Damaged 296

MelanieB

Member
I have recently had the tyres checked on my 2009 30i sDrive and there is a crack developing on the near side rear wheel. The car has only done 19,000 miles and has 296’s with 19” run flats. BMW have said they are not aware of any issue with these wheels (I have noted the previous discussions here about these wheels) and it is probably due to pot holes.

Any advice in persuading BMW to contribute to a replacement would be appreciated or am I just clutching at straws?

Melanie B
 
Do a search on here, there are extensive topics on wheel cracks and 296 style wheels. Simply persist with the dealer to have a run out check done on the wheels and have them replaced FOC. Failing that, call BMW UK to talk it over with them.
 
Thank you :-)

Car booked in to BMW Thames Ditton for a run out check.

The service department reiterated I would have to pay for a new wheel if required but when I
said it was a known problem they changed tack and said if the deviation was less than 2mm BMW
might consider a contribution. I might try the "not fit for purpose" argument having seen how many other
owners have had the same issue.
Melanie B
 
It depends on the cars age and mileage for the most part, and whether its been exclusively serviced with BMW (which shouldn't matter, but it does). If its not too old and not too many miles you should get a contribution. Good Luck!
 
You might want to think about changing to 18s and non fun flats, or at least non run flats
The other 3 could crack at some point
 
The front tyres will need replacing soon and I am definitely going to ditch the run flats.

Changing to 18s would be sensible as I do a lot of driving on country roads but then who ever bought a Z4 to be sensible :)

I had thought about changing the wheels but will wait to see what BMW come up with.
 
I would keep run flats personally...but then again I have had a few cracked 296's and 326's so tyres must be a big factor. But I do personally think it's best to keep with the tyres the car is designed to work with
 
See I feel differently now I have normal tyres on. I wish I'd done it sooner, the car drives better, is quieter and more comfortable.
 
I had two rear 296s done about 19k miles.
Remember and ask them if there was no problem why did they change the design of the inner edge on the wheels??
 
Thanks for all your advice, it has made me feel more confident in dealing with the garage :-)
































We had run flats on our 5 Tourer and it felt like driving on a Victoria sponge
 
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