Sourcing 2008 E92 M-Sport 19" Rear Alloy Rim

eddiem74

So I have a crack in my 19" rear alloy (255/30/19), assuming BMW will not offer me any goodwill I will need to source a replacement rim.
Dealer quote was €570 + VAT. From the quote the part is: B36.11.8.037.142, where else should/could I be looking to source a new rim and for what kind of money?

Thanks.

robbie99

I discovered I had a crack myself when I went to put on new tyres myself two weeks ago. This place http://www.phoenixtyres.ie/ near drumcondra see them all the time and even have a spare wheel they lend out while welding yours. €100 they charged me to repair.

eddiem74

robbie99 wrote: »

I discovered I had a crack myself when I went to put on new tyres myself two weeks ago. This place http://www.phoenixtyres.ie/ near drumcondra see them all the time and even have a spare wheel they lend out while welding yours. €100 they charged me to repair.

Thanks.

I had seen some mention of weld repairs but would be concerned it woud crack again? Also from reading around it seems cracks in this wheel combination with RFTs seems to be a known issue although not totally acknowledged by BMW.

robbie99

What phoenix tyres were saying was that the bmw wheel is actually quite a strong wheel - much tougher than any replica wheels you can buy, but 30 is a silly profile for Irish roads. They see these cracks not only on the 225M 19" wheels, but also the 18" and on all other makes of cars including Mercedes. I guess if it took four years to get a crack on that wheel, you can expect to get another one within four years on that wheel and there's also the other three wheels. Look out for the potholes.

eddiem74

robbie99 wrote: »

What phoenix tyres were saying was that the bmw wheel is actually quite a strong wheel - much tougher than any replica wheels you can buy, but 30 is a silly profile for Irish roads. They see these cracks not only on the 255M 19" wheels, but also the 18" and on all other makes of cars including Mercedes. I guess if it took four years to get a crack on that wheel, you can expect to get another one within four years on that wheel and there's also the other three wheels. Look out for the potholes.

Actually the wheel was replaced in August 2010 by the prior owner however the BMW dealer does not know the reason?, they just said probably damage of some sort. So this wheel is only just over 18 months old, so that would mean two wheels in 4 years, and that is not to say others were not replaced that there is no service record for?

Additionally the warning light came on for loss of tyre pressure when driving over a speed ramp for the school run, so not at speed, and no potholes in sight. I got the wheel checked assuming punture but was told, not a punture, cracked. I was quite surprised by a wheel cracking so simply (maybe I just don't read enough) so when I googled it I was surprised to see so much discussion about it online, including the Watchdog investigation in the UK.

If a weld is performed, does it equate to 'good as new' or is there conditions/risks associated with it? What about insurance considersations or NCT ? Appreciate any further information.

challengemaster

These wheels are prone to cracking, and AFAIK BMW DOES offer goodwill replacement of them, on one condition - that you haven't attempted a repair on the wheel already. If you haven't got it welded, contact BMW. So do not weld it.

I have to tell you though, you're looking at a long future of much of the same with these wheels, a rate of 2 wheels in 4 years could be something to go by tbh.

If you want to look into it and can't get a goodwill from BMW (you should be able to), replicas are available, and financially have no downside - as if the originals crack too, why on earth would you pay 600 per wheel for a replacement when you can get a rep for under 200?

eddiem74

challengemaster wrote: »

These wheels are prone to cracking, and AFAIK BMW DOES offer goodwill replacement of them, on one condition - that you haven't attempted a repair on the wheel already. If you haven't got it welded, contact BMW. So do not weld it.

I have to tell you though, you're looking at a long future of much of the same with these wheels, a rate of 2 wheels in 4 years could be something to go by tbh.

If you want to look into it and can't get a goodwill from BMW (you should be able to), replicas are available, and financially have no downside - as if the originals crack too, why on earth would you pay 600 per wheel for a replacement when you can get a rep for under 200?

The car is booked in for Thursday morning to have an "inspection, run-out tests, and any requested photos" provided to BMW. I am told I should hear back from BMW within 24hrs, so hopefully Friday PM at the latest.

If they don't do goodwill, it would either be fork out for a new rim, weld it, or as you have suggested get a replica. With regard to replicas where would I look to source those, and would I need to replace all at once or just the one? Sorry no knowledge or experience in this.

Additionally if this is a known issue with BMW have they not done anything with newer RIMs to prevent this? Seems bizarre they offer goodwill over and over without doing anything to address the underlying issue?

Also, would switching to non-RFTs help reduce the risk of further issues?

robbie99

Good luck with the run-out test. If the wheel isn't buckled, i.e. a run-out of less than 1mm or something as small as that then BMW will replace the wheel under warranty. The only thing BMW has done about this is to remove the 225M 19" wheel from the options list on a new car - replaced by the 313M I think it is. Not sure how the new one is faring up though.

Six months ago when I was rotating my wheels and getting them rebalanced the tyre fitters showed me on the balancing machine that my two inside wheels were a bit buckled. They didn't measure it but it looked like it could have been 10mm. They were able to balance the wheels ok and despite the buckles, the wheels weren't cracked then. It's only catseyes on the motorways that I've been hitting since.

eddiem74

robbie99 wrote: »

Good luck with the run-out test. If the wheel isn't buckled, i.e. a run-out of less than 1mm or something as small as that then BMW will replace the wheel under warranty. The only thing BMW has done about this is to remove the 225M 19" wheel from the options list on a new car - replaced by the 313M I think it is. Not sure how the new one is faring up though.

Six months ago when I was rotating my wheels and getting them rebalanced the tyre fitters showed me on the balancing machine that my two inside wheels were a bit buckled. They didn't measure it but it looked like it could have been 10mm. They were able to balance the wheels ok despite the buckles and the wheels weren't cracked then. It's only catseyes on the motorways that I've been hitting since.

Thanks, fingers crossed so.

So is there a solution to all this or is it just a case of new tyres and RIMs for as long as I have the car?

Anan1

eddiem74 wrote: »

So is there a solution to all this or is it just a case of new tyres and RIMs for as long as I have the car?

Do you plan on keeping the car? If so, and assuming they'll cover your brakes, i'd replace all four wheels with 16" or 17"s. An added benefit will be much better ride quality.

challengemaster

Anan1 wrote: »

Do you plan on keeping the car? If so, and assuming they'll cover your brakes, i'd replace all four wheels with 16" or 17"s. An added benefit will be much better ride quality.

how did I know that would be your reply :pac:

Anan1

challengemaster wrote: »

how did I know that would be your reply :pac:

I keep that one on my clipboard.;)

eddiem74

Anan1 wrote: »

Do you plan on keeping the car? If so, and assuming they'll cover your brakes, i'd replace all four wheels with 16" or 17"s. An added benefit will be much better ride quality.

challengemaster wrote: »

how did I know that would be your reply :pac:

Anan1 wrote: »

I keep that one on my clipboard.;)

Completely lost on me... If this is relevant to me, please clarify. Thanks.

Anan1

eddiem74 wrote: »

Completely lost on me... If this is relevant to me, please clarify. Thanks.

We get a lot of threads around here from E90 & E92 owners in particular having problems with their big wheels. I'm of the opinion that the aesthetic benefits of 18" and 19" rims are comprehensively outweighed by their disadvantages, I may have said it once or twice before, and challengemaster is poking fun at my soapboxing.:)

ongarite

Its not the 19" rims that are the problem IMO but the run flats in combination with them is the big issue.
The stiff sidewall of the RFT tyre is causing all the shock from the bumps and potholes to be transmitted to the alloys.

Ditching the RFT and getting regular performance tyres will make the rid smoother and protect the alloys from cracking again.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

What model of alloys was it OP. The 230's and MV4 were renowned for this. I had 230 crack and got a fellow in Tipp call wheel doctor to weld them. Drove 20k on welded rims without problem. Get off the stupid run flats asap.

challengemaster

Poppy Aggressive Matchmaker wrote: »

What model of alloys was it OP. The 230's and MV4 were renowned for this. I had 230 crack and got a fellow in Tipp call wheel doctor to weld them. Drove 20k on welded rims without problem. Get off the stupid run flats asap.

The 193M's too

eddiem74

Poppy Aggressive Matchmaker wrote: »

What model of alloys was it OP. The 230's and MV4 were renowned for this. I had 230 crack and got a fellow in Tipp call wheel doctor to weld them. Drove 20k on welded rims without problem. Get off the stupid run flats asap.

19" M double spoke 225's.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

eddiem74 wrote: »

19" M double spoke 225's.

225's :eek: See here

This is a known problem and I think BMW acknowledge it and offer discounted or free replacements.

eddiem74

Poppy Aggressive Matchmaker wrote: »

225's :eek: See here

This is a known problem and I think BMW acknowledge it and offer discounted or free replacements.

Yeah widespread for sure, been doing my reading up but BMW still have not officially acknowledged anything although goodwill might be an option assuming my inspection goes okay.

copacetic

The 225ms are absolutely famous for this, massive threads on uk and us forums re this and bbc watchdog did a report on BMWs poor response to the issue and attempt to get around it every time customers raised it. Usually they tested wheel as noted above and said if wheel was cracked but also out of round, then it must have been through a big pothole so wasn't faulty. One of the guys on uk forum of e90post used an independent engineers report to prove BMW were totally in the wrong about it.

I had these on my previous car with no issues though and they look fantastic. Anan is right that 16 or 17s will be better for ride and no issues but totally wrong that this out weighs the looks.:D The e92 looks horrible on 18s, never mind 17s or 16s:eek:

May as well just buy a tractor and have massive rubber on it for comfort if going that way.

Personally I'd see if BMW will do anything for me, then if they won't get it welded and move to non RFTs when changing tyres. Otherwise sometimes they come up in the for sale forum on e90post also.

Be aware that there are very conflicting reports on how this affects the handling, but most people seem to report that if handling and tightness through bends is affected increased comfort makes up for it.

challengemaster

eddiem74 wrote: »

Additionally if this is a known issue with BMW have they not done anything with newer RIMs to prevent this? Seems bizarre they offer goodwill over and over without doing anything to address the underlying issue?

Reason for this is simple. Once a production line of alloys is up and running, it's certainly not anywhere near as expensive as they're selling them for. Giving the odd one away free of charge really makes little difference, all that hard expensive work is already done.

To get engineers in, identify a common fault that can be rectified while keeping the design, ADMIT that there was a fault in the first place (biggest part) and subsequently have to recall every wheel that was made, and replace them all free of charge... that's expensive.

marryabroad

had same prob with 08 520d. both rears cracked, got them welded few times. bought 2 more from bmw and same prob again. bought 2 spurious ones from a crowd in dublin and haven't had a problem since!

Gumbo

OP, thwe 225M wheels are infamous for this as you probably well know by now.

Let BMW do their tests on it.
If they dont replace it under good will, ask them for a contribution towards a new set of 313 wheels or similar, if they still say no then walk out, theres not much else you can do.

then get the 19" wheel welded, and get the other 3 checked for minor cracks etc
replace the RFT's with standard tyres and after the welding i would nearly bet you will never get another crack as the main problem is the 30 side wall and the hardness of RFT's. thats why its 99% of the time that its the rears that crack.

dont buy one replica, they will be a different grade of steel, weaker or stronger i dont know, but the colour match wont be correct, the width may not match and it might not look right.

eddiem74

If a weld is performed, does it equate to 'good as new' or is there conditions/risks associated with it? What about insurance considersations or NCT (due next monthj) ?

Appreciate any further information.

robbie99

eddiem74 wrote: »

If a weld is performed, does it equate to 'good as new' or is there conditions/risks associated with it? What about insurance considersations or NCT (due next monthj) ?

Appreciate any further information.

Assuming it's one of the regular hairline cracks and not something that's beyond repair, no implications for NCT or insurance - the wheel is repaired. Where the crack used to be, a proper weld will make that area as strong, if not stronger than new. The rest of the wheel will still have accumulated stresses and strains that of course it can't be considered to be like new - it will still be a 2 year wheel - but no reason for the wheel not to be as true as a new one.

marryabroad

kceire wrote: »

dont buy one replica, they will be a different grade of steel, weaker or stronger i dont know, but the colour match wont be correct, the width may not match and it might not look right.

i feared the same when i was embarking down this road but the colour and size is bang on! if i stood the original and the replica in front of you i can guarantee you you would be hard pushed to spot which was which.

eddiem74

Car just dropped in for inspection, run-out tests, and any requested photos for BMW.

I must say the guy on the Service desk was very reluctant to engage in any conversation about this issue and how widespread it seemed to be.

He said they would do the tests, give me a call and we'd take it from there.

Gumbo

marryabroad wrote: »

i feared the same when i was embarking down this road but the colour and size is bang on! if i stood the original and the replica in front of you i can guarantee you you would be hard pushed to spot which was which.

I bet anybody that knew cars would tell

eddiem74

eddiem74 wrote: »

Car just dropped in for inspection, run-out tests, and any requested photos for BMW.

I must say the guy on the Service desk was very reluctant to engage in any conversation about this issue and how widespread it seemed to be.

He said they would do the tests, give me a call and we'd take it from there.

Just picked car up, wheel was within tolerence as provided by BMW, so goodwill claim being sent off to BMW, fingers-crossed, should hear back in the next day or so.

eddiem74

eddiem74 wrote: »

Just picked car up, wheel was within tolerence as provided by BMW, so goodwill claim being sent off to BMW, fingers-crossed, should hear back in the next day or so.

Happy days, call from BMW dealer on Friday evening, come in Monday for the wheel to be replaced.

roonster

OK...SAME PROB ON MINE..BROUGHT IT TO DEALER YDAY TOLD ME THERE IS A BUCKLE IN WHEEL ALSO AND BMW WILL NOT COVER IT..ONLY OPTION IS TO BUY A NEW ALLOY OFF THEM...? BEST TO GET IT REPAIRED I GUESS?

bazz26

roonster wrote: »

OK...SAME PROB ON MINE..BROUGHT IT TO DEALER YDAY TOLD ME THERE IS A BUCKLE IN WHEEL ALSO AND BMW WILL NOT COVER IT..ONLY OPTION IS TO BUY A NEW ALLOY OFF THEM...? BEST TO GET IT REPAIRED I GUESS?

To be fair, there is a difference between a buckled alloy wheel and a stressline crack. A buckle is normally caused by the poor condition of the road that the car is driven on, BMW could hardly be blamed for that.

Getting the buckled rim repaired is the most cost effective method imo.