We’ve all done it, hit a kerb hard, or clobber and even hit that mysterious pothole and expected to have cracked an alloy, but what if the damage occurs without any obvious cause? BMW investigates as its a situation which has faced many BMW 3 Series owners recently and like most unfortunate BMW owners the wheels weren’t covered under warranty.
It seems to be a recurring issue with 19-inch alloys with run-flat tyres. The BBC’s Watchdog programme highlighted the issue in October 2009 and BMW’s initial response was to stand its ground, saying: ‘Every one of these [cracked alloys] has been investigated by our specialist technicians and in every case the wheels concerned have shown signs of impact damage, which have resulted in the cracking.’ A fair argument in any case, however under mounting pressure, BMW has now changed its position. They have decided to stop offering customers the affected 19-inch wheels on new vehicles while they look into this matter, also quoting that their actions should not be interpreted as acceptance of liability, but rather as a clear sign that we take our customers’ concerns very seriously. Also another fair argument.
Since this debate has come about in some cases that earlier decisions to reject warranty claims have been reversed. BMW is now replacing cracked 19-inch alloys with run-flats unless there are clear visual indications of impact damage. Warning has gone out to owners of BMW 3 Series with 19” alloys wheel but it is the last thing you’d expect from a nice new BMW. Scotland has some terrible roads and dealerships have also been reimbursing new tyres and new alloys to combat this issue.
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