Lease Turn-in: Run Flats Required?

Hi all. Not sure if this question belongs in the ask-a-dealer forum, but thought it was the best fit. I'm turning in my 2010 328i with Sports Package. All four tires are below minimum spec of 4/32" of tread, which I was expecting, so I need to meet minimum spec prior to turning it in. I'm looking into purchasing used tires to meet minimum spec, but having trouble finding used run flats (which were original equipment). New tires of course will run around $300 / tire, so I'm trying to minimize my lease turn in expense while adhering to the lease turn in requirements.

My question is: Do I have to replace the tires with run flats (which were original equipment), or can I meet the minimum spec with just tread greater than 4/32" and same tire size (225/45/R17 + 255/40/R17)? I cannot find any specifics in the owners manual or lease turn in guide that mentions the exact requirement, just that tires must be "BMW recommended". And I haven't found the list of BMW Recommended tires. Of course, the BMW inspector at the dealership says run flats are required but he can't show me that requirement in writing anywhere.

Any guidance out there? I'm sure I'm not the first guy who has tried to save a few bucks this way so hoping to tap the vast expertise here. If in fact the run flat is an inescapable requirement, has anyone found a good source for used tires? Thanks all.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...tionFlash.aspx

They have to be run-flats. Try posting a thread in the "Classifieds" section; maybe you will find a member here who's willing to sell his "soon to be" below minimum spec tires instead of throwing them in the garbage a few months down the road.

Thx Justin and 335Fanatic. Justin, somehow I missed the interactive video. You can't be more specific than that! 335Fanatic good idea on the classified. Also thought about just checking in with the dealer's service dept., you never know what may come in the door there. Appreciate the rapid feedback. Again, you can't beat the posters (and dealers) on Bimmerfest. See ya.

btw, the fee that bmw charges to replace each tire at the end of the lease is actually quite competitive. many just turn theirs in and let bmw deal with it.

I had to turn in a lemon, picked up some used latitiude ZPs (RFTs) for $40 per tire. Needed two. 4-5/32s... had them mounted told them not to bother balancing.


ebay to find the seller, then call them up and chat with them....

After looking into things, I plant to keep the RFT until right before they get to the tread wear limit = 1/8". Put on some regular summer performance tires from tire rack or equivalent. Right before lease return flip back on the RFT. i have access to a tire mount and balance machine at no cost.

I have a 45k lease- so going to eat through a set or two anyway. Might as well save the dough and get better performance on the in the meantime. No point in paying a dealer to to have new tires....

Know I just need the car

Thx Ard and Smeng. Ard: I'm running that trap line now on ebay, craigslist, et al. Will advise this thread on any success and if I find any vendors. Smeng: Good strategy idea, I thought of that one a bit too late myself.... There's always next time to apply new learnings! See ya.

01Byte, you're right. I think the BMW price of $300 / tire is pretty competitive if you're going to spend the money anyway on new tires. I'm proceeding with my used tire strategy and if that fails, will succumb to "The Man"....

I was in the same boat as you. Found some on Ebay for under $100 each with free shipping. Much better option than anything the dealer was offering.

FLBimmer, thx for reply and great suggestion. Was able to get close to $100 / tire on ebay as well. Just waiting to pull the trigger due to a "sell as is" possibility. Thx again.

Thx to all on this one. Thought I'd provide final status in case any one else wants some insight.

Went to Classified section of Bimmerfest, posted a "Looking to Buy" ad. 05mdriver replied, had two Pirelli's for the front, and one Bridgestone for the rear (compared his to ebay guys, but went with Bimmerfest user). After a short negotiation, 05mdriver shipped tires directly to my tire shop. Tires were of good quality and met spec, and had them mounted only, not balanced. Turned in lease yesterday, no tire issues! Saved me around $1,000, couldn't be happier. BTW, also got them to waive minor bumper scratches as well, so only had dispo fee to pay (which I will get back when I get my next Bimmer!) Thanks to all.

Nice. Watch out next time. They usually require all 4 tires match in brand and model.


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a little tip .........the axles have to match... i.e. you can have Goodyears on front and Kumhos on back for example

Originally Posted by Alpine300ZHP

Nice. Watch out next time. They usually require all 4 tires match in brand and model.


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not really...you just can't have mismatched shoes side to side...nikes front reeboks rear is nike left reebok right is

Originally Posted by Greg@Pacific BMW

a little tip .........the axles have to match... i.e. you can have Goodyears on front and Kumhos on back for example

Originally Posted by Greg@Pacific BMW

a little tip .........the axles have to match... i.e. you can have Goodyears on front and Kumhos on back for example

Hmm. Thanks for tip. Did not know this.


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Agreed, and consistent with my experience this time. Only spec given is that fronts must match and be to spec, and rears must match and be to spec, but front and rears don't have to match. And that is exactly what the dealer and BMWFS required at lease turn in. Again, going with used tires is a much better option than succumbing to their initial request for $300 per tire, times 4 tires. Thanks again to all.

Originally Posted by Buckeye Bmer

Agreed, and consistent with my experience this time. Only spec given is that fronts must match and be to spec, and rears must match and be to spec, but front and rears don't have to match. And that is exactly what the dealer and BMWFS required at lease turn in. Again, going with used tires is a much better option than succumbing to their initial request for $300 per tire, times 4 tires. Thanks again to all.

Glad it worked out for you. I have done the used tire thing many times. Another tip for future is to monitor tire wear and remove the OEM tires when they hit 5/32nds and save them for lease end. Some people do this to save from paying for used tires. P


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