BMW Rim/Tire Protection Program

[bim_power]

Just ordered our F15 with PCD. Soon after signing, was approached on extending the maintenance, tire/rim warranty and other add-on services. Since the delivery will not occur until early March, I have time to decide.

I normally do not opt for warranty nor extended plans because of the payout factor is very low; 1 to 2% payout chance according to studies. I've always been told to invest that money and than if you need it, it is there to cover you. But I went for 20" 469M option so are on the fence with the tire/rim package.

The dealer quoted me $1,300 for 5 year coverage, $50 deductible for each occurrence and no cap/max on coverage. The OEM performance tires will come off before first winter, so the program covers replacement I was told.

$50 to repair/plug a tire is a bit much. 4 of rfts will cost me $1700 (performance tires) online or $1000 with 4 of non-rfts (all-season tires). I am in DC metro area, so do get snow/sleet. Since I will have the 20" wheels, I most likely will replace the OEM summer tires before the first winter for the vehicle.

my questions are...

1. Is it worth spending the money on the wheel coverage? I don't think I will need it for tires, but the factory rim is costly. But than again, if I damage a rim, most likely also needs alignment and suspension work if is that serious, which isn't cover by the package/warranty.

2. Did you opt for the rim/wheel package offered by the dealership before delivery? If so, what did you pay? Did you negotiate the price with the finance rep?

Here is what BMWUSA says about the warranty.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...rotection.aspx

There are other less costly tire/rim coverage such as Paragon and others, but at that point, I would take my chances. If I purchase tires online, the online retailer also offers the tire warranty, which is about $25 to $30 per tire. Another option is Costco, which the tire hazard warranty is included in the price.

Thanks for you input.

[dn325ci]

I'm sure you know that extended warranties and protection programs are among the most profitable products sold by manufacturers and dealerships. Some people still swear by them, so caveat emptor. My approach is I only buy insurance for things I can't afford to self-insure through. I can afford to self-insure through a tire blowout or, God-forbid, damage to a wheel.

[bim_power]

The more I think about it, the more I am in agreement with you dn325ci, that is to self insure.

[oskee64]

I opt out on the tire ext warranty just because no. 1 it's a business scheme and 2. The run flat you have now will protect your rims and then you can get the all season set of DWS contis tires in sams club or tire rack for arounnd 1,200 + 60$ hazard warranty and call it a day. I have the staggered 451 20"s and got the space saver spare just in case.

[ZuerstBMW]

Just get the space saver, that's what Im doing.

[MRV99]

I have had 19" and 20" wheels on my past 4 x5's and 545, 550 and ///m 3. I live in Chicago which has some serious pot hole problems so And is not uncommon to here about local rim/tire damage. In all the years, I have only damaged 1 rim and tire. The replacement was the rim and I had tire insurance from discount tire so the tire was basically free. If I bought wheel/tire insurance for each car at 1500, it would have set me back $10,500 in insurance which equates to a 10k loss.

If you had a history of destroying rims and tires then maybe it works out. If you have never had an issue, you may want to think twice about it

Insurance is just a hedge, worthless if you never use it, valuable if you use it a lot.

[RoadHog]

I have a 2011 Z4 and i mostly drive in Metro Atlanta Area. I didn't took the Tire and wheel protection that time. Roads are in good condition, except some potholes here and there. But i ended up blowing 6 tires and 2 Rims in last 3 years. I don't know how but it was so frustrating to deal with Tire and Rim issue. I have the discount Tire protection so tires were still covered but wheels i paid out of my pocket. Discount tires never had my tires in stock so they have to order it and my car will be waiting in garage for 3-4 days minimum for each occurrence. Next time i am getting the Tire and Rim protection for sure. Here i believe in Atlanta my friend recently got it for 1150 for 5 year. Based on my past experience i think it is well worth it.

[Shaw]

I didn't go for it...simply because: you are paying this amount in event of a POSSIBLE accident...in the event that the accident happens (if ever), you'd be paying the same amount regardless...so why not keep that money in your pocket and only pay for it IF and ONLY IF that accident happens...and hopefully if it never does, then you get to keep you money...

[bim_power]

Originally Posted by MRV99

If u bought wheel/tire insurance fir each car at 1500 a car would have set me back 10500 in insurance which equates to a 10k loss.

You are right... reading this seals my decision of ruling out the tire package.

Thank you all...

[aas5]

I had it on my X6 for the last three years in NY and basically broke even after having three tires replaced. I would say if you drive on bad roads and drive with low profile tires, it's a must. I had an Infiniti M45 with 19s before and replaced 4 tires in 5 years. Piece of mind for a decent price.

I have seen these claims of 1-2% payout and find them too low. In NY, the cost of wheel and tire insurance is going up every year and I was told primarily because claims are often over 200%.

[bim_power]

NYC/LI/NJ roads are def tough on cars... VA metro roads aren't too bad, so it is not a factor for me.

Thanks