Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[TX]

Hello one and all. I am in need of new tires on my e92 m3
I purchased it a few months back with 15,900 miles on it and it needed tires. I've been trying not to abuse the tires knowing they need to be replaced.
Now they are just about bald in the rears and around 1/16th in the front.
The rears have basically no difference between the high and low points of tread pattern. Anyway to shorten this up - I was quoted from a local dealer a price of $2100 installed with all fees & tax included.
I'm just wondering from those of you who have replaced the:
OEM PS2 stock 18"
245 40 ZR 18 F
265 40 ZR 18 R

I'm curious to see what you all paid. I hope that's ok to ask, but I want to know if I'm getting robbed. I can buy the tires online for around $1250 dollars shipped which would leave me 800 dollars to find someone to mount and balance them, which I bet can be had for under 100 bucks for all 4 for a saving of $700.

Any input?

Cheers,
TX

[arter]

Yeah the dealer is not your low cost option.

I would guess $1500, shipped, mounted and balanced for PS2's.

[thai357sig]

TX,
My local dealership quoted me $1750 for a full set of PS2, 18". You can save quite a few bucks purchasing online and having them mounted for $125. But make sure you pick a shop carefully, because those monkeys will scratch the hell out of your rims where the lug nut go and around the perimeter.

[Looper]

Tire Rack

[calintexas]

The best thing to do is to buy your tires at a local or online discounter. Tire Rack is a good choice as they offer discount prices and very good service. Suggest that you ask about a good mounting location on your Regional Forum both here and on E90Post.

There are a number of lower cost good alternatives to PS2's such as the Vredestein Sessantas or the Hancook V12's which you can get lots of info and opinions on in the Wheel+Tire Forum.

[mdosu]

^ tire rack has the best selection and information, but not always the best pricing, and you have to pay for shipping. I've used tire rack most of my life, but now I often find better deals at other online retailers or when I simply call up a local shop for a quote. Most shops will price match.

Tire Rack is one of this forum's sponsors (meaning, they pay money to advertise on here) and the rep is pretty good at answering technical questions

Originally Posted by TX

I'm curious to see what you all paid. I hope that's ok to ask, but I want to know if I'm getting robbed. I can buy the tires online for around $1250 dollars shipped which would leave me 800 dollars to find someone to mount and balance them, which I bet can be had for under 100 bucks for all 4 for a saving of $700.

TX

I doubt you can find mounting services for under $100 total. It's at least $160 at a reputable shop. I would call up the shop, give them specs on the tire and ask them if they can do it without scratching the wheel. My local place that's "cheap" and does a good job actually is my local BMW dealership.

[GOLFFRR]

I can get you a quote with my discount just shoot me a pm.

you will prob have better luck buying tires from a company that sells tires in volume instead of a dealership. We usually can't buy the tires as cheap as say a tire rack can bc we dont buy enough to get the lower price on the tires from the manufacter. Sometimes on certian tires its the same but for the most part you will be better off buying form a company like tire rack or some of the others on the net.

[Tim B.]

I just paid $1475 shipped from TireRack in 255/35 18F and 275/35 18R for PS2s .....i expect dealer to install them for less than $200

Originally Posted by TX

Hello one and all. I am in need of new tires on my e92 m3
I purchased it a few months back with 15,900 miles on it and it needed tires. I've been trying not to abuse the tires knowing they need to be replaced.
Now they are just about bald in the rears and around 1/16th in the front.
The rears have basically no difference between the high and low points of tread pattern. Anyway to shorten this up - I was quoted from a local dealer a price of $2100 installed with all fees & tax included.
I'm just wondering from those of you who have replaced the:
OEM PS2 stock 18"
245 40 ZR 18 F
265 40 ZR 18 R

I'm curious to see what you all paid. I hope that's ok to ask, but I want to know if I'm getting robbed. I can buy the tires online for around $1250 dollars shipped which would leave me 800 dollars to find someone to mount and balance them, which I bet can be had for under 100 bucks for all 4 for a saving of $700.

Any input?

Cheers,
TX

[sensi09]

America's tire and have them pricematch tirerack. You pay tax, but no shipping so it ends up being about the same price. Much more convenient though and they give you better prices on mounting when you buy through them. They offer an option of tire insurance too.

Never had a problem with america's tire, but if I had some pricey aftermarket wheels, would probably go somewhere else.

[TX]

Originally Posted by Tim B.

I just paid $1475 shipped from TireRack in 255/35 18F and 275/35 18R for PS2s .....i expect dealer to install them for less than $200

I was worried about approaching my local BMW dealer to mount and balance tires which I didn't purchase from them. I figured they wouldn't want to deal with me since they weren't making any profit off the tires. How did you talk your dealer into mounting tires you didn't buy from them?

Also, I assume the only local guys who can mount an 18 x 265 without scratching the hell out of the rim is the local BMW shop. I'd prefer to have them do the work. I just didn't think they would consider mounting tires they didn't sell me.

[sensi09]

Oh and I understand people want to go to the dealer for peace of mind, but I went through the dealer for tire warranty recently and found that the tire was being mounted 5 blocks from the dealer at god knows where.

At least at a local shop, you can watch them work on the car if it's really a concern.

[ES_TRADER]

Originally Posted by sensi09

America's tire and have them pricematch tirerack. You pay tax, but no shipping so it ends up being about the same price. Much more convenient though and they give you better prices on mounting when you buy through them. They offer an option of tire insurance too.

Never had a problem with america's tire, but if I had some pricey aftermarket wheels, would probably go somewhere else.

Yes what he said. And with 19s u buy the 4 insurance certificates for any road hazard. So cheap and worth it. Last 2 cars always got at least one tire each out of it.

I love how they always price match as well. Not to mention good customer service

[Tim B.]

Originally Posted by TX

I was worried about approaching my local BMW dealer to mount and balance tires which I didn't purchase from them. I figured they wouldn't want to deal with me since they weren't making any profit off the tires. How did you talk your dealer into mounting tires you didn't buy from them?

Also, I assume the only local guys who can mount an 18 x 265 without scratching the hell out of the rim is the local BMW shop. I'd prefer to have them do the work. I just didn't think they would consider mounting tires they didn't sell me.

Well, i'm on really good terms with my dealer.....bought 2 M3s from them and have been going to them for service for over 10 yrs now. Also, the same tech has been doing work on my car for about 4 yrs now.....he'll put anything on my car i ask him to..........he has done exhaust, mid-pipe, pulleys, tires, cosmetic stuff, etc. I just don't trust any local shops. And yes, a local shop scratched my rims mounting tires before.....i never went back. This is just my experience/opinions though.......others may differ.

[TX]

So much for that idea. I just called both of my local BMW dealers and they said they will not mount any tires not purchased from them. That's customer service for ya.

[virjose]

just to give you an idea. I was at the dealership's part department last week waiting on some stuff when I noticed someone had forgotten the little service receipt/estimate that you get when you drop off your car (details what will be done and the approx $$$) This was for a 04 750; customer was requesting a new battery to be installer, estimate was $410! and a new rear tire to be installed, estimate on that one was $435. That is a LOT, but those are dealer prices for you lol

[RevFreak14]

$2100 is a lot, even for a stealership. I've been buying the tires at a TiresPlus close to my office, I have them mount them as well, but I bite the bullet and take it in to the stealership for the alignment. Alignment at the dealer is triple the price, but well worth it. They do a better job IMHO. Overall I wind up saving about $300 doing it this way and haven't had any trouble.

I've had nothing but PS2's on this car, CalinTexas mentioned the Sessantas as a more economical option. I have a friend with an E90 and he swears by them. Says they lasted just as long as the Conti's the car came with and the price is about 30% - 40% less. I may give them a whirl on the next go around as the tire changes on this car are not helping my Visa balance.

[TX]

Yeah, the dealer also says that the adaptive steering is around $200 for an alignment which is also needed during tire replacement. Price for tires as I have it written down tonight installed after tax is about 50 bucks under $2000. Then of course you have to add the $200+ alignment. I just dont trust the local firestone shop with putting these tires on without trashing my rims. The price makes my stomach turn.

[MVF4Rrider]

Originally Posted by TX

So much for that idea. I just called both of my local BMW dealers and they said they will not mount any tires not purchased from them. That's customer service for ya.

Do you bring a Wendy's burger into McDonalds and eat it? I would tell you to fuck off too. They're in business to make money aren't they not? Don't treat them like you're doing them a favor and then get pissed when they decline your ridiculous offer.

Besides, if you join BMWCCA you get discounts on stuff like this. My local dealer gives me 25% off thanks to being a BMWCCA member.

One thing you need to check on tires is when manufactured. Tires have life other than just tread wear. Sometimes there's a reason for discounted tires.

[ES_TRADER]

its crazy going to the dealer and paying those prices for tires installed..whats wrong with just going to your local americas tire co? They are pros and they do this all day long...and have windows in the waiting room for u to watch them....i love it.

plus when u go to the dealer u have to make an appt, it takes ALL DAY usually, and then u have to be paranoid that they are going to wash your car when u instructed them not to beforehand...one extra visit i dont want to take

[TX]

Originally Posted by MVF4Rrider

Do you bring a Wendy's burger into McDonalds and eat it? I would tell you to fuck off too. They're in business to make money aren't they not? Don't treat them like you're doing them a favor and then get pissed when they decline your ridiculous offer.

Besides, if you join BMWCCA you get discounts on stuff like this. My local dealer gives me 25% off thanks to being a BMWCCA member.

One thing you need to check on tires is when manufactured. Tires have life other than just tread wear. Sometimes there's a reason for discounted tires.

Thanks for your input, and your tone.
I always check DOT date codes on tires purchased and expect recent tires regardless where I buy them from.
I am not disagreeing with why a dealer would not want to perform labor installing tires they didn't make a profit selling. However I know several other dealers. A local Honda and a local Ford who are more than happy to sell you the labor mounting tires.
By the way, I have carried Wendy's into a McDonalds when my gf wanted to eat there. ;-)

[calintexas]

There are so many wheel company's in Florida, it seems like there should be one on every corner (with an installation shop next door). As far as installation, if you don't get recommendations on the regional forum here or on E90Post, ask your friends, attend car meets and ask where people get tires mounted. If there's a regional BMWCCA chapter, find out who the Tech Chairman is and ask him (there should be a regional website that you can access through the national BMWCCA website). Also, Tire Rack has affiliated local installers. You could look at who is on the Tire Rack website.

[TX]

Originally Posted by calintexas

There are so many wheel company's in Florida, it seems like there should be one on every corner (with an installation shop next door). As far as installation, if you don't get recommendations on the regional forum here or on E90Post, ask your friends, attend car meets and ask where people get tires mounted. If there's a regional BMWCCA chapter, find out who the Tech Chairman is and ask him (there should be a regional website that you can access through the national BMWCCA website). Also, Tire Rack has affiliated local installers. You could look at who is on the Tire Rack website.

Thanks for the great tips. Locally the shops I have around here are firestone, goodyear, tire kingdom, pep boys, sears, and yeah walmart. Most of those I really wouldn't even consider. I've used goodyear previously on another car and they scratched the hell out of my rims which is why I am really avoiding going to any of the above places with basically brand new M3 rims and a car without even a ding on it. I called the desk at pep boys and he said they couldn't mount a 265 x 40, which I dont really believe.

Anyway, I've made an apointment with a BMW dealer about 25 miles away to have new tires installed tomorrow. Their price was around $688 more installed after tax than the cost of the tires from tirerack without shipping. I would still have to pay to have those tires installed and balanced. But to me the peace of mind of getting it done right by the dealer is starting to put me at ease with the extra cost.

However, the dealer did insist I buy an additional $200 alignment with new tires. Something about the adaptive steering costs more to align. Does anyone know why this is needed with new tires and why it's so much on the adaptive steering cars?
Thanks.

-TX