"Fair Wear & Tear" and Runflat Tyres

[snorkel sucker]

Does anybody have any recent experience with BMW with regards handing back a vehicle at the 50% of payments made point (Voluntary Termination), and BMW's inspection of the vehicle in relation to the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Fair Wear & Tear guidelines?

I am particularly interested to hear experiences of run flat tyres, or, more specifically, where the runflats have been replaced with "normal" tyres, (supplemented by a suitable tyre foam). Is this an item which has been picked up upon inspection, and a subsequent charge for 4 x runflats has been made by BMW?

I note that the FW&T guide notes that tyres "must meet minium UK legal requirements and comply with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations of tyre type, size and speed rating for the vehicle". Sounds clear cut really that RFTs are needed, but recent experience would be appreciated.

[Ozone]

I only have experience with handing back lease cars on full term but not BM's. If it is going back to BMW then i would say that run flats would be required. If you look at it from their side, would you, as a buyer, buy a car from them with non standard spec tyres on at forecourt price?

You could always call them and ask.

[sjj84]

I was told by my local dealer that if I were to trade in with non runflats they'd reduce the price to cover replacing the tyres. I would think it would be the same when handing back if it goes to BMW themselves.

[snorkel sucker]

I'm clutching at straws I realize, and to be honest I think I know the answer!

Always worth asking on here though, thanks.

[Swoxy]

You can get second hand ones from eBay.

[richtea78]

Swoxy said:

You can get second hand ones from eBay.

This, I sold mine to someone with approximately 2mm of tread on them and despite me telling him they were knackered still got £100 for them as he was going to give the car back to BMW but dont know if it was early or not

I put Michelin run flats on mine and they are not too bad, much better than the terrible Bridgestones and still BMW approved

[snorkel sucker]

I have considered e-bay or looking on the forums for some used ones. The "good" thing about runflats is that they aren't very popular so do sometimes crop up for sale second hand.

Thanks for the info though

[Gramrugby]

I returned a 645 last year - at full term with non run flats. No problems at all

[texasjohn]

I have a pair of RE050 RFTs with 2 or 3mm on them, you can have them for free if you can be bothered to come and pick them up. They are 18s and whatever the stock size for 130i LCI rears is.

[Robsti]

I would imagine handing a car back (VT) they will be all over that car like a rash!

So be prepared to be bent over!