Rear rims cracked with run flat tires. Second rim to crack

- Norfolk, VA, USA

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

Took vehicle in for low pressure on right rear tire. Tires had been mounted approximately 3 months prior, when mechanic took rim off to test for leak discovered three cracks in rim along outside of inner rim. Has original rims that came with car, BMW 10 spoke 17" alloy style 159. Tires mounted are run flat as they are replacements for original equipment.

- Jonesboro, AR, USA

When I went to a tire store to purchase winter treads I discovered the rim on the back left wheel was cracked. The mechanics told me if I continued driving on it the cracked rim, the wheel could come off. I have owned a number of BMW's and never seen a cracked rim. (even when I lived in the pot hole littered ne) three days ago I went to the same tire store because there appeared to be a leak in the new, left rear tire. The rim was cracked in 4 places. This is scary and it is also extremely costly as the rims are about $300+. to have two of these rim failures in a month is a bit shocking. BMW says parts fail through normal wear and tear (not on any of my previous BMW's) the tire store says the rims are a very thin aluminum to make the car faster and they see a number of failures. Not safe.

- Santa Fe, NM, 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