Dealer just informed me a wheel is bent!

M3V8Driver · 08-02-2012, 10:23 AM

I took it in this morning for the required 2yr vehicle check and asked them to pay particular attention to the front end because I was getting a vibration at highway speeds (figured it was a tire out of balance). They called me to let me know they were done and that the left front wheel was bent. I really didn't expect it because there is no visible dent. Inside or outside. Do you think I have any recourse with getting it replaced under warranty? I mean, it doesn't appear to be a result of hitting a pothole or anything like that.

THE TECH · 08-02-2012, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3V8Driver

I took it in this morning for the required 2yr vehicle check and asked them to pay particular attention to the front end because I was getting a vibration at highway speeds (figured it was a tire out of balance). They called me to let me know they were done and that the left front wheel was bent. I really didn't expect it because there is no visible dent. Inside or outside. Do you think I have any recourse with getting it replaced under warranty? I mean, it doesn't appear to be a result of hitting a pothole or anything like that.

Probably not unless your dealer is very sympathetic towards you.

Templar · 08-02-2012, 10:50 AM

How else would it have happened? The wheels usually just don't dent on their own.

You brought it in with a problem that was likely caused by you in some way, shape, or form. I'm not saying you meant to damage the wheel, but it isn't really a warranty type of item, so you'll probably be paying for it.

dom_cmh · 08-02-2012, 10:53 AM

Good luck but mostly likely no way. Get it replaced and then sell yours on ebay or something to get some of the cost back.

TVMA Doc · 08-02-2012, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3V8Driver

I took it in this morning for the required 2yr vehicle check and asked them to pay particular attention to the front end because I was getting a vibration at highway speeds (figured it was a tire out of balance). They called me to let me know they were done and that the left front wheel was bent. I really didn't expect it because there is no visible dent. Inside or outside. Do you think I have any recourse with getting it replaced under warranty? I mean, it doesn't appear to be a result of hitting a pothole or anything like that.

I agree. This won't be covered under warranty unless you purchased the tire/wheel warranty (even then it might be a push as they typically say things like "unless the wheel is damaged enough to keep the tire from holding air").

If you need a new wheel, give the guys at getbmwparts a call. I picked up a front comp pack wheel to use as a spare for $489 (free shipping) during their recent sale. It might be over, but I think that they usually sell them for around $520.

Moxie · 08-02-2012, 11:08 AM

I'd get a second opinion on the bent wheel - w/o a doubt.

Ghetto2315 · 08-02-2012, 11:47 AM

Wheels and tires are excluded from factory warranty, which is why a Wheel & Tire warranty service contract exists and can be optionally bought. I could see the dealer helping you if you JUST took delivery of your brand new car but your car is 2-years old now.

nick3753 · 08-02-2012, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moxie

I'd get a second opinion on the bent wheel - w/o a doubt.

+1

shendrick · 08-02-2012, 03:39 PM

What you should do is buy a new wheel and a pair of new front tires for your M. Have the old wheel straigntened, and put the old tire back on it. Keep it in inventory along with the extra tire. This way, when you flat, you can get towed to your house, put on your extra wheel, and then take the wheel with the flat and the extra tire to BMW to remount and road force balance.

KIS · 08-02-2012, 09:42 PM

If the problem did not exist when you took delivery of your car 2 years ago, then it is your problem to fix. If it did exist 2 years ago and you're now addressing it, then that's a different conversation.

M3V8Driver · 08-04-2012, 12:05 PM

Car is almost 4 years now. I jacked the car up and spun the wheel... no sign of being out of round like the service sept claimed. It probably lost a wheel weight. Will take it back to the place that mounted the tires and did the road force balance to check.

slicer · 08-04-2012, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3V8Driver

Car is almost 4 years now. I jacked the car up and spun the wheel... no sign of being out of round like the service sept claimed. It probably lost a wheel weight. Will take it back to the place that mounted the tires and did the road force balance to check.

Wheels typically bend on the inside where it is the most weak. You are going to have a tough time spotting a bend by spinning it on your car. You would need to see it spin at a high speed on a balancer. You may have luck improving the vibration by getting it re-balanced. Have the tire shop show you the wheel spinning on a balancer to see for yourself. Wheels bend all of the time; it's just a "cost of doing business".

jjw2331 · 08-04-2012, 04:22 PM

If it makes you feel any more confident in your dealer's diagnosis of your wheel, I have a small vibration in my steering wheel which was said to be due to a small bend in my front left wheel. This was realized after I put my Michelin PSS tires on with balancing. I'm in the process of getting a new wheel with the same tire mounted to see if that fixes the vibration.

The vibration gets noticeable around 65-80 mph. It's small and the vibration is only visible if I let go of the steering wheel. (My hands are off for a split second so don't think I drive around hands free!lol)

ashtaron14 · 08-04-2012, 11:00 PM

My car is less than a year old, running OEM ZCP rims. I just recently got Pilot Super Sports mounted and my Tire Shop guy said that BOTH of my driver side rims are bent (minor, but can see it while balancing).

Even though these OEM rims are made in Germany or whatever, they are rims. If you drive through potholes by accident, they are still prone to being bent.

Moxie · 08-05-2012, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjw2331

If it makes you feel any more confident in your dealer's diagnosis of your wheel, I have a small vibration in my steering wheel which was said to be due to a small bend in my front left wheel. This was realized after I put my Michelin PSS tires on with balancing. I'm in the process of getting a new wheel with the same tire mounted to see if that fixes the vibration.

The vibration gets noticeable around 65-80 mph. It's small and the vibration is only visible if I let go of the steering wheel. (My hands are off for a split second so don't think I drive around hands free!lol)

Had the same issue with the vibration. Took it back to get rebalanced & was cured. Might want to get the tire shop to spin the tire on the wheel & rebalance prior to buying a new wheel or go to another tire shop.

Z K · 08-05-2012, 04:01 AM

Wheels usually dent on the inside where you can't see it unless you take the wheel off the car. I had a factory 18" wheel that dented on the inside. This happened to be dealer problem so they replaced it for me. But if it happened on your own, then you'd have to repair or replace the wheel.

jjw2331 · 08-05-2012, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moxie

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjw2331

If it makes you feel any more confident in your dealer's diagnosis of your wheel, I have a small vibration in my steering wheel which was said to be due to a small bend in my front left wheel. This was realized after I put my Michelin PSS tires on with balancing. I'm in the process of getting a new wheel with the same tire mounted to see if that fixes the vibration.

The vibration gets noticeable around 65-80 mph. It's small and the vibration is only visible if I let go of the steering wheel. (My hands are off for a split second so don't think I drive around hands free!lol)

Had the same issue with the vibration. Took it back to get rebalanced & was cured. Might want to get the tire shop to spin the tire on the wheel & rebalance prior to buying a new wheel or go to another tire shop.

You're definitely right. Get it checked twice. I took it to dealership after the tire shop to have them balance it and they found the same thing. It's annoying to pay for a new wheel after one year of ownership. With Michigan roads it's price I have to pay

. But I'm going to have it fixed and use it as a spare.

smmmurf · 08-13-2012, 11:41 AM

that's the price we pay for shitty roads in many parts of the USA

SF is horrible, I never drive my M3 there

ussoldierforhire · 10-07-2012, 02:53 PM

Not a chance bro. I had two bent and one that was cracked on the 335i and they wouldn't fix/replace. They even revoked my VA state inspection. Wheel replacement NOT covered.

urBan_dK · 10-08-2012, 11:17 AM

Either have them show you the bend or give you the printed runout specs that prove the wheel is out of round. The dealers have every reason to avoid a warranty claim so they will be quick to blame something they aren't responsible for.

getBMWparts · 10-16-2012, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3V8Driver

I took it in this morning for the required 2yr vehicle check and asked them to pay particular attention to the front end because I was getting a vibration at highway speeds (figured it was a tire out of balance). They called me to let me know they were done and that the left front wheel was bent. I really didn't expect it because there is no visible dent. Inside or outside. Do you think I have any recourse with getting it replaced under warranty? I mean, it doesn't appear to be a result of hitting a pothole or anything like that.

PM me if you'd like a price on a new genuine BMW wheel. We keep most M3 versions in stock and ready to ship.

08-02-2012, 10:23 AM	#1
M3V8Driver Captain 73 Rep 724 Posts Drives: E92 M3 - DCT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (0)	Dealer just informed me a wheel is bent! I took it in this morning for the required 2yr vehicle check and asked them to pay particular attention to the front end because I was getting a vibration at highway speeds (figured it was a tire out of balance). They called me to let me know they were done and that the left front wheel was bent. I really didn't expect it because there is no visible dent. Inside or outside. Do you think I have any recourse with getting it replaced under warranty? I mean, it doesn't appear to be a result of hitting a pothole or anything like that. __________________ Mmmm... M&Ms, Dale
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08-02-2012, 10:50 AM	#3
Templar Lieutenant Colonel 268 Rep 1,883 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: One of the coasts... iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [10.00]	How else would it have happened? The wheels usually just don't dent on their own. You brought it in with a problem that was likely caused by you in some way, shape, or form. I'm not saying you meant to damage the wheel, but it isn't really a warranty type of item, so you'll probably be paying for it. __________________ '11 BMW E92 ///M3 - ZCP and DCT '15 Ford F-250 - Lariat, 6.7 Powerstroke Turbo-diesel
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08-02-2012, 10:53 AM	#4
dom_cmh Lieutenant 140 Rep 441 Posts Drives: 2016 F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Columbus, Ohio iTrader: (1)	Good luck but mostly likely no way. Get it replaced and then sell yours on ebay or something to get some of the cost back. __________________ Daily Driver - 2007 E70 X5 4.8i Sport w/20" Wheels Summer Fun - 2016 F80 M3 \| Tanzanite \| Black FULL Leather \| 6MT \| Executive \| Lighting \| Driver Assist \| Adaptive Suspension \| 19" Black Wheels \| Black Grills & Sides \| Roof
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08-02-2012, 11:08 AM	#6
Moxie Lieutenant Colonel 67 Rep 1,895 Posts Drives: AW 328d Touring/SG 335d Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (12)	I'd get a second opinion on the bent wheel - w/o a doubt.
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08-02-2012, 11:47 AM	#7
Ghetto2315 Colonel 831 Rep 2,352 Posts Drives: 16' BMW i8 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: The REAL Jersey Shore iTrader: (1) Garage List 2001 BMW M3 E46 CON ... [9.50] 2016 BMW i8 [10.00] 2003 JEEP GRAND CHE ... [0.00] 2000 540i SPORT E39 [10.00] 2007 TOYOTA TACOMA ... [0.00]	Wheels and tires are excluded from factory warranty, which is why a Wheel & Tire warranty service contract exists and can be optionally bought. I could see the dealer helping you if you JUST took delivery of your brand new car but your car is 2-years old now.
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08-02-2012, 03:39 PM	#9
shendrick Second Lieutenant 8 Rep 255 Posts Drives: 08 e90 M3, 05 e46 zhp, 07 X3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Near Boston MA iTrader: (0)	What you should do is buy a new wheel and a pair of new front tires for your M. Have the old wheel straigntened, and put the old tire back on it. Keep it in inventory along with the extra tire. This way, when you flat, you can get towed to your house, put on your extra wheel, and then take the wheel with the flat and the extra tire to BMW to remount and road force balance.
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08-02-2012, 09:42 PM	#10
KIS Lieutenant 38 Rep 543 Posts Drives: 2015 Jaguar F Type R Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Houston, Texas iTrader: (0)	If the problem did not exist when you took delivery of your car 2 years ago, then it is your problem to fix. If it did exist 2 years ago and you're now addressing it, then that's a different conversation.
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08-04-2012, 12:05 PM	#11
M3V8Driver Captain 73 Rep 724 Posts Drives: E92 M3 - DCT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (0)	Car is almost 4 years now. I jacked the car up and spun the wheel... no sign of being out of round like the service sept claimed. It probably lost a wheel weight. Will take it back to the place that mounted the tires and did the road force balance to check. __________________ Mmmm... M&Ms, Dale
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08-04-2012, 04:22 PM	#13
jjw2331 First Lieutenant 52 Rep 381 Posts Drives: 2011 JtBlk e92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Michigan iTrader: (6)	If it makes you feel any more confident in your dealer's diagnosis of your wheel, I have a small vibration in my steering wheel which was said to be due to a small bend in my front left wheel. This was realized after I put my Michelin PSS tires on with balancing. I'm in the process of getting a new wheel with the same tire mounted to see if that fixes the vibration. The vibration gets noticeable around 65-80 mph. It's small and the vibration is only visible if I let go of the steering wheel. (My hands are off for a split second so don't think I drive around hands free!lol)
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08-04-2012, 11:00 PM	#14
ashtaron14 Major 1123 Rep 1,083 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: HK iTrader: (0)	My car is less than a year old, running OEM ZCP rims. I just recently got Pilot Super Sports mounted and my Tire Shop guy said that BOTH of my driver side rims are bent (minor, but can see it while balancing). Even though these OEM rims are made in Germany or whatever, they are rims. If you drive through potholes by accident, they are still prone to being bent. __________________ My G80 M3 Follow me on IG
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08-05-2012, 04:01 AM	#16
Z K Major General 1889 Rep 5,506 Posts Drives: E90 M3, G20 M340i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (3)	Wheels usually dent on the inside where you can't see it unless you take the wheel off the car. I had a factory 18" wheel that dented on the inside. This happened to be dealer problem so they replaced it for me. But if it happened on your own, then you'd have to repair or replace the wheel.
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08-13-2012, 11:41 AM	#18
smmmurf Colonel 309 Rep 2,189 Posts Drives: E92 M3 DCT 353k+ miles Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Half Moon Bay, CA iTrader: (7)	that's the price we pay for shitty roads in many parts of the USA SF is horrible, I never drive my M3 there
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10-07-2012, 02:53 PM	#19
ussoldierforhire Lieutenant 51 Rep 545 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 E92 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Virginia Beach, VA iTrader: (1)	Not a chance bro. I had two bent and one that was cracked on the 335i and they wouldn't fix/replace. They even revoked my VA state inspection. Wheel replacement NOT covered.
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10-08-2012, 11:17 AM	#20
urBan_dK First Lieutenant 25 Rep 395 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Mill Creek, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2013 Subaru WRX [10.00] 2000 Aprilia RSV Mi ... [10.00] 2008 BMW E90 M3 [10.00] 2005 Honda S2000 [10.00]	Either have them show you the bend or give you the printed runout specs that prove the wheel is out of round. The dealers have every reason to avoid a warranty claim so they will be quick to blame something they aren't responsible for.
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