Something like the wheel problem comes about by getting the form v function balance wrong and in all probability the wheels aren't designed or manufactured by BMW !
The same goes for the problematic rear lamps, who and where are they manufactured?
Car manufactures are really just assembly plants in these days!
I have two cracked rear wheels on my 2010 Z4 23i with only 13k on the clock. BMW took it in for runout test. One wheel passed and one was marginally outside, yet still they refuse to do anything about it. I have badgered the dealer and BMW UK but still get the same reply - There is no known issue with the 296 wheels. Now we all know there is an issue, so I'm taking BMW to court. I need all of you disgruntled BMW 296 owners to forward me your details so I can present a wealth of evidence. Please reply to [email protected] and send the following info:
Name
Car Model/Year
Is this a 296 wheel problem? Please supply details.
What you have done about it.
What BMW have told you.
What happened in the end (replacement/fob off/ etc)
Contact No or Email address
I won't let this lie until I have done everything I can to get this sorted out once and for all. Please help - your support is vital!
Something like the wheel problem comes about by getting the form v function balance wrong and in all probability the wheels aren't designed or manufactured by BMW !
The same goes for the problematic rear lamps, who and where are they manufactured?
Car manufactures are really just assembly plants in these days!
It's irrelevant who they subcontract to - BMW are totally responsible to you for the design and manufacture of the car and all its components and subassemblies whether BMW is the actual manufacturer of the part or not.
Bear in mind that by sticking a BMW part number on the packaging of a wheel or light assembly they also add a whacking great margin (unlikely to be less than 100% and in some cases possibly more like 200% or 300%).
Eurocarparts were selling rear light assemblies for £135 - chances are these are from the same third party supplier that BMW use. How much do BMW charge for this assembly? We know the BMW ones have a problem - if the £135 ones have the same problem then BMW are cynically charging over and above for the same component without ensuring that the premium you pay gets you the quality you think you're paying for. Perhaps worse for BMW - if it transpires the £135 part doesn't have an issue?
I realise who has the responsibility - I just wondered who manufactured the components.
I've had some experience of the process and my guess is that like most things in mass production, they are built to a price then the manufacturer will max his profit by trimming his costs but keeping within specification.
I have had experience of parts being manufactured, looking fit for purpose and subsequently failing - all because of suspect manufacturing techniques to save money.
Interesting thread and would have thought using a non run flat tyre can only help but recently
I found a crack on one of the rear wheels on my E46 330, 18" MV2's, I can safely say i'd not hit
any potholes etc so is it a long going manufacturing problem.
Are all BMW's wheels made at the same place/company ?
Not sure i'm prepared to buy a car that has this as an on going problem especially if BMW aren't dealing
with it