Hi guys,

Need advice, I will soon return my 530i and have a few questions.

1. Tires, do they have to be exactly the same as the OEM tires? or can I just replace them with cheap ones?

2. Registration, I'm planning on returning the car on Jan 01 2009 and car registration is not due till feb 2009. do i have to register the car before returning it?

thanks.

1. Depends on how big of an a$$ your SA wants to be. For the most part they just check tread life, but the fine line does say return in the condition it was driven off in, so they could knock you for the brand. I am sure other members will chime in here...


2. No need to pay for the registration. Let the dealership handle it. No late fees will be charged to you.

:thumbsup: Gene

You can always ask the dealer but I think that they need to have minimal tread left and need to all be the same brand/model tire. Try the penny trick. If you can touch or bury any part of Lincoln's head in the tread, they should be okay.

For some additional details, take a look at the lease-end inspection forms I posted in the following thread:
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=38375

Also, here are some links to various lease-end tire related threads:
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=44922
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=47051
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=46170
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=45747
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=20770
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=9362

You will receive a lease return information package (including, among other information, a check list Rudy linked to). While some items may be subject to negotiation, I think referring to a BMW SA in a derogatory manner (as in a previous post) reflects poorly on people who buy or lease these cars and sets a "attitude" that will determine your altitude [eg ... crash and burn]!

As for replacement of wear items like tires, should you purchase or re-lease a BMW, would you be satisfied with a dealer who replaced OEM spec tires with a discount store special or would you expect something more appropriate to the automobile? Same also applies to wear and tear items like paint, upholstery, or options and accessories. Normal wear is well, NORMAL.

Question on registration already has been addressed.

Are you going to lease another BMW?

touche luigi...i a$$ume you are referring to my post. :P. I agree with you completely and should have chosen a better term to use. My point was that the lease returnee is basically at the mercy of the SA/inspector. And yes a calm respectful attitude always helps. Thank you for the character check tho.:thumbsup:


to the OP: did bmw give you the "Wear and Tear" ins option. Covers up to 10k in damage incurred, including wheels and tires. When I picked up my lease they did not have a wheel/tire ins plan, so i went with this plan....

No problem GENEaTALS ... with a new baby around your character will get tested a LOT!

this is my second time leasing bmw and unfortunately, economy is really poor and just got laid off and out of a job since this month. good thing my lease end sooner and would cut down on my expenses. would like to drive another bmw if given a chance.

i think with this option you need to return our bmw 3 months before your lease end. correct me if i'm wrong.

was not told that...but I haven't read the fine print :think: