The wheel thing

I recently bought a 2009 BMW X5 from an independent dealer. The car still has 16 months left of warranty. I noticed I was losing air in one of the front tyres, so went to a local garage. He diagnosed a cracked NSF alloy on the inside of the rim. After speaking with BMW assist they suggested that the car be recovered and taken to a local dealership for inspection. I received a call to say they had tested the wheel and it was running 2.5mm out, (BMWs) tolerance allowance is 2.0mm. £720, thank you very much. I pointed out that the car’s tyre pressure warning was not working so could this have caused the cracked wheel? We can't test the pressure sensors until the wheel is fixed £720.00 please. I have collected the car today still with the cracked alloy as I refuse to pay them anything, I was not charged for the recovery, although with it being non warranty I should have been. Am I fighting a losing battle?

Asked on 23 August 2011 by JW, Merseyside

Answered by Honest John

The dealer's argument is that you or a previous driver damaged the wheel. These vehicles are often fitted with stupidly low profile tyres that damage easily. But the dealer will still argue that you damaged the wheel. If you suspect the wheel was damaged before your bought the car you may have a claim against the dealer who sold it to you.

Tags: damage wheels and tyres legal issues

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