200 miles.

what do I do?... Is there anything that I CAN do? I dont remember hitting any potholes.... and I've driven 7000k miles on the tires they replaced with no visible damage (road noise was the issue).

Would the tire manufacturer do anything at this point?

Thanks guys

[OtuaCarGod]

mostly here to subscribe. My bridgestones feathered after only 7k mi and the dealer told me BMW would only pay for 1/2 the cost of a new set of 4. I haven't done anything yet. I didn't see the point in me paying for 1/2 the cost of overprices tires that would also be defective.

I would reccomend you call the dealer that replaced your tires and complain. Don't bitch, just say there's an issue and ask how they can help you.

[lacartus]

Originally Posted by OtuaCarGod

mostly here to subscribe. My bridgestones feathered after only 7k mi and the dealer told me BMW would only pay for 1/2 the cost of a new set of 4. I haven't done anything yet. I didn't see the point in me paying for 1/2 the cost of overprices tires that would also be defective.

Did the dealer check your alignment in response to the feathered tires? I did alignments/tires in college and every case of feathering I saw was due to an alignment issue (or something bent/worn in the suspension, which affected the alignment statically or dynamically). Tire defect claims were for: blisters, separation, too much weight to balance, etc.

It sounds like the dealer was quoting the treadwear warranty for the tire, which is more like insurance in that they pro-rate for the replacement cost...although I would think they'd offer more than 50% compensation on 7000 miles since that translates to 14k miles for full-life, which is way short of most tire warranties (usually 30-40-50k).

[de.abeja]

Kinda OT, but related... my stupid tire pressure monitoring (TPMS) light went off and will not reset. I was checking my tire pressures everyday for a few days when I just noticed a sidewall bubble! I have not curb checked teh wheels or anything. OP..What did your dealer say about your sidewall bubble?

[KEVIN88GT]

I just realized today that I have the "Auto Club" tire warranty... they'll cover it so I'll call them tomorrow... no need 2 bother the dealer...as they'll probably not do anything about it since it was a road hazard... no matter the amount of miles...

[BMW MotorSport]

That's why everybody needs to get rid of those noisy, heavy, expensive, and poor handling tires. P.S. one run flat tire costs just as much as an entire set of my generals.

[KEVIN88GT]

I wouldnt mind changing to non RFT tires but the fact there is no designated room in trunk for spare and the fact that @ end of lease they'll require RFT's to be on the car (meaning I'll have to shell out ANOTHER grand)...makes me stick with them...

[UncleWede]

Originally Posted by OtuaCarGod

My bridgestones feathered after only 7k mi and the dealer told me BMW would only pay for 1/2 the cost of a new set of 4. .

Dealer lied to you. If you got the complaint on record with your SA and the mileage is noted, go see them. Under 10K it's free, between 10 and 20 it's 1/2.

And as a consideration, it doesn't HAVE to be the dealer's choice. I replaced mine on my own, then got re-imbursed from BMW NA for 1/2 the costs I incurred because mine were so noisy. It takes a bit longer, but might be worth it in the end. Actually, I think they were happy to pay my costs since the Contis were less.

If you need to stick with the RFT, definitely take a look at the Contis

[turbotko]

Yeah, the Turanza's just don't wear right on these cars. It has nothing to do with the alignment being out other than these cars run a pretty aggressive alignment anyway.

Almost evertime I've ever seen a sidewall bubble it's been caused by an impact. If you look closely, you can probably see a mark on the lip of the wheel where the tire rolled up over the lip when you hit the pothole, that's always the tell tale sign. It will be a very light black mark from the rubber hitting the lip of the wheel.

Use your road hazard because if the dealer will most likely say it was from an impact and won't cover it.

[voltron1011]

Originally Posted by BMW MotorSport

That's why everybody needs to get rid of those noisy, heavy, expensive, and poor handling tires. P.S. one run flat tire costs just as much as an entire set of my generals.

That's funny you mention that, because I paid as much for my 18' rims and tires (4 162's) combo as it would've cost for 4 RFT tires by themselves.

[magamaga]

Dealer replaced mine at 9k and now at 19k the tires are making the same noise. They replaced them with a new set of Turanzas. I'm gonna take it in tomorrow and see what they say.

[integratedpower]

i have 18" and it also has a sidewall bubble on the front driver side tire... would these also be covered under the tsb?

[magamaga]

Update! : Took the car in and told SA about noisy tires again. At 19K the SA said they would ask BMWUSA. They did, and offered to replace tires at half price. I took the car in and it's already ready with 4 new Conti's installed and I am paying $294.00 .


Hope this helps anyone interested

Originally Posted by magamaga

Dealer replaced mine at 9k and now at 19k the tires are making the same noise. They replaced them with a new set of Turanzas. I'm gonna take it in tomorrow and see what they say.

[voltron1011]

Originally Posted by magamaga

Update! : I am paying $294.00 .

I hope that's not per tire, right?

[magamaga]

Nope. That's 294 total. It turns out also the BMW SA is quitting to go work at the parts department at Volvo down the Freeway!....

[BMWdmk]

i was told the reason why side bubbles form
is because of a tiny cut on the inside of the tire

[Bobby_Light]

Originally Posted by OtuaCarGod

mostly here to subscribe. My bridgestones feathered after only 7k mi and the dealer told me BMW would only pay for 1/2 the cost of a new set of 4. I haven't done anything yet. I didn't see the point in me paying for 1/2 the cost of overprices tires that would also be defective.

I would reccomend you call the dealer that replaced your tires and complain. Don't bitch, just say there's an issue and ask how they can help you.

You should have the affected tires replaced for FREE if you are below 10k miles per this service bulletin.

http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/...p/B360606g.htm

Do not accept the half price bologna unless you are over 10k miles. I had all four of my 17'' Turanza RFTs replaced at 9700 miles. My SA said to bring it in again if the new tires started to exhibit the feathering as well.

[xdrive]

I have 1 bridgestone RFTs 17" for sale. If you want to buy it you can PM me. It has about 10k miles on it, so it'll last for another 10k?