Wheel Question

[prosell]

I purchased a 545 in August. I got it with the sport package (18"). Recently, I noticed that the front drivers wheel was humming. When I took it in to Goodyear for a balance they told me that I have 3 bent rims! I haven't been offroading Is this normal for a car with 6k miles?

 

[bahnstormer]

depends how hard u hit some potholes...
but why go to goodyear when u have a new
car and a dealer to go to? warranty...

 

[Big Daddy]

I agree, take it to the dealer, if it has not been abused it is covered under warranty.

 

[wolverine]

I agree, take it to the dealer, if it has not been abused it is covered under warranty.

Actually, dealers will not normally cover damage to the car such as bent rims unless the parts are defective. I do know that BMW has been having some problems with the wheels on the sports package, and the dealer/BMW might give you a break. I would search some of the other forums for the same problem. Also, I would write a letter/email to BMWNA and I would start working with your dealer. 3 bent rims sounds pretty extreme if you didn't even notice when they happened.

 

[Big Daddy]

Notice I said if it "has not been abused" it is covered under warranty? The dealer must warranty the wheels, unless he is going to claim abuse. If the wheels are bent and they were not abused they are defective, further if there are "problems" with the sport package wheels, BMW is that much more responsible for the repair

 

[wolverine]

Notice I said if it "has not been abused" it is covered under warranty? The dealer must warranty the wheels, unless he is going to claim abuse. If the wheels are bent and they were not abused they are defective, further if there are "problems" with the sport package wheels, BMW is that much more responsible for the repair

My point was that dealers rarely will replace bent rims. The problems I'm aware of involve cracked rims. If the rims are bent, they will assume you 'abused' them. People bend rims all the time hitting potholes, curbs, whatever. How will you prove otherwise? Good luck.

 

[Bubba]

Definitely take it to the dealer and see what they can do for you. There may have been a problem with the suspension, tires, or wheels. I doubt they will give you anything, but I would like to hear about it when you resolve this.

You have large wheels, low profile tires, and hard suspension. It can be rough on rims. Another likely possibility is tire pressure. If the pressure was low due to a leak, original installation, or cold weather you could easily bend multiple rims and not know it.

I bent a front rim on a car with multiple passengers, and a big pot hole in New Orleans. I also bent the rear rim on my motorcycle due to low tire pressure. I was just lucky with that one.

Also depending on the rim damage, there are shops that can work with them or straighten them. I would not recommend this if the damage is at all bad.

Good luck. At least you caught it before one of the tires failed.