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[afisherunc]

I have a dilemma.

My driver's side front tire went flat and has to be replaced. It's an RFT, as are all four tires currently on my car. I wanted the dealership to replace both front tires with non-RFTs, and later replace the rear tires as they wore down. They were OK with this on Thursday but said my new tires would not come in until today.

Now that my two new non-RFTs have come it, they tell me it's a BMW policy not to replace the RFTs with non-RFTs unless ALL FOUR RFTs are taken off and non-RFTs are put on.

Have you ever heard of this policy? Thanks.

If so: selling 3 Dunlop RFTs with 11k miles :P

Also, has anyone ever ordered their own tires and had BMW install them? They are trying to charge me $200 for each Hankook Ventus V12 on the front, and around $230 for the rear.

[b1aze]

Theres no reason you cant have this work done at another local tire shop. There are plenty around that can get you what you need and charge you less.

[bmw1racer]

Originally Posted by afisherunc

Now that my two new non-RFTs have come it, they tell me it's a BMW policy not to replace the RFTs with non-RFTs unless ALL FOUR RFTs are taken off and non-RFTs are put on.

Have you ever heard of this policy? Thanks.

Sounds like bait and switch... Did you put any money up front?

If not, I'd refuse the sale and let them eat it.

Also, has anyone ever ordered their own tires and had BMW install them? They are trying to charge me $200 for each Hankook Ventus V12 on the front, and around $230 for the rear.

Just for installation?

That's outrageously overpriced... I wouldn't take the car to BMW unless it was warranty-related stuff.

[afisherunc]

B1aze, I certainly agree. The problem is it is a flat tire, so now that I brought it to BMW while my run-flat was still inflated, I cannot drive it somewhere else. Live and learn. I suppose I could have it towed to another dealer, but "my" dealer is in Charlotte and I am in Greensboro, NC. I definitely would not have taken it to BMW except that I needed a loaner immediately to get to an interview the next day.

Bmw1racer, I had the same feeling and made that clear when speaking with them. Another problem is my phone broke this weekend, so all if this has to happen over email for now. I did not pay anything up front, fortunately.

That price is for each tire, alone, not including tax and installation, if my understanding is correct. I would not have taken it to BMW except that I needed a loaner. Have you had experience getting a loaner even if you do not take the car to the dealer? This is my first experience.

[b1aze]

You would have been better off renting a car for a day or even 2 for that price difference...

[dtwyim]

+1

Or for that price, just go somewhere and get 4 non-run flats.

[ptack]

First - yes, most places will not put mixed brand tires on the car - liability.

Second, they are trying to rip you off big time. Tire Rack prices on those tires are $133 each for the fronts and $179 each for the rear. Look it up online, print it out and tell them that's the price you expect. If they give you ANY grief threaten to contact BMW NA and your state's consumer protection board. It's likely you do have laws preventing auto mechanics from price gouging stranded motorists which would be you.

[Suds]

I just got 4 tires mounted and balanced at NTB for $105 Including sales tax.
Shop around.

[afisherunc]

Everyone, thank you for the replies.

Got it resolved and they will, at least, put on the two fronts. I know I overpaid, but the circumstances forced me to bring the car to BMW and then it snowballed from there. Definitely a learning experience.

EDIT: Paid for the two tires today and it turns out I was not overcharged as much as I thought for the tires. $165 for both tires ($330). I checked on tire rack and its about $300 for both shipped.