Had my car in to dealer for a number of things including the noisy tire problem discussed in this forum. They were aware of this issue and told me that they have submitted and opened a PUMA case through BMWNA. They said chances are they would replace all four tires, but worst case they would replace two(hopefully the former).
What is a PUMA case?

 

It's when the tech needs tech support. They open up a PUMA case with the techs/specialists in Germany for additonal support or guidance with a particular problem. The techs in Germany track everything in a database to provide assistance to future similar calls or to discover patterns of problems.

It's basically like the BMW knowledge base/tech support/help desk...

 

Just did the same - and the Puma case came back with a response of covering 50% of the cost of new Bridgestone RFs because I had 14,000 miles on my Dunlops.

After picking my car up and thinking about it a while - I called my dealer's Service Manager back and told him that this was unacceptable. He escalated and got the approval to cover 100% of the cost of new Bridgestone RFs. It may be a dealer consession, not sure...don't take no or 50% for the answer...hope this helps...

 

I have an appointment for Monday morning for the noise. Initial look by service manager said all 4 tires are feathered on the inside edges. They are going to open a PUMA case to see how much will be covered. I had 15,380 miles when he first looked at it. The car was in for initial service at 11,650 and they indicated all 4 tires were in good shape.

 

I am waiting until April 20 to get my routine maintenance and a software upgrade. ( I want the latest CIP). My SA had me bring my car in early to show the tires to the Manager. He just knowingly ran his hand along the inside edge and acknowledged that I needed a new set. They will order them and they will be waiting for installation with my appt. I don't know yet if I will get Brigestones or Michelins. Its their call.

 

I have 6,300 miles on my car and have not yet noticed any significant change in ride. What is the magic number for miles driven on these tires before they start making noise or wearing out prematurely?

 

Mine started at 7000 miles and got progressively louder with horrible tramlining. BMW replaced mine with Bridgestones at 10,000 miles under warranty. There were problems with early build cars prior to April 04 with the Dunlops. Some members have had problems, while others have not. You'll just have to wait and see.

 

What does "runflat tire noise" sound like?

I have 6500 miles on my new 545. I have noticed no sort of noise while driving thus far. What should I be listening for?

 

How do you get BMW to replace dunlops? I have been complaining to my SA but he does not do anything, I took it to a local goodyear store and they put the car up on alift and checked the tires, they see more wear on the inside edage on all 4 tires and claim it needs alignment.

 

I went through the entire process, complained, brought it in for service, including for the tire roar on the runflats. They checked the tread for the cupping that happens that they say may cuase the noise, as well as, measured the tread left on the tire. I didn't have any cupping and I had a reasonable amount of tread on the tires both front and back. This info was submitted in my PUMA case along with my VIN# and current mileage - aprox 14,000.

They came back with BMWNA will cover 50%. Stating that 10,000 miles is the cut off point for 100% coverage on replacement RFs. At the time, I figured that was reasonable enough until, I picked up my car and got on the highway. The tire roar sound was really noticeable after not driving it for a few days. The next day, people were comenting while talking with me on my cell phone while I was driving. They asked me what that sound was - my first response was close the sun-roof - then turn off the radio - then the air conditioner - until there was nothing more to turn off...

Anyway - long story short and, Jeffnin started a thread here a few weeks ago othat helped me, I complained to my Service Manager and he approved the 100% coverage of swapping out my Dunlop RFs.

He said they are back ordered and end of March for me...hope this helps...