Goodyear RFT - how to quickly, efficiently and freely get your tires replaced

I received the dreaded bubble on the sidewall over the weekend. Not sure how or when it happened, but was very surprised given that the roads around where I live and work are overall the best in the country that I've driven, generally speaking. I have 20" Goodyear RFTs.

Many thanks to others on the board who helped pave the way for my experience. Threads like - http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=582312

Timeline:
Saturday 3pm - discovered significant bubble on the sidewall. Called Goodyear local dealer since Goodyear customer service is only open Mon-Fri. They referred me to the BMW dealer, since they usually only handle tires they sell themselves. So I wouldn't bother with your local dealer.

Monday 8.30am - Called Goodyear customer service on 1-800-321-2136. They asked politely if I had taken it to the BMW dealer, implying that this should be my first step. I said no, but asked if they could start a file for me. No problem. Name, address, date of purchase and I had my file number in hand.

Monday 8.45am - Made an appointment later to drop off the car for inspection.

Monday 9.45am - Dropped off the car. Service Advisor was initially thinking that this would be chargeable without any additional package. I mentioned that I believe this is covered by Goodyear under the tire warranty. He says he thinks he remembered reading about this, and a few keystrokes later, he's reading through it. I take a seat in the waiting room while they send the car in for tech review (basically measuring tread depth and looking at the bubble). I hand him the 1-800 number and file number.

Monday 10.45am - Goodyear confirmed that it is covered. Tire is in stock, and wheel is off the car, tire getting changed.

I'm picking up the car later today, so I don't expect any surprises. I was actually thinking I may need to do 2 visits, since the tire may not be in stock, or they may not have availability to work on the car immediately.

I hope this helps those who run into the bubbling tire issue. And if you are about to buy a new car, see if it has Goodyear RFTs, before considering any additional insurance. You won't be covered for any rim damage, but you'll be covered for tires.

you are lucky, im in the Philippines and i just paid US$870 for one GY 20" front right tire that bubbled. had to import the tire from tirerack

Good story. I have the exact same wheel/tire setup and, so far, I've had no problems with the Goodyears. Smooth, quiet...treadwear even seems reasonable (compared to my prior low profile performance runflats). Chris, what is your treadwear like on these?

OK - picked up my car with no issues, $0. It just feels better driving with that peace of mind. I honestly don't know how the wear rates are - I usually only pay attention when they run low on wear.

Very good tip! Thanks Chris! Was the bubble on the inner sidewall of the tire?

Originally Posted by hd750Li

Very good tip! Thanks Chris! Was the bubble on the inner sidewall of the tire?

Outer sidewall. Good question - I honestly don't check my inner sidewalls.

Update - it seems like the warranty has now changed. Road hazards, and I'm not sure what else, are no longer included in the warranty as of purchases from Nov 1, 2012. http://www.goodyear.com/en-US/services/tire-warranty