[mdernst]

Who here has experienced a flat tire on your beast and had to utilize BMW Roadside Assistance because of it? I had a blow out yesterday on one of my rear tires, the M Mobility kit was useless (but now I'm sure I have a wheel / tire full of useless sealant) and I had to call BMW Roadside Assistance. They were quite helpful in finding and sending me a tow truck to tow the vehicle to the local dealer but that's it. They basically said I was on my own as far as finding alternate transportation on a Saturday evening about 5 PM.

I don't know about you guys but I'm in a BMW M5 that is less than 2 years old and still under the original factory warranty I expected a little more than "we'll send the tow truck - good luck". I was about 50 miles from home on the side of a very busy interstate. Even if I had to pay for alternate transportation (which I was more than willing to do - afterall it wasn't BMW's fault I had an unfixable flat - just their fault that I had no spare tire) I would've like to have seen a bit more "assistance" in finding it. Am I asking for too much? Is this what I can expect when broke down on I-55 in the middle-of-nowhere Mississippi at 11 PM at night trying to travel between New Orleans and Chicago?

Mike

 

[Pip]

Have to ask the obvious but was the pack still sealed and within its use by date?

Also, I think that I am right in saying but the pack with only cure holes in the tyre of a certain size.

Sorry to hear that you were 'dumped'. Reality is that some BMW outlets are happy to take your money and run. grrrrrrr

Pip

 

[mdernst]

Have to ask the obvious but was the pack still sealed and within its use by date?

Also, I think that I am right in saying but the pack with only cure holes in the tyre of a certain size.

Sorry to hear that you were 'dumped'. Reality is that some BMW outlets are happy to take your money and run. grrrrrrr

Pip

The Mobility kit was stamped good until Oct. 2006. I believe the tire damage was too severe for it to work. The tire was a Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 with about 5000 miles on it.

I believe it was a puncture (nail, screw, etc.) that came out on the interstate. I heard a pop and then heard something hit the underside of the car. It sounded like I had run over something in the road but I hadn't seen anything in front of me nor did I see any debris in my rear view mirror after the noise. Within a few seconds of the noise I changed lanes and the rear end felt "squirrelly" and within a few seconds of that I got the dreaded TIRE DEFECT on the dash. A few more seconds to clear traffic and get pulled over on the shoulder and it was all over but the crying...

All of this happened (from the initial noise to my stopping on the shoulder) in less than a minute and from the looks of the tire I believe the sidewall damage from running on it flat for that short period of time is such that it will require tire replacement. I never did see the actual puncture spot.

 

[gsfent]

The Mobility kit was stamped good until Oct. 2006. I believe the tire damage was too severe for it to work. The tire was a Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 with about 5000 miles on it.

I believe it was a puncture (nail, screw, etc.) that came out on the interstate. I heard a pop and then heard something hit the underside of the car. It sounded like I had run over something in the road but I hadn't seen anything in front of me nor did I see any debris in my rear view mirror after the noise. Within a few seconds of the noise I changed lanes and the rear end felt "squirrelly" and within a few seconds of that I got the dreaded TIRE DEFECT on the dash. A few more seconds to clear traffic and get pulled over on the shoulder and it was all over but the crying...

All of this happened (from the initial noise to my stopping on the shoulder) in less than a minute and from the looks of the tire I believe the sidewall damage from running on it flat for that short period of time is such that it will require tire replacement. I never did see the actual puncture spot.

And of course if your valve stem fails, no amount of sealant will help! :flag:
Regards,
Jerry

 

[ard]

I have AAA through my insurance with CA Automobile Association (CSAA- which is AAA in California)... I upgraded to the top coverage for roadside assistance with them- they will tow me free to anywhere I want up to 100 miles. Any more I pay for.

I've had a car flat bedded 85 miles to my house. I fixed it there.

I've often thought about the scenario you suffered. It is compounded by the likely fact that, when the $tealer opens in the AM, they will need to special order the tire anyway! another day or so, then charge you $400 for it!

I would get towed to the dealer for a mechanical breakdown... for a tire, I'd choose: (1) tire store, (2) car rental place, (3) hotel...

Sucks.

Rethinking that spare in the trunk idea?

A

 

[Digi]

I've often thought about the scenario you suffered. It is compounded by the likely fact that, when the $tealer opens in the AM, they will need to special order the tire anyway! another day or so, then charge you $400 for it!
A

All BMW dealers are supposed to carry a replacement tire in stock at all times in the original size for the BMW vehicles that do not have a spare. I don't know how many actually do what they are supposed to. As you say, you'll probably end up paying retail for it as well.

Unfortunately, unless you are 100 miles or more away from home, there are no "replacement" vehicles unless you can get one from the dealer (who in this case is closed until Monday morning).

 

[ard]

Sonnen BMW didn't carry rear tires for the M... special order.

But that is pretty good to know. They have Dunlops or Micheleins?

A

PS What's the story with 100 miles from home and 'replacement vehicles'???? Will BMW provide a car if you are over 100 miles and the dealer is closed?

 

[mr_bock]

Mike,

The best way to advoid this situation is to carry a real spare tire (front rim, unidirectional tire), jack, lug wrench.

I had a blow out on the rear tire with a cut on the inside sidewall. With the above gear, I was back on my way in less than five minutes!
:wroom: No fuss, no muss, no waiting...

LOL

 

[Digi]

Sonnen BMW didn't carry rear tires for the M... special order.

But that is pretty good to know. They have Dunlops or Micheleins?

A

PS What's the story with 100 miles from home and 'replacement vehicles'???? Will BMW provide a car if you are over 100 miles and the dealer is closed?

Over 100 miles from home and experience a covered breakdown of any kind and the BMW trip interruption insurance (part of BMW Roadside Assistance) should kick in if your car cannot be repaired in a reasonable time and you are travelling. My car broke down in Tennessee on my way to Georgia on Saturday about 1PM. I got a rental car until I returned 4 days later. It was only an engine fuse, but the dealer was closed. This didn't cost me anything but a few hours for tow and getting a rental (that was bad enough!). First tow truck was a hook...I made them resend a flatbed.