[BavariaExclusive]

Is it worth it?

[The X Men]

Living in NJ, yes.

[493263]

Originally Posted by BavariaExclusive

Is it worth it?

Depends on where you live, how much it cost, and what wheels you have.

[ezmaass]

What you can count on - BMW's alloy wheels are crap. I've never had so many wheels bend so easily. Couple them with extra stiff sidewalls of run-flat tires, and then run-flats that happen to damage EASILY... and it's a recipe for disaster.

All of that said, I still didn't buy the insurance. A gamble, to be honest. I've had one tire issue within the first year of ownership. Rims on my previous BMW became bent, and I had them repaired for around $150/wheel once within 6 years of ownership. So, while I'm usually not a fan of insuring on silly things, this may be one where the insurance pays - the odds are stacked against you with this car (if you have MSport, RFTs, and live in an area with bad roads).

[BavariaExclusive]

How do you like your 550?

Originally Posted by ezmaass

What you can count on - BMW's alloy wheels are crap. I've never had so many wheels bend so easily. Couple them with extra stiff sidewalls of run-flat tires, and then run-flats that happen to damage EASILY... and it's a recipe for disaster.

All of that said, I still didn't buy the insurance. A gamble, to be honest. I've had one tire issue within the first year of ownership. Rims on my previous BMW became bent, and I had them repaired for around $150/wheel once within 6 years of ownership. So, while I'm usually not a fan of insuring on silly things, this may be one where the insurance pays - the odds are stacked against you with this car (if you have MSport, RFTs, and live in an area with bad roads).

[DAYINAZ]

Absolutely and I was contemplating to tell the finance manager to go screw herself, BUT I am incredibly glad she worked me on it. I'm sure there is a commission.

I am very cautious as to avoiding pot holes and I have been through two tires and a rim. I have 15,000 miles. ( Msport wheels)

There is a 50.00 dollar deductible and the tire alone was 310.00. Again, I have been through two tires and a rim. Hmm, Worth it

A

[rmastale]

Nope

[mschuler]

What is the cost for wheel/tire insurance?

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by mschuler

What is the cost for wheel/tire insurance?

My dealer wanted $1500 for 2 years/50K miles. I declined........

[493263]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

My dealer wanted $1500 for 2 years/50K miles. I declined........

Yea that's a rip off. I paid $1200 for 5 year I think.

[ezmaass]

Originally Posted by BavariaExclusive

How do you like your 550?

It's been great so far. I don't drive it all too often - maybe once a week, sometimes less. But I enjoy it every time I get behind the wheel. It's a very well made car. I'm very glad I decided on xDrive this time around - after many years of driving RWD BMWs, I finally caved and went for xDrive. We had a terrible winter here, and I'm SO glad I had all wheel drive this time around. My previous e90 335i struggled with deeper snow. This thing was like a tank... the 4300lbs of weight may have helped, too.

The engine was the right choice, too. 90% of the time it's overkill and goes unused... but it comes in handy when you need to get around people on the highway or just want to have a bit of fun.

Overall? The best BMW I've owned. I'm looking forward to seeing what they do for the next 5 series - I hope they don't screw it up.

[rmastale]

I really hope the next 5 is a step forward also. I've loved my f10.

[mjsbmw]

I am turning in my 2012 and picking up my 2015 end of month. I am buying the wheel and tire insurance. The luxury package has 19s and they will get damaged during the 3 year lease. I like the idea of going back to the dealer and letting them repair and replace without any worry.

The BMW W&T program has changed and the deductible and $$$$ limits are not as good as they were a year or so ago. My dealer is now offering CNA W&T product with no deductible and no limits. If the pricing is less than $1500, I will buy the insurance. If more, I will find another source for the insurance under a Safe Guard product (without the BMW label on it) that will cost less but there is a deductible.

I want a hassle free product that my dealer does not moan and groan when I present the insurance.

[493263]

Just FYI. In the past 4 months, I bent 1 wheel and busted 2 tires. I live in DC. So far the wheel and tire insurance is worth it especially if you have a 550. All that weight, soft 19s, low profile tires, and city pot holes will mess up your wheel on a regular basis. And no, I cannot avoid all pot holes because traffic is tight, and there's no space to swerve.

[stubenhocker]

No way!

You know how insurance works, right?

[mjsbmw]

Originally Posted by stubenhocker

No way!

You know how insurance works, right?

Of course insurance companies are in the business to make money but all risks are not the same. Premiums are based on average loss expectations.

Drive in metropolitan areas where potholes can swallow tires, you need to buy the insurance to cover the many tires and wheels you replace. Live in areas where the highways are in good condition, then you can save your money but it does affect the averages (and future premiums).

If you have 19s and live in areas where winter potholes are a way of life, your risk profile is not so good.

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by mjsbmw

Of course insurance companies are in the business to make money but all risks are not the same. Premiums are based on average loss expectations.

Drive in metropolitan areas where potholes can swallow tires, you need to buy the insurance to cover the many tires and wheels you replace. Live in areas where the highways are in good condition, then you can save your money but it does affect the averages (and future premiums).

If you have 19s and live in areas where winter potholes are a way of life, your risk profile is not so good.

In other words, BMW owners with 19"+ tires and rims that live in NY or NJ are being subsidized for their tire and wheel insurance by owners that do not have 19" rims and live outside of those areas.

[mjsbmw]

Originally Posted by The X Men

In other words, BMW owners with 19"+ tires and rims that live in NY or NJ are being subsidized for their tire and wheel insurance by owners that do not have 19" rims and live outside of those areas.

Yup. The law of averages! And we thank you!

[Slickrick2]

Everyone will have a different opinion but I'm giving you my honest opinion. it is DEFINATELY worth it.. I paid $1,500 for 5 years no deductible. I bought it during the finance part of the purchase of my car.
I bought the car March 13th of this year. I already had one new tire and one new rim replaced. Total price $1,050 covered by the W/T insurance at the BMW dealer.
I'm in New York so it's a must, to me at least.

[493263]

I paid $1200 for 5 years. Already replaced 2 so about $900. 4 years to go lol.

[Grizzles]

ive been through about 16-20 tires 2 wheels and 5 wheel repairs at 86,000 mi.
even if i paid $5k for insurance i would be ahead.

[4MULA_1]

My finance guy started out with $2,700 for the tire insurance...I told him he was outta his mind no one would pay that much.
I told him that my buddy got his for around $1,500 and he said there was no way and if I could prove it he would match whatever he got. Luckily my buddy was with me and he had his paperwork in his glove box, turns out he got it for $1,380 because he had purchased a bunch of other warranties, but my finance manager didn't know that so he had to man up to his words and matched the $1,380 which I believe is a good deal.