Stuck in Idaho due to RFT Failure & Wheel Crack

Mr. ///M3 RD · 08-09-2010, 02:56 PM

Some of you may know that I am on a major trip across the USA (Route 66 then up the Coastal Highway 1 turned back inland in Origin now stuck in Idaho).

The Driver side rear wheel has a 2 inch long crack in it at the tire mounting rim on the inside. A new wheel is on order (should be a day or so until BMW has it).

Well I am stuck here in Idaho due to Wheel failure, RFT failure and premature inside wear of both rear tires.

What would you do?

1) Chance it driving back east (I have 3,000 KM to go) or get new tires?

2) Would you stick with RFT or get regular tires?

3) Have you changed your RFT? if so what did you change them to? I have 19" wheels.

See the pictures of the tire wear (18,000 KM ~ 11,184 Miles) here in the Idaho Album of my trip.

Thank you in advance fellows,

Cheers,

Rolf-Dieter

http://web.me.com/solgain/Road_Trip_...2_-_Idaho.html

mcbeee · 08-09-2010, 03:16 PM

I feel for you Rolf, I blew the tires off the back of my M3 in Ritzville a couple of years back and had to stay in Spokane until we could find 19's for the back.

I would stay with the RFT's, 19's are not easy to find in the size we use.

If all you can get is regular tires then try and pick up a Mobility kit, just in case. It will screw up the tire pressure indicators if you have to use it but odds are you won't.

Just a little North of you in Calgary
Ciao,
Mike

msimon18 · 08-09-2010, 03:26 PM

I think you should havew BMW giove you a new set of OEM run flatys at their expense !! After you get back you can decide to replace with others and sell the new ones !!

Does the BMW road service covere your hotel and related expenbses due to the breakdown under warranty ????

Mr. ///M3 RD · 08-09-2010, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcbeee

I feel for you Rolf, I blew the tires off the back of my M3 in Ritzville a couple of years back and had to stay in Spokane until we could find 19's for the back.

I would stay with the RFT's, 19's are not easy to find in the size we use.

If all you can get is regular tires then try and pick up a Mobility kit, just in case. It will screw up the tire pressure indicators if you have to use it but odds are you won't.

Just a little North of you in Calgary
Ciao,
Mike

Thanks for your reply Mike

Much appreciated

I e-mailed pictures to my Service manager and once I get the new wheel I shall have them mount the original tires and head back home, hope I make it. Once home I shall address the issue locally. I am just shocked over the premature inside tire wear after 18,000 KM the trip so far has been superb.

Mr. ///M3 RD · 08-09-2010, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msimon18

I think you should havew BMW giove you a new set of OEM run flatys at their expense !! After you get back you can decide to replace with others and sell the new ones !!

Does the BMW road service covere your hotel and related expenbses due to the breakdown under warranty ????

They tell me both here and in Canada, that tires are not a warranty item so no there is no chance they replace them. The wheel is another matter, I'll take it back to Canada then address the warranty issue with the dealer. The dealer wants the wheel back in Canada so they may evaluate it.

Thanks for your reply

Cheers,

Rolf-Dieter

mcbeee · 08-09-2010, 04:50 PM

Two questions Rolf: Is there any way you could prove the rim damage caused the flat ?
and: How much weight do you have in the back that could cause the wheels to camber in Or is it in need of adjustment ?

mcbeee · 08-09-2010, 04:54 PM

"Does the BMW road service covere your hotel and related expenbses due to the breakdown under warranty ????"

Not in my experience, I was on the hook for the whole thing. Tires, hotels etc. I didn't have a rim fail though so it could be debatable for Rolf-Dieter if the rim failed frst

...time for the forum lawyers to chime in here...

Silver-Bolt · 08-09-2010, 05:51 PM

HAve a 4-wheel alignment done. If the insides of both rear tires are wearing you likely have too much negative camber.

Mr. ///M3 RD · 08-09-2010, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcbeee

Two questions Rolf: Is there any way you could prove the rim damage caused the flat ?
and: How much weight do you have in the back that could cause the wheels to camber in Or is it in need of adjustment ?

It is pretty obvious to me (I am a Mechanical Engineer) as well as to the Tire Shop Service Manager/Owner that checked the wheel for leaks that the crack is the cause that the tire does not hold the pressure. The crack runs transverse from the axel and is located on the inside of the outer wheel rim (I will take pictures tomorrow of the rim or the next day whenever the new wheel arrives). You see on each rotation of the wheel the crack opens and lets a bit of air escape. My first alarm was yesterday evening. I carry a good tire pressure gauge with me at all times. So I found the tire needing air (it was down to 20 PSI before I got the warning). I added air to 42 PSI had supper and checked it again still okay. Then drove another 200 miles and this morning I had the warning again. That is when I went to the tire shop and found the crack.

The weight in the back is minimal. I travel very light. I think the wheel has original defect and I will prove that by taking it back to Canada and checking it by UT and NDE. I estimate my back luggage weight and a very small cooler to be no more then 150 pounds, evenly distributed under the protective roof cover.

I think it is an original alignment problem, I don't see other people complaining about premature inside tire wear after 18,000 KM that would be unheard of. My thoughts anyway. I assure you I will raise a stink with BMW on this one.

I hope this clears it somewhat.

Cheers and thanks for your input.

Rolf-Dieter

PS as for what part of any of this will be covered by BMW we shall see as time goes on

Mr. ///M3 RD · 08-09-2010, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver-Bolt

HAve a 4-wheel alignment done. If the insides of both rear tires are wearing you likely have too much negative camber.

Thank you for your input!

I agree with you, I will get the wheel mounted and before I mount new tires I will get that done and I will be watching them do it too

Thanks again,

Cheers

Rolf-Dieter

rmorin49 · 08-09-2010, 08:13 PM

See my 2 cents on the "other forum". I won't cross post here but good luck during the remainder of your trip.

Tamman69 · 08-09-2010, 08:53 PM

Good luck Rolf, you've been a mine of sage advice on this forum. My knowledge is somewhat limited compared to others, including yourself, here; but it would seem to me you have an exceptional case and therefore the question 2) Would you stick with RFT or get regular tires should be almost irrelevant for future conduct.

The RFTs themselves are not the problem or many more of us would be reporting it, seems apparent that it is a unique problem of the wheel itself or the alignment. If cost is any issue, personally I would be looking to keep the RFTs.

Best of luck with the results. Hope it gets solved swiftly enough to become anecdote material rather than full blown misery!

Mr. ///M3 RD · 08-09-2010, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tamman69

Best of luck with the results. Hope it gets solved swiftly enough to become anecdote material rather than full blown misery!

I am told that the light aluminum wheels are very susceptible to sustain a crack when going thru a pot hole. I do have to admit having driven so far over 10,000 KM on this trip I did go thru a few pot holes. However the wheel does not show any sign of damage other then the crack I described before.

There was a man at BMW with a similar problem then mine, he is driving an X5 he hit a rock that pierced thru the mid section of his left front tire damaging the tire and creating a dent in the center of the rim that then came too close to the brake caliper. He said the RFT may have saved his life. So something else to think about.

I will properly change to None RFT as soon as I get home. My service manager at home recommended to add about 10% more tire pressure then spec on the way home with the tires as they are. He is very knowledgeable and I trust his judgement.

Thanks for caring and Cheers,

Rolf-Dieter

Mr. ///M3 RD · 08-09-2010, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmorin49

See my 2 cents on the "other forum". I won't cross post here but good luck during the remainder of your trip.

Done and Thanks

Cheers,

Rolf-Dieter

Silver-Bolt · 08-09-2010, 10:05 PM

Rolf,
A few extra PSI will help get the edges off the pavement. Just don't exceed the max pressure on the tire. Best of luck. Keep us posted on the alignment issues.

Cheap insurace for all to have the alignment checked. By the time you begin to see uneven tire wear it's usually too late.

Mr. ///M3 RD · 08-09-2010, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver-Bolt

Rolf,
A few extra PSI will help get the edges off the pavement. Just don't exceed the max pressure on the tire. Best of luck. Keep us posted on the alignment issues.

Cheap insurace for all to have the alignment checked. By the time you begin to see uneven tire wear it's usually too late.

Thanks, and yes you are quite right about that.

PS. I posted this thread so that everyone driving a Z keeps an eye on the air pressure and tire wear. I do on the air pressure check it quite often, never did I think of getting on the pavement and looking under the car from now on I shall use my digital camera as my eyes and check it at the same time I check my air pressure

Besides I am too old to get down on the floor might never get up again :rofl:

Hope the new wheel arrives by overnight delivery or I'll be drinking more beer as i am now and enjoying a pizza

Cheers,

Rolf-Dieter

Dr Stig 2 · 08-09-2010, 10:29 PM

Sorry to hear of yoru troubles Rolf - good luck with the repairs and the rest of the journey.

Your dilemma was one of my major fears with the 30 profile tyres on the 19" rims - the dealer here sold me a tyre and rim insurance pack for 3 years of coverage that will replace one wheel rim and tyre a year - all for the price of one tyre.
It even covers the rim damage if I scrape a curve (heaven forbid).
Great value in my book - backed by BMW financial services so I imagine it is available worldwide...
(and I have no financial interest in making this recommendation)

Mr. ///M3 RD · 08-09-2010, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Stig 2

Sorry to hear of yoru troubles Rolf - good luck with the repairs and the rest of the journey.

Thanks for the heads up

Hope you never have to use your insurance.

Cheers,

Rolf-Dieter

Mr Breeze · 08-10-2010, 12:10 AM

Bummer about the wheel/tire issue. I have nothing to contribute in that regard, just my good karma for a quick repair and a safe, fun and trouble-free remainder of your trip. I've been enjoying your posts and pics as you progress from state to state.

tranquility · 08-10-2010, 01:31 AM

So you suspect that a mis-alignment is the main cause? Do you think a pothole did that damage? Would having 18"s lessen this prb?

Hope all goes well in the end and enjoy your beer and pizza!

Dr Stig 2 · 08-10-2010, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranquility

So you suspect that a mis-alignment is the main cause? Do you think a pothole did that damage? Would having 18"s lessen this prb?

Hope all goes well in the end and enjoy your beer and pizza!

18" rims and 35/40 profile tyres will hive you literally an extra 1/2" of compression in the tyre before you damage the rims above and beyond that of the 30/35 profile on the 19" wheels.

Statistically you will therefore survive more jolts from potholes - but the bigger / deeper ones hit at higher speeds will still ruin just about any wheel.

siscobmw · 08-10-2010, 07:56 AM

I have 3 friends with 2 z4 and 19", a friend with 23i and 18" and some friend of the bmw club with e92 and 19"...now we learned that 19" equipped cars have this bad tire wear.
maybe cause 19" wheels are wider than 18s.....that half an inch more at rear could be the culprit....

anyway the most mileage done by my friend with rear tires is 24k kms,a 320d 204bhp owner....
my other friend with his 335i cabrio and 18" wheels did 38k kms.....and tires wore really well...

08-09-2010, 02:56 PM	#1
Mr. ///M3 RD Happy Camper 612 Rep 7,869 Posts Drives: C63 AMG & 280 SL on Weekends : Join Date: May 2010 Location: GTA, Ontario - Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 1969 Restored Merce ... [7.50] 2011 M3 Coupe TRADED [7.34] 1987 BMW 535is [1.00] Cars from the Past [6.50] The ///M3 Engine S65 [9.59]	Stuck in Idaho due to RFT Failure & Wheel Crack Some of you may know that I am on a major trip across the USA (Route 66 then up the Coastal Highway 1 turned back inland in Origin now stuck in Idaho). The Driver side rear wheel has a 2 inch long crack in it at the tire mounting rim on the inside. A new wheel is on order (should be a day or so until BMW has it). Well I am stuck here in Idaho due to Wheel failure, RFT failure and premature inside wear of both rear tires. What would you do? 1) Chance it driving back east (I have 3,000 KM to go) or get new tires? 2) Would you stick with RFT or get regular tires? 3) Have you changed your RFT? if so what did you change them to? I have 19" wheels. See the pictures of the tire wear (18,000 KM ~ 11,184 Miles) here in the Idaho Album of my trip. Thank you in advance fellows, Cheers, Rolf-Dieter http://web.me.com/solgain/Road_Trip_...2_-_Idaho.html __________________ Cheers, Rolf-Dieter Life will take us to some interesting places, fortunately The ///M3 will too with a many of us know this very well, now my C6.3 AMG with 487 HP does it too ---> Click here for some good stuff I found
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08-09-2010, 03:16 PM	#2
mcbeee Lieutenant 5 Rep 446 Posts Drives: '09 Z4 s35i & '03 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 Z4 3.0i [5.00] 2001 Z3 3.0i [0.00] 2009 Z4 s35i [7.00]	I feel for you Rolf, I blew the tires off the back of my M3 in Ritzville a couple of years back and had to stay in Spokane until we could find 19's for the back. I would stay with the RFT's, 19's are not easy to find in the size we use. If all you can get is regular tires then try and pick up a Mobility kit, just in case. It will screw up the tire pressure indicators if you have to use it but odds are you won't. Just a little North of you in Calgary Ciao, Mike __________________ Member ZSCCA 2009 Z4 s35i with Dinan Stage II software, Sport and Exec packages, 19" 296 rims , a stubby and mud flaps '03 Z4 3.0i Sterling Grey (Hers) '01 Z3 3.0i Sapphire Black, M sport package (Mine)
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08-09-2010, 03:26 PM	#3
msimon18 Retired 19 Rep 868 Posts Drives: Z4 s30i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: The Villages, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 1965 Isetta 300 [0.00] 2004 1/5 Scale M3 GTR [10.00]	I think you should havew BMW giove you a new set of OEM run flatys at their expense !! After you get back you can decide to replace with others and sell the new ones !! Does the BMW road service covere your hotel and related expenbses due to the breakdown under warranty ???? __________________ M3 GTR - 1/5 scale - 4.2 HP w/ Collari hydraulic brakes - would you believe ~80 MPH on straightaway !!
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08-09-2010, 04:50 PM	#6
mcbeee Lieutenant 5 Rep 446 Posts Drives: '09 Z4 s35i & '03 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 Z4 3.0i [5.00] 2001 Z3 3.0i [0.00] 2009 Z4 s35i [7.00]	Two questions Rolf: Is there any way you could prove the rim damage caused the flat ? and: How much weight do you have in the back that could cause the wheels to camber in Or is it in need of adjustment ? __________________ Member ZSCCA 2009 Z4 s35i with Dinan Stage II software, Sport and Exec packages, 19" 296 rims , a stubby and mud flaps '03 Z4 3.0i Sterling Grey (Hers) '01 Z3 3.0i Sapphire Black, M sport package (Mine)
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08-09-2010, 04:54 PM	#7
mcbeee Lieutenant 5 Rep 446 Posts Drives: '09 Z4 s35i & '03 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 Z4 3.0i [5.00] 2001 Z3 3.0i [0.00] 2009 Z4 s35i [7.00]	"Does the BMW road service covere your hotel and related expenbses due to the breakdown under warranty ????" Not in my experience, I was on the hook for the whole thing. Tires, hotels etc. I didn't have a rim fail though so it could be debatable for Rolf-Dieter if the rim failed frst ...time for the forum lawyers to chime in here... __________________ Member ZSCCA 2009 Z4 s35i with Dinan Stage II software, Sport and Exec packages, 19" 296 rims , a stubby and mud flaps '03 Z4 3.0i Sterling Grey (Hers) '01 Z3 3.0i Sapphire Black, M sport package (Mine)
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08-09-2010, 05:51 PM	#8
Silver-Bolt Captain 26 Rep 805 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 35is Melbourne Red Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 Z4 35is [9.00]	HAve a 4-wheel alignment done. If the insides of both rear tires are wearing you likely have too much negative camber.
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08-09-2010, 08:13 PM	#11
rmorin49 Major 53 Rep 1,162 Posts Drives: 11 335d/10 Z4 s30i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Hagerstown, MD iTrader: (1)	See my 2 cents on the "other forum". I won't cross post here but good luck during the remainder of your trip. __________________ Colonel (Retired), US Army/Hagerstown, MD 2016 518ixdrive/MSport AW/Ivory White ED-01-10 2010 Z4s30i AW/Beige/Burl/ 6MT/SP/PP/CWP/NAV/ipod/USB/CA (retired) 2011 335d BS/Oyster/PP/CWP/NAV/ipod/USB(Daily Driver) 30+ mpg(retired)
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08-09-2010, 08:53 PM	#12
Tamman69 Private First Class 10 Rep 119 Posts Drives: Z4 2009 SDrive23i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Good luck Rolf, you've been a mine of sage advice on this forum. My knowledge is somewhat limited compared to others, including yourself, here; but it would seem to me you have an exceptional case and therefore the question 2) Would you stick with RFT or get regular tires should be almost irrelevant for future conduct. The RFTs themselves are not the problem or many more of us would be reporting it, seems apparent that it is a unique problem of the wheel itself or the alignment. If cost is any issue, personally I would be looking to keep the RFTs. Best of luck with the results. Hope it gets solved swiftly enough to become anecdote material rather than full blown misery!
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08-09-2010, 10:05 PM	#15
Silver-Bolt Captain 26 Rep 805 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 35is Melbourne Red Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 Z4 35is [9.00]	Rolf, A few extra PSI will help get the edges off the pavement. Just don't exceed the max pressure on the tire. Best of luck. Keep us posted on the alignment issues. Cheap insurace for all to have the alignment checked. By the time you begin to see uneven tire wear it's usually too late.
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08-09-2010, 10:29 PM	#17
Dr Stig 2 Criminally Insane 53 Rep 1,464 Posts Drives: Like a Demon! Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW Z4 35is [10.00] 2013 BMW X5 30d [0.00]	Sorry to hear of yoru troubles Rolf - good luck with the repairs and the rest of the journey. Your dilemma was one of my major fears with the 30 profile tyres on the 19" rims - the dealer here sold me a tyre and rim insurance pack for 3 years of coverage that will replace one wheel rim and tyre a year - all for the price of one tyre. It even covers the rim damage if I scrape a curve (heaven forbid). Great value in my book - backed by BMW financial services so I imagine it is available worldwide... (and I have no financial interest in making this recommendation) __________________ Dr Stig 2010 Z4 35is 2011 X3 30d M Sport Australia
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08-10-2010, 12:10 AM	#19
Mr Breeze Private First Class 22 Rep 140 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 35is Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Scottsdale, AZ iTrader: (1)	Bummer about the wheel/tire issue. I have nothing to contribute in that regard, just my good karma for a quick repair and a safe, fun and trouble-free remainder of your trip. I've been enjoying your posts and pics as you progress from state to state.
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08-10-2010, 01:31 AM	#20
tranquility sportscars only 3244 Rep 3,195 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Montréal iTrader: (0)	So you suspect that a mis-alignment is the main cause? Do you think a pothole did that damage? Would having 18"s lessen this prb? Hope all goes well in the end and enjoy your beer and pizza!
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08-10-2010, 07:56 AM	#22
siscobmw freude am fahren ....scheiden freude... 17 Rep 299 Posts Drives: Z4 Sdrive30i tiefseeblau Join Date: May 2009 Location: Italy iTrader: (0)	I have 3 friends with 2 z4 and 19", a friend with 23i and 18" and some friend of the bmw club with e92 and 19"...now we learned that 19" equipped cars have this bad tire wear. maybe cause 19" wheels are wider than 18s.....that half an inch more at rear could be the culprit.... anyway the most mileage done by my friend with rear tires is 24k kms,a 320d 204bhp owner.... my other friend with his 335i cabrio and 18" wheels did 38k kms.....and tires wore really well...
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