Merzbow

OK, so all I want to know is the weight of the OEM wheel on the 545i Sport Package. You know, the Star Spoke (Styling 124) cast alloy wheels. I mean, I could always go out into my shed with a scale and weigh one of the wheels+tires I've taken off of mine, then subtract out the weight of the Dunlop, but I shouldn't have to.

So I figure I'd ask BMW. I mean, they make the car, right? If anyone should know, it should be the manufacturer. Am I not on base here?

So I call the parts department at a local BMW dealer. Guy piddles around on the computer for a few minutes, can't find jack.

I then remember somebody here mentioned that the guys on the other end of the priority email feature of the BMW Owner's Club can answer these types of questions. So I send an email to them with the 'Vehicle Products' category selected. Exchange follows:

----------------

From: Me
To: CustomerService@bmwusa.com
Subject: Vehicle Products

Comments: How much do each of the OEM wheels weigh on my 545i with
sport package? Not including the tires? The wheels are Star Spoke (Styling
124) cast alloy wheels.

From: CustomerService@bmwusa.com
To: Me
Subject: RE: Vehicle Products

Dear Mr. XXXXXX,

Thank you for contacting BMW of North America, LLC regarding your 2005
BMW 545i. Congratulations on your recent purchase!

To determine the wheel weights of your Styling 124 cast alloy wheels,
please contact your local authorized BMW center. Their parts group would
be in the best position to assist you.

We wish you many safe and enjoyable driving miles in your BMW. If you
have any further questions, please respond to this e-mail or contact the
Customer Relations and Services Department at 1-800-831-1117, Monday
through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time.

Sincerely,
XXXXXX
Customer Relations and Services
Representative

From: Me
To: CustomerService@bmwusa.com
Subject: Vehicle Products

The parts desk didn't have the answer, which is why I
contacted you guys. This CAN'T be that hard to find an
answer to...

From: CustomerService@bmwusa.com
To: Me
Subject: RE: Vehicle Products

Dear Mr. XXXXXX,

Thank you for your reply. I am sorry to hear that your BMW parts center
could not assist you. Unfortunately, they are the only party with
access to this information. Please contact them again, or share with us the
name and telephone number of the parts counter representative who
referred you here and we will contact their manager.

SIncerely,
XXXXXX
Customer Relations and Services
Representative

----------------

I then call them at the customer service number and the guy at the other end is equally clueless. This is information necessary to anybody fitting aftermarket wheels and tires. Am I being unrealistic in thinking that somebody at BMW could spend 10 minutes looking this up for me after buying a $60,000 car?

And if anyone knows the answer, I'd be grateful if they told me. :bashwall:

Rudy

I understand your frustration and I agree that this data should be readily avaliable but from my point of view, it seems that the email dialog isn't at a dead end.

I'd reply back with exactly what they're asking for. Give them the name and number of the parts guy you talked to and let them figure it out. At least they're not ignoring you -- they're trying to help you and they're willing to do some of the legwork for you and take you out of the middle. In my opinion, that's a refreshing change from the "sorry we can't help you" or "sorry, why don't you contact X to see if they can help" responses that so many companies do today...

poleposition

Agreed. I'd be curious to know too.