Is the $850 535i (19") Road Hazard Warranty Worth it???

I just did the final paperwork in preparation for a performance center delivery (PCD) next Wednesday, 2/9/2011. Because of the pricey low-profile run-flat tires that come with the sports package, I decided to opt for a 5-year road-hazard warranty which covers damaged tires and rims up to $2,000 and $4,000, respectively.

Any words of wisdom would be GREATLY appreciated, as I have 30 days to change my mind and get a refund if there is a better alternative. Thanks!

Originally Posted by cdarwinj

I just did the final paperwork in preparation for a performance center delivery (PCD) next Wednesday, 2/9/2011. Because of the pricey low-profile run-flat tires that come with the sports package, I decided to opt for a 5-year road-hazard warranty which covers damaged tires and rims up to $2,000 and $4,000, respectively.

Any words of wisdom would be GREATLY appreciated, as I have 30 days to change my mind and get a refund if there is a better alternative. Thanks!

Is it BMW's tire/wheel insurance of some insurance from third party? If you require pre-authorization, it may be a headache and may require you to leave the car with dealer until approval is granted.

watch out for getting hooked on the term of the warranty - If you drive 15000 miles / year, your run flats may only last 12 - 18 months anyway; I assume the warranty ends when the tires wear out and the warranty doesn't cover normal wear;

not sure on the BMW, but previous run flats I've had burned through in 25,000 miles or less (which is silly); I'm anticipating shorter than that given how I drive this car (no turn too sharp!)

My pcd is on 2/3 and I purchased the tire warranty from hendrick as well. I think it was a good deal.

I purchased the 5 yr/50K miles tire & rim insurance with our new Z4 due to the 19" low profile RFT. Cost $1100. So far in 7K miles, 2 rear RFT's replaced (@ $500 ea) due to nails - no cost approved & replaced within an hour. BTW, "Libbing" the coverage continues on new or replacement tires so long as they are the BMW Approved tires. I'll get my money out of this policy. I have heard some of the alternative offered policies are not so monitarily equivalent - max tire coverage less than new tire cost, other mounting fees, etc.

i had two bubbles in the two front tires within 2 weeks of buying my car. it was so fast that my paperwork had not yet even been processed. it is so worth it. do not hesitate.

Originally Posted by highyo

i had two bubbles in the two front tires within 2 weeks of buying my car. it was so fast that my paperwork had not yet even been processed. it is so worth it. do not hesitate.

Did you buy BMW's tire/wheel insurance or some third party insurance?

I picked a screw in my front right tire and I needed a new tire for $450 installed 4 weeks after US redelivery. The insurance is well worth it.

I heard some dealers are not selling BMW insurance!!! Is it to push customers for third party insurances??

Originally Posted by bfv

Did you buy BMW's tire/wheel insurance or some third party insurance?

the day of purchase i purchased the insurance, but i do not believe it was BMW. arent they all 3rd party?

mine was called national adjustment bureau

Originally Posted by highyo

the day of purchase i purchased the insurance, but i do not believe it was BMW. arent they all 3rd party?

mine was called national adjustment bureau

They are all third party but with BMW insurance, you don't have to wait for pre-auth. since BMW dealer is allowed to assess the damage and fix it. I guess that would save a lot of hassle.

Originally Posted by bfv

They are all third party but with BMW insurance, you don't have to wait for pre-auth. since BMW dealer is allowed to assess the damage and fix it. I guess that would save a lot of hassle.

i think that the pre-auth is a rubber stamp. you make an appointment, you bring the car in, they call NAB, they give clearance, they change tire. check arrives 2 weeks later

Thanks everyone! I was talking to another Performance Center customer last week when I picked up my car and he said that he paid something like $350 a couple years ago for his 3-Series. For his new car (an X5, I think), he paid close to $1000. He surmised that BMW raised the price because they lost too much money at the lower price.

Originally Posted by highyo

i had two bubbles in the two front tires within 2 weeks of buying my car. it was so fast that my paperwork had not yet even been processed. it is so worth it. do not hesitate.

Thanks for the advice. This forum is great... I am convinced that buying the insurance was the right thing to do. BTW, perhaps I am mistaken about what a bubble is, but isn't it a sign of a defective tire which -- I'd like to think -- would be covered by the manufacturer?

No when you hit a pothole or anything the sidewall threads break and the air pressure/impact forms a bubble in the sidewall.

Originally Posted by dunccfp

No when you hit a pothole or anything the sidewall threads break and the air pressure/impact forms a bubble in the sidewall.

I think it would happen to 18" and above RFTs. Are 17" RFTs as vulnerable?