There is a crack in the rim which is a manufacturing defect. This fine crack causes loss of air pressure in the tire. The tire itself is intact and undamaged as is the rim. Both tire and rim are original equipment and were on the vehicle at the time of delivery in Dec. 2008. The vehicle has never been involved in an accident or struck any object which could have caused this defect. Since the manufacturing defect causes loss of air pressure in the tire, this is a safety issue. The crack in rim was diagnosed after two visits by discount tire on cerrillos road in Santa Fe, nm. [xxx] at BMW N.a. suggested I contact the dealer to find out who manufactured the rim and then deal with the rim manufacturer. He says that BMW assumes no responsibility for their rims and that rims are not covered by the vehicle warranty. [xxx]. said he could not tell me who manufactured the rim. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Houston, TX, USA

Upon mounting new tires on my 2008 BMW 328I convertible (w/ sport pkg) at big O tires in danville, ca, the technicians informed me that both of my rear wheels were cracked, and they could not mount the new tires on the vehicle. Upon inspection at BMW of san francisco, my service advisor told me that it was in their opinion that an "impact" from a pothole or other irregular road surface caused the cracks in both rear wheels and that warranty coverage is denied. Upon my own investigation, I found several other BMW customers describe a similar concern on www.bimmerfest.com, as well as an investigation performed by the bbc in October of 2009. For bbc's article, please refer to www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/watchdog/2009/10/bmw_alloy_wheels.html.

- Danville, CA, USA

Continental run flat tires new with new 328I BMW sedan purchased in 2008 had tread worn down after 8100 miles, as noticed when vehicle was brought in for servicing. Tires were replaced by dealer. Research on the web showed a large number of individuals reporting similar problems: www.bmwrunflattire.com; forums.automotive.com/70/6318820/BMW/BMW-run-flat-tires/index.html.

- Washington, DC, USA