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[JRZFresh]

OK, so we just did Euro Delivery with our new 335 x-drive sedan and were not told that when we upgraded to the 18" rims that we would be getting summer tires. I asked prior to our departure and our sales rep told us that we would have all-season tires. So, when we picked up our car, I didn't even think to check to see if they were in fact all-season. And, seeing as it was still March at the time, I thought our specialist at the Welt would have said something, or at least asked us if we would like to rent winter tires, since we told him we would be driving into Austria and Switzerland.

So, we drove on our way, up into the Alps where the temps were right around freezing and the snow was falling. There was little to no accumulation on the road, but the parking areas were pretty well covered in snow. I tested the x-drive out w/ confidence assuming that w/ all season tires we would have no problem. I only experienced a little slip in the parking areas, but on the main road had no grip issues whatsoever.

We will be getting our car back in a few weeks and since spring is here, we won't have to worry about getting all-season or winter tires until November/December. But, my question is this - what is BMW thinking putting summer tires on cars (especially x-drive cars) that it is selling the Northeast?? If they are going to do this, shouldn't they put a big disclaimer on every car they sell, warning people that the cars come with summer tires and they'll need to get a second set of rims/tires for the winter? Also, considering BMW no longer puts spare tires in their cars, shouldn't they also make it an option for people to buy a second set of wheels w/ run flat winter tires when they purchase their car at the dealer? This is now an added expense that I didn't anticipate when purchasing our x-drive 3 series.

[Tortfeasor 335xi]

I am sorry to hear that your dealership did not go over any of that with you first. I had a long talk with my salesman where he discussed all of this with me, before purchase, since I bought the car a year ago at the end of March. It sounds to me like your dealership was acting incompetently or was more interested in selling you the car than they were providing proper customer service.

Seeing as how you are in Jersey, I bought my 335xi from Flemmington BMW, if you used a different dealership consider switching over. When I was shopping I shopped both Princeton BMW and Flemmington and got bids from each. But Flemmington was willing to go the extra mile for my sale and offer me a better price ON THE SAME CAR (as it was in transit from Germany at the time).

[nomile]

While I think it's unfortunate that they didn't tell you voluntarily that the 18" wheels come with summer performance tires, I do have to ask - did you inquire? I would assume that someone buying a high performance automobile would have the foresight to ask those types of questions. As to why BMW sells high performance cars (even in snowy states) with summer tires - 'cause they're high performance cars!! X-drive has nothing to do with it, IMO. I live in the mountains in CO, we're expecting another 1-2ft of snow tonight, and yeah - I have a set of HP summer and dedicated winter tires for my xi. Wouldn't want it any other way.

[GregL]

A friend of mine purchased a Subaru WRX STI a few years ago and had to sign a form acknowledging that his AWD car was being delivered with summer tires. I'm guessing they had legal problems before thus prompting the extra piece of paper.

[JRZFresh]

Originally Posted by nomile

While I think it's unfortunate that they didn't tell you voluntarily that the 18" wheels come with summer performance tires, I do have to ask - did you inquire? I would assume that someone buying a high performance automobile would have the foresight to ask those types of questions. As to why BMW sells high performance cars (even in snowy states) with summer tires - 'cause they're high performance cars!! X-drive has nothing to do with it, IMO. I live in the mountains in CO, we're expecting another 1-2ft of snow tonight, and yeah - I have a set of HP summer and dedicated winter tires for my xi. Wouldn't want it any other way.

Second sentence of OG post -

I asked prior to our departure and our sales rep told us that we would have all-season tires.

Also, I do not consider a 328i x-drive a high performance vehicle and barely consider a 335i x-drive one. The suspension setup of these cars is evidence of that fact. These are not ///M cars.

[JRZFresh]

On this note, does anyone know the best place to get an inexpensive set of rims w/ run-flat WINTER tires? I checked TireRack and they didn't have anything.

[Priority 1]

I did the same thing last year and it snowed in switzerland and i had no trouble, but i KNEW they came with summer tires...how could you miss all of the warnings right next to that 18" option?

"Run-flat tires do not come equipped with spare tire. Performance tires are not recommended for driving in snow and ice. Due to low-profile tires, please note: wheels, tires and suspension parts are more susceptible to road hazard and consequential damages."

[JRZFresh]

Originally Posted by Priority 1

I did the same thing last year and it snowed in switzerland and i had no trouble, but i KNEW they came with summer tires...how could you miss all of the warnings right next to that 18" option?

"Run-flat tires do not come equipped with spare tire. Performance tires are not recommended for driving in snow and ice. Due to low-profile tires, please note: wheels, tires and suspension parts are more susceptible to road hazard and consequential damages."

Umm...there were no warnings that I saw. Plus, my sales person assured me that it came with all-seasons.

[Priority 1]

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

hover over the 18" option....you basically spent more money to not get the all season tires that initially come with the car!

[JRZFresh]

Originally Posted by Priority 1

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

hover over the 18" option....you basically spent more money to not get the all season tires that initially come with the car!

Point made, but I didn't actually build my car on the website. I asked my sales person! Oh, and at least I got the oil cooler and increased top speed limiter w/ the 18s.

Anyway, does anyone know where to buy some 17s w/ runflat winters??

[CaptChaos]

Winter tires are a seasonal item so you won't see significant stocks of them in stores until the fall.

I bought mine at Tirerack.

[Priority 1]

I'd never trust any saleman. You might want to hold off on snows until later in the year to get a better selection but i found these... http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...sw=true&cs=225
I'm using lm-25 blizzaks on the stock sport wheels and they are working great for the mild winters down here.

[GregL]

Originally Posted by CaptChaos

Winter tires are a seasonal item so you won't see significant stocks of them in stores until the fall.

I bought mine at Tirerack.

+1 September is the best time to order, even if it's to pre-order you know you'll get exactly what you want.

[nomile]

Originally Posted by JRZFresh

On this note, does anyone know the best place to get an inexpensive set of rims w/ run-flat WINTER tires? I checked TireRack and they didn't have anything.

The used wheel section on this forum is a great place for wheels/tires. Otherwise tirerack if you don't care about the looks as much.

[GregL]

Originally Posted by JRZFresh

On this note, does anyone know the best place to get an inexpensive set of rims w/ run-flat WINTER tires? I checked TireRack and they didn't have anything.

I wouldn't bother with runflats unless you get OE rims. RFTs rely on an extended hub to prevent falling off when there is a total loss of pressure. BMW accordingly calls it EH2 and all their rims feature this. Save your money, get standard tires and carry an inflation kit.

[vase330]

Originally Posted by Tortfeasor 335xi

I am sorry to hear that your dealership did not go over any of that with you first. I had a long talk with my salesman where he discussed all of this with me, before purchase, since I bought the car a year ago at the end of March. It sounds to me like your dealership was acting incompetently or was more interested in selling you the car than they were providing proper customer service.

Seeing as how you are in Jersey, I bought my 335xi from Flemmington BMW, if you used a different dealership consider switching over. When I was shopping I shopped both Princeton BMW and Flemmington and got bids from each. But Flemmington was willing to go the extra mile for my sale and offer me a better price ON THE SAME CAR (as it was in transit from Germany at the time).

+1 on FlemmingBMW. Nice dealership to deal with. Been there 3 times. Man is that shop modern or what!

[cam99]

Was it deleted because I had a link to my website on another forum?

[scheherazade]

Originally Posted by JRZFresh

OK, so we just did Euro Delivery with our new 335 x-drive sedan and were not told that when we upgraded to the 18" rims that we would be getting summer tires. I asked prior to our departure and our sales rep told us that we would have all-season tires. So, when we picked up our car, I didn't even think to check to see if they were in fact all-season. And, seeing as it was still March at the time, I thought our specialist at the Welt would have said something, or at least asked us if we would like to rent winter tires, since we told him we would be driving into Austria and Switzerland.

So, we drove on our way, up into the Alps where the temps were right around freezing and the snow was falling. There was little to no accumulation on the road, but the parking areas were pretty well covered in snow. I tested the x-drive out w/ confidence assuming that w/ all season tires we would have no problem. I only experienced a little slip in the parking areas, but on the main road had no grip issues whatsoever.

We will be getting our car back in a few weeks and since spring is here, we won't have to worry about getting all-season or winter tires until November/December. But, my question is this - what is BMW thinking putting summer tires on cars (especially x-drive cars) that it is selling the Northeast?? If they are going to do this, shouldn't they put a big disclaimer on every car they sell, warning people that the cars come with summer tires and they'll need to get a second set of rims/tires for the winter? Also, considering BMW no longer puts spare tires in their cars, shouldn't they also make it an option for people to buy a second set of wheels w/ run flat winter tires when they purchase their car at the dealer? This is now an added expense that I didn't anticipate when purchasing our x-drive 3 series.

My dealer told me that my car would come with an oil cooler...

it didn't.
(I also didn't check at first, assuming that it came like they said it would).

At least with tyres you can get a new set without costly labor and messing with your engine.

-scheherazade