[RonronEG]

Summer tires probably and if staggered fitment you can't rotate so they inevitably wear faster.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by MCL_24

I am so appreciative of the responses, especially given I’m new here and don’t even own a G30 (yet!). I definitely think I can make the space and size work. We will definitely be looking into an SUV as well in the near future, especially before having a 2nd child down the road. Also, thanks a lot for suggesting negotiating additional warranty. I hadn’t thought of that. I do hate the games of sitting at the dealership and having the salesman run back and forth spinning me a story… but maybe I can get started over the phone and see how it goes.

I know it’s impossible to know how a previous owner drove the car… but do you guys think it’s a big red flag that tires were replaced so many times on the car fax?

First thing to do is have the service department or sales person provide the actual service records. It is all attached to the VIN and any dealer can run the service history. Don't 100% rely on Carfax. The dealer records will show you what the customer complaint was, what the tech found and his comments and the remedy. It will also show you service records, like oil, brakes, etc.

You can sometimes glean a lot about the prior owner from the service records. For example, all of my service records was "CUSTOMER STATES: DO NOT WASH" and some reference to "picky customer" (I can't remember the exact comments without looking back.

In terms of all the tire replacement. Probably should have remarked on this sooner. Tires failing on these cars is commonplace, especially if you live in an area with shitty roads, like NJ. Runflat tires are prone to bubbling on the sidewall or edge with you hit a pothole. They do not compress on impact like regular tires and the sidewall take a hard hit which causes bubbling or the seam to bubble. This is why you can drive on them flat. I drive super defensively and I don't have runflats. This doesn't mean the prior owner beat on it.

You should definitely consider wheel and tire insurance. The last car I had with runflats was my F10 (prior gen 5-series) and I went through 9 tires in two years. I had the insurance. It is a PIA even if you have insurance, but I never had to put a new tire on that car because of wear as they were always new.

[MCL_24]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

First thing to do is have the service department or sales person provide the actual service records. It is all attached to the VIN and any dealer can run the service history. Don't 100% rely on Carfax. The dealer records will show you what the customer complaint was, what the tech found and his comments and the remedy. It will also show you service records, like oil, brakes, etc.

You can sometimes glean a lot about the prior owner from the service records. For example, all of my service records was "CUSTOMER STATES: DO NOT WASH" and some reference to "picky customer" (I can't remember the exact comments without looking back.

In terms of all the tire replacement. Probably should have remarked on this sooner. Tires failing on these cars is commonplace, especially if you live in an area with shitty roads, like NJ. Runflat tires are prone to bubbling on the sidewall or edge with you hit a pothole. They do not compress on impact like regular tires and the sidewall take a hard hit which causes bubbling or the seam to bubble. This is why you can drive on them flat. I drive super defensively and I don't have runflats. This doesn't mean the prior owner beat on it.

You should definitely consider wheel and tire insurance. The last car I had with runflats was my F10 (prior gen 5-series) and I went through 9 tires in two years. I had the insurance. It is a PIA even if you have insurance, but I never had to put a new tire on that car because of wear as they were always new.

Thanks a lot Joe. That makes a lot of sense and is helpful to know. I would definitely ask for any and all service records. The excitement of a new (to me) car and especially one as beautiful as this 540 is really building. My wife says to just go for it haha which is great to hear. She’s excited too because she would drive it some days as well. Again just trying to convince myself it’s an ‘ok’ time for us to spend the money on a car. We can afford it without any issue but I do tend to be very conservative with funds. This is a typical internal struggle I have between being somewhat frugal but enjoying and appreciating the finer things in life.

[Mandingo9]

Originally Posted by MCL_24

This is a typical internal struggle I have between being somewhat frugal but enjoying and appreciating the finer things in life.

Me too but then I say "I can get hit by a car tomorrow". Then I happily buy whatever it is.

[bvincent]

Originally Posted by Mandingo9

Me too but then I say "I can get hit by a car tomorrow". Then I happily buy whatever it is.

Yeah you only live once, enjoy what you can while you are here!

Loving my "new-to-me" 2018 540i that I picked up a month ago.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by MCL_24

Thanks a lot Joe. That makes a lot of sense and is helpful to know. I would definitely ask for any and all service records. The excitement of a new (to me) car and especially one as beautiful as this 540 is really building. My wife says to just go for it haha which is great to hear. She’s excited too because she would drive it some days as well. Again just trying to convince myself it’s an ‘ok’ time for us to spend the money on a car. We can afford it without any issue but I do tend to be very conservative with funds. This is a typical internal struggle I have between being somewhat frugal but enjoying and appreciating the finer things in life.

You're young. You'll make more money.

But really, it sounds like you're in a good position to make whatever choice you decide on. Good luck with it. Keep us posted on what you decide… and on what new vehicle you're wife inevitably ends up with in 6-12 months!

[MCL_24]

I spoke with the dealership to confirm the car was available and request service records. Not sure if they forgot but I had to follow up a few hours later and then someone called to tell me all they can see is “tire replaced.”

Makes me scratch my head but maybe these run flats really are that fragile and I can feel comfortable there wasn’t other major damage done to cause the tire failure.

Interestingly the guy who called me back said he has a bmw with runflats and has changed his tires and some wheels 3-4 times in 1 year of ownership. In his words, the run flat tires seem to pop from minor potholes, low tire pressure, etc… and he said the wheel/tire insurance is a must.

I’m not new to cars but I am new to runflats. I’ve heard people get annoyed by them. Is really that bad though? Sounds like the insurance companies would take beatings on this stuff… and also why would bmw continue to put them on vehicles if they were this problematic? Would the move be to get the insurance and then once warranties ran out to just switch to 4 regular performance all season tires and call it a day? Then I guess there’s the issue of a spare…

I’m just finding this all a little hard to believe but maybe I just haven’t experienced the uniqueness of these tires yet. Making me wonder if I want to deal with my wife calling me every few months to say she blew out another tire on her 10mi commute to work (or me doing it myself… admittedly I’m not perfect either )

[MCL_24]

Oh gosh, the service records don’t even mention tires being replaced. I responded and asked why that was omitted and the Client Advisor I’m working with responded “I have no idea”

[NGT2]

I have 19" wheels and the run flats. No problems, so far. And our roads are not good. I am a bit defensive when I can be, because I'm aware of the potential issues. I think the trouble is exponentially increased when you go to 20" and bigger on the wheels.

A car could have tires and wheels replaced for multiple reasons. Bad luck, bad driver, bad roads. And if you had the insurance, you'd be motivated to ask for a replacement any time you had any damage, which could occur from shitty parking.

[cna90]

Originally Posted by MCL_24

Oh gosh, the service records don’t even mention tires being replaced. I responded and asked why that was omitted and the Client Advisor I’m working with responded “I have no idea”

Not a big deal. They could have taken it to a tire shop and changed it. A lot of smaller shops don't attach it to the VIN of the car. If the car's okay and don't have any issues + the warranty for over a year you will be fine.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by cna90

Not a big deal. They could have taken it to a tire shop and changed it. A lot of smaller shops don't attach it to the VIN of the car. If the car's okay and don't have any issues + the warranty for over a year you will be fine.

Yes, a tire shop reports to carfax only, whereas the dealer has their own service history and also repeated to carfax. Since he's seeing the tires on carfax and the dealer isn't seeing it, it's safe to assume the prior owner went to a tire shop. Should reference who did the service on the carfax.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by cna90

Not a big deal. They could have taken it to a tire shop and changed it. A lot of smaller shops don't attach it to the VIN of the car. If the car's okay and don't have any issues + the warranty for over a year you will be fine.

Agreed. Wouldn't let that tail wag the dog, if it was me.

[MCL_24]

I’m not trying to be difficult of overly paranoid… but I did think the dealer would be able to provide some better info. I was very polite, but firm in my questions. According to carfax, the tires were replaced at the dealer - that’s why I was hoping for at least some details. The client advisor says he spoke with the General Manager and Mechanic and both told him “nothing we can say, it all depends on how the car was driven. It came in and needed new tires so that’s what we did.” It could 100% be the truth but idk it felt like they’re blowing me off a little bit and not trying to offer any sort of peace of mind.

At the end of the day it comes down to if I want the car and if it looks/feels good when test driving. And if I want to purchase a car with run flats.

Oh yeah it also comes down to what they offer me for my 2015 IS250 with 63k miles. I’m anticipating I’ll get low balled even though their own online trade estimate spits out $22.5k (which I would gladly take)

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by MCL_24

Oh gosh, the service records don't even mention tires being replaced. I responded and asked why that was omitted and the Client Advisor I'm working with responded "I have no idea"

Two things, the dealer should absolutely printout the service history and blackout the prior owners name. Especially if they want to sell the car.

With my CPO, I emailed the shop foreman where the car was ordered and purchased from. This was a different dealer than where I bought it. The guy emailed it back to me with an hour. Press this dealer for the actual service records. It's kind of BS they just comment on them and haven't provided them.

In terms of runflats, it's not a show stopper. It's annoying that BMW uses them, they aren't the only car maker that does, but it's one of those things you live with. A lot of people change them up. I'm from the camp that says change them and run without a spare. I have a spare and it will never leave my trunk. I'll be getting a tow. I have roadside assistance from the CPO, from the wheels and tire insurance and from AAA. I ain't changing no flat. Not to mention, sometime the "runflat" is so damaged, you can't runflat and your calling a tow anyway.

BMW uses them to save weight for MPG and increase trunk space.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by MCL_24

I’m not trying to be difficult of overly paranoid… but I did think the dealer would be able to provide some better info. I was very polite, but firm in my questions. According to carfax, the tires were replaced at the dealer - that’s why I was hoping for at least some details. The client advisor says he spoke with the General Manager and Mechanic and both told him “nothing we can say, it all depends on how the car was driven. It came in and needed new tires so that’s what we did.” It could 100% be the truth but idk it felt like they’re blowing me off a little bit and not trying to offer any sort of peace of mind.

At the end of the day it comes down to if I want the car and if it looks/feels good when test driving. And if I want to purchase a car with run flats.

Oh yeah it also comes down to what they offer me for my 2015 IS250 with 63k miles. I’m anticipating I’ll get low balled even though their own online trade estimate spits out $22.5k (which I would gladly take)

You'll probably get a decent trade value. They'll sell your car in a heartbeat.

Something just dawned on me. Is this car a CPO? If so, we're the tires changed after they took custody of it? Because they'd just do that to meet the CPO standard. Mine had 4 new tires for that reason.

[MCL_24]

Yes sorry if I wasn’t clear - they did email me the service records excluding the prior owners name. Honestly they were less informative than carfax. And those brief service records did not include any mention of tire replacements at all. I will need to press them a little bit when I go in person.

As for the CPO, yes it is… which is peace of mind for sure. They did replace 2 tires during the CPO inspection because of lower than spec tread life. That’s awesome… but prior to that 3-4 tires had been replaced at anywhere from 4K go 20k miles. All I was hoping for was for them to acknowledge that and give me a better answer than “well you know if the prior owner drove the car hard or hit a lot of potholes this is definitely possible.” And yes those were their exact words… I mean isn’t that just a lack of salesman training to not say things like that?

I feel like I’m probably annoying you guys at this point being nitpicky. It’s been a long week of work and I expected better.

If I’m not satisfied I can very easily walk away and quit bugging you guys for reassurance lol. But of course I’d love to buy this car and that keeps me interested, I just don’t want to regret my purchase by overlooking anything. Attention to detail…a gift and a curse. I do find myself scrutinizing most large purchases I make so I can’t be too surprised this is no different.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by MCL_24

Yes sorry if I wasn’t clear - they did email me the service records excluding the prior owners name. Honestly they were less informative than carfax. And those brief service records did not include any mention of tire replacements at all. I will need to press them a little bit when I go in person.

As for the CPO, yes it is… which is peace of mind for sure. They did replace 2 tires during the CPO inspection because of lower than spec tread life. That’s awesome… but prior to that 3-4 tires had been replaced at anywhere from 4K go 20k miles. All I was hoping for was for them to acknowledge that and give me a better answer than “well you know if the prior owner drove the car hard or hit a lot of potholes this is definitely possible.” And yes those were their exact words… I mean isn’t that just a lack of salesman training to not say things like that?

I feel like I’m probably annoying you guys at this point being nitpicky. It’s been a long week of work and I expected better.

If I’m not satisfied I can very easily walk away and quit bugging you guys for reassurance lol. But of course I’d love to buy this car and that keeps me interested, I just don’t want to regret my purchase by overlooking anything. Attention to detail…a gift and a curse. I do find myself scrutinizing most large purchases I make so I can’t be too surprised this is no different.

You're not annoying anyone. I've bugged the hell out of this place over smaller details. Most of us are like that, that's why we are here! Haha

You're right, the sales effort is lacking. That's probably what 2 years of no effort required selling does to a place. I get your frustration. You're spending a lot of money and you want that to be recognized.

If the tire replacements are the only issue, I wouldn't let it kill the deal for me. These aren't tanks and if you drive like you're in one, you'll screw up a tire. It's the only thing that was easier about driving the Tahoe - big E rated tires and could run over anything and keep trucking. Maybe the previous owner was just shitty at avoiding potholes, curbs, debris.

If the other service records are clean, I wouldn't let the tire issues or lazy salesman prevent me from buying a car I want. Especially if you like the price and the trade value. Just my two cents.

[MCL_24]

Thanks a lot man. The service records do look clean as far as I can tell. 2 small things which I don’t think would be a big deal? The coolant plug and air flap. I’m on my phone so sorry if this formatting is horrible… just tried to copy and paste what they sent me via email.


Center
ID
Loc
ID
Claim
Number
Repair
Order
Number
Repair
Order
Date
Repair
Entry
Date
DAVIS
#
Mileage

Defect Code/Description


16856
01
556140
516049
09/11/2021
09/13/2021
0
21,998

34000077S0
BRAKE FLUID - REPLACEMENT
85990091S0
ENGINE OIL SERVICE (ALL REQUIRED ENGINE OIL SERVICES AFTER THE FIRST ONE)
85990501S0
STANDARD SCOPE


16856
01
396660
498075
11/27/2020
12/29/2020
0
13,676

64310237S0
CABIN MICROFILTER(S) - FRESH AIR AND RECIRCULATION
85990091S0
ENGINE OIL SERVICE (ALL REQUIRED ENGINE OIL SERVICES AFTER THE FIRST ONE)
85990501S0
STANDARD SCOPE


16856
01
311010
486652
05/08/2020
05/11/2020
0
7,055

1111084800
Screw plug in coolant area leaking
66101512S0
CENTRAL LOCKING REMOTE CONTROL KEY BATTERY PERMANENT FAILURE


16856
01
283750
483434
02/15/2020
02/17/2020
3
4,094

0066350100
B663319 Recall: Program Control Units (Rearview Camera)


16856
01
283740
483434
02/15/2020
02/17/2020
3
4,094

5174031200
Air flap control active above (actuator) Permanently failed
85990091SH
ENGINE OIL SERVICE (ALL REQUIRED ENGINE OIL SERVICES AFTER THE FIRST ONE)
85990501SH
STANDARD SCOPE

[cna90]

Originally Posted by MCL_24

Thanks a lot man. The service records do look clean as far as I can tell. 2 small things which I don’t think would be a big deal? The coolant plug and air flap. I’m on my phone so sorry if this formatting is horrible… just tried to copy and paste what they sent me via email.


Center
ID
Loc
ID
Claim
Number
Repair
Order
Number
Repair
Order
Date
Repair
Entry
Date
DAVIS
#
Mileage

Defect Code/Description


16856
01
556140
516049
09/11/2021
09/13/2021
0
21,998

34000077S0
BRAKE FLUID - REPLACEMENT
85990091S0
ENGINE OIL SERVICE (ALL REQUIRED ENGINE OIL SERVICES AFTER THE FIRST ONE)
85990501S0
STANDARD SCOPE


16856
01
396660
498075
11/27/2020
12/29/2020
0
13,676

64310237S0
CABIN MICROFILTER(S) - FRESH AIR AND RECIRCULATION
85990091S0
ENGINE OIL SERVICE (ALL REQUIRED ENGINE OIL SERVICES AFTER THE FIRST ONE)
85990501S0
STANDARD SCOPE


16856
01
311010
486652
05/08/2020
05/11/2020
0
7,055

1111084800
Screw plug in coolant area leaking
66101512S0
CENTRAL LOCKING REMOTE CONTROL KEY BATTERY PERMANENT FAILURE


16856
01
283750
483434
02/15/2020
02/17/2020
3
4,094

0066350100
B663319 Recall: Program Control Units (Rearview Camera)


16856
01
283740
483434
02/15/2020
02/17/2020
3
4,094

5174031200
Air flap control active above (actuator) Permanently failed
85990091SH
ENGINE OIL SERVICE (ALL REQUIRED ENGINE OIL SERVICES AFTER THE FIRST ONE)
85990501SH
STANDARD SCOPE

They are both common issues upto 2020. The fact that it's already been taken care of and you don't have to deal with it, it's a blessing. Specially right now with all these delays. For me, it took 2 days last year for the airflaps to arrive so they can fix it; 2 days with a 3er loaner is not fun when you just got a brand new car tuned😂

[Mandingo9]

My view, there's only so much you can research and control before you go crazy. After the CPO just pay up for the most all inclusive warranty you can find for peace of mind and just hope you paid enough to keep all the bug a boos away.

[NGT2]

Like has been said, those are known issues and you're in the clear since they've been corrected. I'd call it a plus.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by cna90

They are both common issues upto 2020. The fact that it's already been taken care of and you don't have to deal with it, it's a blessing. Specially right now with all these delays. For me, it took 2 days last year for the airflaps to arrive so they can fix it; 2 days with a 3er loaner is not fun when you just got a brand new car tuned😂

I just had a 3 loaner for 8 days to replace an ambient light strip, replace an evaporator, and replace whatever switch makes the rear automatic sunshade go up and down. It was a gratitude reset when I finally got back in the 540. Kinda felt good