Cracked alloy, will non run flats help in the future?

W

walkie

Member
So it seems I am a victim of the dreaded cracked alloy, 18k miles and £500 odd :|

I can't afford to keep replacing them over the life of the car but do really like them so replacing them would be a sad day in camp walkie.

Would non run flats significantly help or is this a problem that when I am prone I am prone?

Also non run flats - any recommendations or links?

Many thanks
 
Well I changed my RFT's within days of purchase over to Michelin PSS as previous owner had experienced numerous cracked alloys (19" 326) during his 4 years of ownership.
Also to soften the ride which it has done.
The theory is that the rigid walls of the RFT are a major factor in the cracking of the alloys.
Only time will tell, but like you I love the alloys but don't want to be having to replace one regularly at over £500 a corner.
 
I had multiple cracked alloys with RFT (296 wheels didn't help). Touch wood since I swapped into 313 wheels (which are also known for cracking in this size on e89) and Michelin PSS tyres I've had no further issues.
 
Surely cracking alloy's is a defect and should be covered under the warranty? (Especially when running with the 'recommended' RFTs, even though they infact make the issue worse!)
It seems inconsistent as I've seen people on here who seem to have had them replaced free of charge, and others who are having to fork out...?
I know this has been dragged up thousands of times and Watchdog were involved.. but the fact that BMW are still having sloped shoulders about this and blaming the roads or drivers just seems criminal! (I presume this is the excuse they give as to why they won't admit liability and replace them?)
 
Z4midable said:
Surely cracking alloy's is a defect and should be covered under the warranty? (Especially when running with the 'recommended' RFTs, even though they infact make the issue worse!)
It seems inconsistent as I've seen people on here who seem to have had them replaced free of charge, and others who are having to fork out...?
I know this has been dragged up thousands of times and Watchdog were involved.. but the fact that BMW are still having sloped shoulders about this and blaming the roads or drivers just seems criminal! (I presume this is the excuse they give as to why they won't admit liability and replace them?)
Click to expand...


Long story, case by case, as you say covered many times here.
 
If there's evidence that the wheel has taken a knock or two directly on the metal then there's a case that abuse rather than manufacturing defects have caused the issue, but if there's no evidence of that then it's a warranty case?
:idunno:
 
:tumbleweed: First post in these parts in a-long time, anyways I'd ditch run flats in a heartbeat and opt for Michelin's not just for the handling improvements but to add some much needed cushioning to the rims. The e89 is a great platform but I really don't think BMW have got the wheel/tyre combos right on these.
 
walkie said:
Would non run flats significantly help or is this a problem that when I am prone I am prone?
Click to expand...
Finally got some real data. Using Pirelli 245/40R18 tyres in RFT & non-RFT when going over a 30mm proud drop kerb the RFT tyre saw a 35-40% increase in average rim load & almost 300% increase in the maximum spot load force applied to the rim. That's kind of shocking! Low profile RFT tyres seems like a short cut to rim damage to me!
 
I've just bought a set of 18 inch 294 with the B'stone RFT tyres.
Compared to my current 17 inch Goodyears, they look like blocks of wood with no give at all in the side wall.
In fact the rubber looks very hard.
Will see how long I can live with them.
Goodness knows what the 19 inchers are like.
( By the way will shortly have a set of 17 inch 290's with Goodyear Asym'c for sale with reasonable amount of tread :) ).
 
How does the tyre profile compare between the 18's and the 19's?
The fronts are 35 and the rear 30 on my 19" rims.
 
225 front 255 rear ?

If so, that all makes sense, the 5% profile reduction = 12,7mm (1/2inch) less in wall height on the lower profile to compensate for the extra 1" on wheel diameter .
 
techathy said:
walkie said:
Would non run flats significantly help or is this a problem that when I am prone I am prone?
Click to expand...
Finally got some real data. Using Pirelli 245/40R18 tyres in RFT & non-RFT when going over a 30mm proud drop kerb the RFT tyre saw a 35-40% increase in average rim load & almost 300% increase in the maximum spot load force applied to the rim. That's kind of shocking! Low profile RFT tyres seems like a short cut to rim damage to me!
Click to expand...
That's some very useful info right there - thanks :thumbsup:
 
ronk said:
225 front 255 rear ?

If so, that all makes sense, the 5% profile reduction = 12,7mm (1/2inch) less in wall height on the lower profile to compensate for the extra 1" on wheel diameter .
Click to expand...
There or there abouts. 225 drops a nominal 11mm of sidewall per 5% profile reduction, a 255 tyre is 13mm. However these numbers are not 100% accurate as the actual sizes are rounded. You'll rarely find under sized tyres but there are plenty of over-sized tyres, especially where there are missing steps (e.g. a 225 & a 245 you'll probably find that the 225 tyre is oversized).

The Technical Data Book from Conti tyres (AU/NZ) is a useful resource for ETRTO standard specifications.
 
I replaced RTF with non RTF and that did not helped.

I had 2 cracked real Alu wheels (style 296).

Each cost 700 euro Excl VAT. BMW gave 40 % discount as a commercial gesture.

I have received the redesigned version with thicker side.

I hope it will hold.

walkie said:
So it seems I am a victim of the dreaded cracked alloy, 18k miles and £500 odd :|

I can't afford to keep replacing them over the life of the car but do really like them so replacing them would be a sad day in camp walkie.

Would non run flats significantly help or is this a problem that when I am prone I am prone?

Also non run flats - any recommendations or links?

Many thanks
Click to expand...
 
Two huge bangs on the M6 today, southbound before the Sandbach services, the road surface changes from tarmac to red concrete, too many potholes on that stretch for my liking, hit one unseen one, shocking noise, then just after the Cheltenham junction just after the 50 mph restriction ends, just started to open up the throttle and a gap appeared across the whole of the lane were in, no time to slow, flaming heck, I thought both front alloys had had it. It was the loudest bang I have heard driving a car. No, the car just sailed on, while my ticker was racing.

Had a good look at them when I got back, all seems well.

What a relief.
 
jimbo1958 said:
Got my MOT and Inspection on Wednesday.......hoping no bad news re alloys. :x
Click to expand...

Passed MOT with no advisories so my 326's have been good for 6 months on Michelin PSS. :D
 
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