Prestige BMW-Not installing TireRack ordered tires

[epinto]

Hey Guys,

I called up the Service Center at Prestige BMW in Ramsey, NJ and asked the gentleman for a quote on Pirellio Scorpion STR 235/55R17 tires for my X3. He gave me a price of $176/tire. I asked if I could have my Tire Rack order shipped to their location to have them replaced since I could get a better deal online, he mentioned that they would not install tires without the BMW emblem. I insisted the tires were OEM for my 2005 model and he once again indicated that they would not install any tires without the BMW emblem.

I have never heard of any emblem being placed on BMW tires or any restrictions in installing tires in BMW Service Centers. Has anyone else experienced this or is aware of such restrictions?

[Kamdog]

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=515963

I know it isn't your car, but good info there.

[djwang2000]

Very interesting link. Any idea where that is from?

[iversonm]

Hey Guys,

I called up the Service Center at Prestige BMW in Ramsey, NJ and asked the gentleman for a quote on Pirellio Scorpion STR 235/55R17 tires for my X3. He gave me a price of $176/tire. I asked if I could have my Tire Rack order shipped to their location to have them replaced since I could get a better deal online, he mentioned that they would not install tires without the BMW emblem. I insisted the tires were OEM for my 2005 model and he once again indicated that they would not install any tires without the BMW emblem.

I have never heard of any emblem being placed on BMW tires or any restrictions in installing tires in BMW Service Centers. Has anyone else experienced this or is aware of such restrictions?

The "BMW approved" emblem is a 5 pointed star on the sidewall.

Tell your dealer to kiss off and go elsewhere. Tirerack should be able to hook you up with a local installer.

[Kamdog]

Although I never bought tires from Tiretrack, the local tire guy, who I have used for years and am very happy with, is a tiretrack listed installer.

[jcatral14]

That's funny. I take my car there and have always been taken cared of. In fact about a week ago I asked my SA if they would install snows I bought elsewhere on my rim and she said they would do it for about 50 apiece. Maybe they would do it for 40 when I eventually (if) do it. 50 or even 40 is a lil high but I figure it's peace of mind as they have the right equipment to deal with RFTs. A lot of places claim to be able to work with RFTs but end up mangling your rims :tsk:

Edit: I don't see you mention RFTs in which case you should be able to go to any tire/rim/wheel place to install it. If you still want to take it to Prestige, PM me and I will ask my SA what she can do.

[epinto]

Spoke with an SA today and he mentioned that they woud in fact install the tires I bought from a third party but if there is any problem that arises after installing (ie: not balancing or aligment) they would have to remove the tires and I would need to pay out of pocket in order to have them balance or align.

He also pointed out that he does not recommend buying tires from third parties since the tires from the Service Center come to them directly from the tire manufacturer after they have passed criteria to be BMW approved. If I were to buy it from another place I could run the possibility of the tire having imperfections.

I don't buy his argument and don't know if anyone else has experienced the same treatment when installing their Tirerack tires. I'll start calling other BMW centers around my area (Park Ave, Difeo, Wide World) to see what they try to sell me. So far I'm a little concerned that their simply trying to push a sale instead of looking out for a valued customer.

[topspin627]

I bought my tires and wheel set from tire rack and even had them shipped to my dealer, Habberstad in LI, and they were happy to install. They charged me 1/2 labor ($55).