Tex735

I just checked TireRack.com and found that the optional size listed is the 275's. It also says "using the proper wheels." I have looked up the 275's on Bridgestones website and they do require a 9 inch rim. I have the 123's and they are listed as 8 inch. I just don't feel comfortable having a 275 on an 8 inch rim, even though TireRack.com says that it is an optional size. I'm gonna tell the dealer to measure the rims and if they are 8 inch, to put the 245's on there. They have the same sidewall aspect as the 275's and I will be able to rotate them to boot! Thanks again for all the advice. I'll let you guys know what happens tomorrow. The tires are supposed to be in tomorrow and I'll talk with the service manager about all of this when I go in. Thanks again!

Tex735

Yes, I have the thick spoke 123's. The dealer is supposed to call me today to tell me that the 275's are in so I can come in and have them installed. I will advise the service manager to take the tire off the rim and measure the width. I am going to tell him that if it is an 8 inch rim, I wan the 245's put on (like it came from the factory). I'm sure that they will discover that the rims are the 123 model and are 8 inches wide and should have 245's mounted on them. I too, cannot believe that the dealer doesn't know this. What I am guessing is that the service guy saw the 275's mounted on the rear and couldn't visually tell that it was the wrong tire and just said that I didn't know what I was talking about. The manager told me that my car has the sports package "plus" which I have not been able to find ANYWHERE. Hopefully, I'll get this all straightened out today. That spare is looking kind of road worn by now and I'm getting nervous driving on it...

Edit

I just printed up the specs on both the 123's and the 124's and I'm taking them with me to the dealer. I do not want to come off as an a$$ with these guys, but I want my car to be safe.

Tex735

Well, here's the latest... I never got a call about the tires today so I went to the dealer after work to see what was up. He got the 275's in but couldn't get to me today so they are going to take care of the tires during my scheduled service visit tomorrow. Anyway, when I got there, I went to the service department and had them bring up my car via the VIN and print out the spec sheet of what was (and still is) installed from the factory. The spec sheet says that my wheels are indeed the 123's. I went to www.bmwusa.com and pulled up the specs on the 123's and printed that out and took it with me along with the specs for the 124's and what vehicle those came on (complete with pictures). It took a lot of research for the documentation to prove it, but I finally got my point accross to the service manager about what size tires are supposed to be on the car. He check the computer and told me that he has 2 245's and 2 275's in the shop. He is STILL not completely convinced, but said that he would have them measure the rims with the tires off and if they are 8 inch, they will install the 245's. I told him about my tape measure results (that all four wheels are the same size), but he wants to make sure, which I completely understand. Bottom line is that I should be getting the correct tires for those wheels... FINALLY!!!

I would like to thank all who helped out with the once again! I really appreciate the advice and the links to info.

JPJ

Good luck.

The size is indicated on the inside of the wheel (on the back of one of the spokes). It would have the size as 18 x 8 or 18 x 9 -- any dealer should know this.

EBMCS03

You're welcome...

So which dealer is this??? I need to stay away!!!!!

DrLev99

+1. Your SA sounds like a real braniac!

Tex735

Don't worry. I'm in Texas. I would also like to add that I do not think it is the SA's fault, to be honest. He is the Service Advisor, and not a tire store. They probably don't see many cars coming in where some idiot tried to squeeze the wrong tire on their pride and joy. NORMAL people would never risk their $55K+ investment by buying cheap tires that are the wrong size. Either the previous owner was looking for some cheap BLING or he/she got taken by a tire store who told them, "they will fit just fine and they will look WAY better than the stock tires!!!" I know this happens because I had to threaten a salesman with an a$$ beating if he tried to pressure sell me on something like that ever again. I told his manager about it and he was scolded right there in the show room! I felt pretty good that day!

Anyway, I got a call and was told that the car is ready but it was too late to return the rental so I'll pick it up tomorrow morning. I hope to have good news when I get there. I'll let you all know what happens...

Tex735

The number of options available (which are not always purchased) can make the model line-up quite large. They do not know what options are installed on every car. I can see how this could be confusing to a service manager. I cannot be too hard on him. They did, by the way, put the 245's on the wheels after removing the old tires and measuring the wheel width. I am VERY happy with the service. I agree that they should be able to look up ALL specs using the VIN, but that spec sheet does not show the tire size. I checked. The dealer has to be absolutely sure about tire size due to liability concerns, so I understand why he didn't want to commit until the wheel was measured. That makes me feel better, just in case I was wrong. So, everything is good to go now!!!

JPJ

Glad it all worked out. Now start enjoying the car!