Mrs Eds X1 is at the dealer tomorrow for a brake fluid change They will no doubt point out that the tyres are close to the wear indicators (they will be getting changed in the next month or so) ---- Predicting that i will get a "your tyres need changing now we can do it for many £££" offer from the dealership i have just been looking on line at prices A well known company that fit tyres quickly (no intention of using them but just to get an idea of cost) advertise a fully fitted price and 10 -15% off so i entered details It then transpires that added to the "fully fitted" price at online checkout are the following 4 x wheel balancing 4 x TPMS valve service kits 4 x environmental disposal charge How can you "fully fit" tyres without balancing them and without valves ??
The last twice my X1 went for MoT they found tyre cuts I had not seen. Both times after a bit of prodding they came within 50p/tyre of my local ( and very competitive ) tyre dealer. They also confirmed they would switch wheels around so new tyre were on correct axle. Quite a bit cheaper than Blackcircle/ats
They will get a severe prodding BUT the last time (many years ago) they were trusted to do a tyre change they managed to use an air gun on the locking wheel nut and it was on so tight that the only way to remove it was breaking the nut ! Of course total denials it was anything to do with them despite the wheels not having been off the car since ! We have a good local tyre place who have no problem with you watching them do the work and will happily not use an air gun - and they will give honest impartial advice, even advisong folk that the tyres will last another few months and come back then if it suits
In fairness, I replaced all 4 of my tyres and found the place that fit them kwik, whilst not actually that quick, were cheaper than anywhere else I could find to the tune of about £150 if I remember correctly. I knew I could sit there and watch them, also as I needed an alignment I knew they had the screen in the waiting area so you can see the hunter alignment as they do it. I opted for them and it was generally ok except for not putting enough air in one of the tyres.
Brake fluid all done The health check noted that the front tyres were at 3mm but no attempt to get me to change them other than "when the time comes we always try to price match" What was noticeable was an increase in brand new cars in the showroom and a fair number of 71 plates outside in the used car section - presumably all the demos / staff cars have been updated. Oh and two brand new X1s - new model....in looks noticeably bigger than the F48 and the grill is hideous
When my 3 series was in for its MOT earlier (main stealer) the tyres were pointed out to me as being low I knew they were and was going to get them changed and had already priced up new ones (BMW star rated run-flats) I thought that whilst you have the car you can do them for me to save me having to go out of my way again, so asked for a quote Much typing heard in the background and came back the response, we can do them for £235 each I politely (ahem) told them where to go as I had already priced the same tyres at around £180 how can the charge such an inflated price
Not every company buys their tyres for the same price so can’t then get down to the same costs, dealers are fairly low volume sales compared to dedicated tyre shops. I’ve known of dealers with a cost price genuinely higher than fully fitted from kwik fit despite having the same supplier.
Ive done some provisional price checking Car is currently on Bridgestone Run flats BMW star marked, but i find them noisy and they are only lasting about 22000. The Goodyear RFT on mine x drive G30 have done 37k and have plenty of life left in them so looking to try something different on the X1 Continental Premium Contact 6 Prices for 4 x fully fitted on line vary from £689 to £755. Camskill are quoting £608 supply only.. Local tyre place £709 fully fitted.....its within walking distance from home. I could ask them for a price to fit if i get them from Camskill but by the time they have charged for removal, balancing, refitting and disposal it will hardly be worth it. Tempted towait and see what offers are about on "black Friday" as its only 6 weeks away
I've been looking at Michelins to replace my current ones, but the price is coming in at £900 - £1000 so far i want to stick with run flats,but i am now considering other brands, but staying with the BMW * rating. I don't need them just yet, maybe in a 1000 miles or so which for me is few months away, but wanted to start looking to see what deals were out there, if Black Friday is coming up in 6 weeks i will have another look nearer to then, see if there are any offers about.
