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      10-30-2012, 08:03 PM   #4
jpwolfe31
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Drives: 2009 Z4 35i
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: San Francisco Bay Area

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BMW’s Second Response

MANUFACTURER RESPONSE FORM
(CALIFORNIA)

Warranty Start Date 10/19/2009
Vehicle: 2009 BMW Z4
Mileage: 18,438

The below are responses to Mr. Wolfe's 28 page presentation.

The responses are numbered identical to the paragraph numbers in Mr. Wolfes’ presentation.
1) It is a known fact that local ( S.CA) 'normal road conditions' are not in good condition and do cause damage to road wheels and affect all vehicle manufactures.
2) Z4’s do not have high rates of failure (wheels) due to defects in materials or workmanship. You can always find what you want in forums - both + and -. In most cases forums are written by inexperienced individuals and are self opinions and not by informed professionals.
3) If tire pressures are kept to specifications, it provides adequate protection of the wheel rim. Repair order #6148101 on 10/12/11 states that all 4 tire pressure were found to be low on that particular visit. Manufacturers’ are always changing specifications in production. This does not indicate that there are defects in materials or workmanship on previous production.
4) Wheels were found to be bent. Wheels do not bend on their own. They are bent from impact.
5) There are cost limitations in design and production of all aspects of a vehicle, including wheels and includes all manufacturers.
6) Z4 296 wheel rims do not fail on their own. They are damaged by impacts which cause cracking.
7) The UK's position to replace wheel rims stipulates that only when a rim is found to be cracked
WITHOUT visual damage. The rims found on this vehicle were visually damaged as could be seen by the runout ( bending) of the rims when they were rotated on a wheel balancer.

And to add an additional general statement from owners manuals;

“Regularly check the tire Inflation pressures and correct as needed at least twice a month." ( As
previously noted, the pressures on this vehicle were found to be low an on at least one occasion)
“Driving over rough or damaged road surfaces as well as debris, curbs and other obstacles can cause serious damage to wheels, tires and suspension parts. This is more likely to occur with low-profile tires (like on this Z4) which provides less cushioning between the wheel and the road. Be careful to avoid road hazards and reduce your speed, especially If you vehicle Is equipped with low-profile tires"

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I was surprised at how little effort BMW put into this. I was expecting materials information and test results to back up their claims.
Appreciate 0