There is a crack in the rim which is a manufacturing defect. This fine crack causes loss of air pressure in the tire. The tire itself is intact and undamaged as is the rim. Both tire and rim are original equipment and were on the vehicle at the time of delivery in Dec. 2008. The vehicle has never been involved in an accident or struck any object which could have caused this defect. Since the manufacturing defect causes loss of air pressure in the tire, this is a safety issue. The crack in rim was diagnosed after two visits by discount tire on cerrillos road in Santa Fe, nm. [xxx] at BMW N.a. suggested I contact the dealer to find out who manufactured the rim and then deal with the rim manufacturer. He says that BMW assumes no responsibility for their rims and that rims are not covered by the vehicle warranty. [xxx]. said he could not tell me who manufactured the rim. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Houston, TX, USA

I purchased my vehicle in March of 2010. I average less than 650 miles per month and drive only on los angeles county streets. A month after leasing my vehicle, all four of the tires split and I was informed by the dealership that it was due to the previous owner not maintaining the alignment. I immediately replaced all four (4) tires with Bridgestone potenza run-flat tires, as required by my lease. Six months later, in October of 2010, I again had numerous tire pressure issues, and returned to the dealership November 19. I was informed that there was no issue with the tires, but a tire sensor issue. When I picked-up the vehicle, the sensor was on. I have now been informed that the rear wheel rims are cracked and that the rear tires may need to be replaced again. According to my research, my issues are common among owners with the BMW factory rims in combination with the Bridgestone potenza run-flat tires, and causes a significant safety risk. Furthermore, my first set of tires was so damaged from the interior walls (not visible unless on a lift) that they could have easily split in normal driving, placing me again at a severe safety risk.

- Santa Monica, CA, USA

BMW 3 series and also other series with run flat tires have an issue that with an average bump like a manhole cover the wheel will crack. I have replaced 3 so far on my wife's 2008 335xi at my cost. After research I have seen that this is a common issue and that everyone has had the same experience with BMW denying it was the wheel. The car only has 35,000+/- miles on it. When brought in due to rapid air loss BMW states it was the driving conditions not their wheel. I accepted this the first time but after 3 wheels I feel there is a major design or material defect. It seems to be the run flat style tires. I thought maybe it was the tires so I switched from the factory tires to a different brand based on the dealers recommendation after the first wheel cracked and still have had the issue two more times. My wife has an older Mercedes that she drives the same way and it has the same wheels from 2003. It must be the wheels supplied by BMW.

- Terryville, CT, USA

Upon mounting new tires on my 2008 BMW 328I convertible (w/ sport pkg) at big O tires in danville, ca, the technicians informed me that both of my rear wheels were cracked, and they could not mount the new tires on the vehicle. Upon inspection at BMW of san francisco, my service advisor told me that it was in their opinion that an "impact" from a pothole or other irregular road surface caused the cracks in both rear wheels and that warranty coverage is denied. Upon my own investigation, I found several other BMW customers describe a similar concern on www.bimmerfest.com, as well as an investigation performed by the bbc in October of 2009. For bbc's article, please refer to www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/watchdog/2009/10/bmw_alloy_wheels.html.

- Danville, CA, USA

Continental run flat tires new with new 328I BMW sedan purchased in 2008 had tread worn down after 8100 miles, as noticed when vehicle was brought in for servicing. Tires were replaced by dealer. Research on the web showed a large number of individuals reporting similar problems: www.bmwrunflattire.com; forums.automotive.com/70/6318820/BMW/BMW-run-flat-tires/index.html.

- Washington, DC, USA