[AUS_Tin_Pusher]

When I ordered my xDrive25i (not MSport) a couple of weeks ago I specified 18" wheels type 566. That is reflected on the deal paperwork.

Last night the dealer sent me a copy of the build schedule, and I noted that they had missed specifying the 18" wheels, instead specifying 19" type 511. Other options are correct.

I've pointed the mistake out to the dealer overnight and am waiting a response. I note that the vehicle is scheduled to be built next week, so I assume it will be too late for the wheels to be corrected. As a result I expect the dealer to say they will source the 18" wheels type 566 from somewhere and fit them at pre-delivery.

For my own education, will it just be a matter of their swapping out the 19" wheels for 18", or will the vehicle's "brain" need programming to reflect the change in wheel diameter?

My assumption has been that 18" and 19" tires are the same overall diameter, and the difference is the "height" of the tire wall.

[KPD]

As you guessed it yourself, the 19" has a shorter sidewall and therefore a harsher/louder ride. Suspension setting and parts are the same as 18". So, no reprogramming or part replacements needed.

This is a £600 mistake by the way. Have they charged you for it? If not, you might be able to sell them on eBay for a lot more than what a full set of 566s + tyres would cost.

EDIT: I just checked BMW Australia's configurator. It looks like the 19" wheels are standard on xLine. Still possible to downgrade to 18" 566 though (it's the other way around here in the UK; 19" is a £595 upgrade). There are no mention of any prices on the configurator!

[ttimbo]

It's the change in the rolling circumference that matters to the car's brain, not the diameter. And there's no problem: the rolling circumference of 225/45x19 tyres/wheels is almost identical to 225/50x18 wheels/tyres. But -- really -- this is all your dealer's problem to solve, provided you have evidence of the 18" 566 spec in your order. If the car is being built next week, the dealer ought to be able to get the mistake corrected at the factory.

[ttimbo]

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[AUS_Tin_Pusher]

Thanks guys.

Yes, the 19" style 511 are standard on XLine here and the 18" style 566 are listed as a NCO.

Actually come to think about it, that probably does mean we pay for 19" style 511

Yes, certainly the dealer's problem to sort. I just wanted to be forearmed as to whether or not reprogramming was necessary, and you've answered that.

[orcomma]

Originally Posted by AUS_Tin_Pusher

Thanks guys.

Yes, the 19" style 511 are standard on XLine here and the 18" style 566 are listed as a NCO.

Actually come to think about it, that probably does mean we pay for 19" style 511

Yes, certainly the dealer's problem to sort. I just wanted to be forearmed as to whether or not reprogramming was necessary, and you've answered that.

I have the 19" 511s and one is kerbed, ask your dealer if he can send one of the surplus 511s to the UK FOC

[The Beast]

Originally Posted by orcomma

I have the 19" 511s and one is kerbed, ask your dealer if he can send one of the surplus 511s to the UK FOC

Didn't you go for wheel and tyre insurance?

[ttimbo]

In Australia, the BMW wheel and tyre insurance doesn't cover curbing or cosmetic damage. In fact, it's pretty limited in its coverage

[The Beast]

Really, I got mine for £380. Covers up to six wheel repairs, I think it's unlimited tyre replacements and upto £150 contribution for a replacement wheel. Once my tyres wear one will suddenly get a nail in it

Also I'm sure that my wife will curb a couple over the next few years so that will be the policy paid back with added insurance that if things do go drastically wrong I will not be out of pocket

[Bill_P]

Originally Posted by The Beast

Really, I got mine for £380. Covers up to six wheel repairs, I think it's unlimited tyre replacements and upto £150 contribution for a replacement wheel. Once my tyres wear one will suddenly get a nail in it

Also I'm sure that my wife will curb a couple over the next few years so that will be the policy paid back with added insurance that if things do go drastically wrong I will not be out of pocket

I was told that BMW do not offer wheel insurance - only tyre insurance. Can you confirm where you got your wheel and tyre insurance? Thanks

[The Beast]

Originally Posted by Bill_P

I was told that BMW do not offer wheel insurance - only tyre insurance. Can you confirm where you got your wheel and tyre insurance? Thanks

Benham BMW in Wolverhampton, they don't use the BMW product as it has too many exclusions. They use a third party insurer who provide a higher level of cover and also cover diamond cut wheels. I did my GAP insurance privately but could not find a third party company to cover diamond cut wheels so went with the dealer sourced product...

[Bill_P]

Originally Posted by The Beast

Benham BMW in Wolverhampton, they don't use the BMW product as it has too many exclusions. They use a third party insurer who provide a higher level of cover and also cover diamond cut wheels. I did my GAP insurance privately but could not find a third party company to cover diamond cut wheels so went with the dealer sourced product...

OK - thanks for the info

[The Beast]

Originally Posted by Bill_P

OK - thanks for the info

Give them a shout they may sell you the insurance as your car is still pretty new, you have a certain time limit to take it out after purchase....