Does anyone know whether installing non-BMW wheels would void entire, or at least suspension, warranty? I didnt think so and I wouldnt even be asking if I didnt hear it from a BMW Service Advisor.

 

This issue of warranty is an often debated/discussed subject. The warranty is only affected for the part or related part that you have modded. (i.e, the dealer can not refuse to fix a noisy window because you have added new wheels) however if he can prove that your wheels somehow caused a suspension or steering problem, then you could have troubles. Legally the dealer has to prove that your modification caused the malfunction, but that doesn't mean he won't try to give you a hassle anyways. Are you willing to take the dealer to court each time he refuses to do warranty work? That's a question you have to ask yourself.

A couple good rule of thumbs are:

1) Ask your dealer in advance (get it in writing if possible) if you can do a certain mod or not.
2) If you decide to change, go with a reputable, warrantied product if possible.

Modding can be fun, but there is a certain risk that goes along with it.

Good luck!

 

It is interesting that you brought up the issue of first checking with the dealer. I wanted the initial question to be brief so I did not include the background information.

I actually called the Service Advisor to have his "expert feedback" on the size of wheels/tires that would be suitable and he did check into it and called back with the suggestions and my sizes were in line with his suggestions. Much before the installation of new wheels, I had complained twice about a "humming noise" during deceleration and initially they said it was "normal" and subsequently they said it may be the (original) tires but refused to replace them under warranty (vehicle only had 6 or 8 thousand kms. at that time).

So I decided to replace the tires on my own and while at it, I though it may not be a bad idea to have a new set of rims as well. Hence, the decision for new rims/tires was partially based on their not resolving the humming noise (the humming noise is still there even after new tires ). Furthermore, when I did take his advise on the rim size, at no point did he mention anything about warranty. It was only during a recent service visit (to replace the steering rack for the second time-this was diagnosed before the new wheels and parts were ordered but replaced after the new wheels as it took several weeks to procure the parts) that he brought up the issue of warranty.

Needless to mention, I did thank him for letting me know "after the fact".

Surely, one cannot take a dealer to court for every misguidance or unwillingness to cooperate (how would one even prove that?). But one can stop buying their product in the future. In any case, I have contacted the National After-Sales Manager as I have some pending issues with the dealer (cruise control, dash noise, humming noise) and in particular the Service Advisor with whom I seem to have developed a bad chemistry. If the National After Sales Manager is of no help in sorting out the outstanding issues, I am putting the car up for sale; not because of the product but due to the service.

Dont get me wrong. This is my first BMW (after Lexus, Mercedes and Acura/Honda) and it is the best car I have ever driven. Sadly, this is also the worst service I have ever received. The Service Advisor charged me $65 for "cleaning" the brakes without my prior authorization for a paid job and even though there is a service contract. Lexus, on the other hand had replaced brakes twice under warranty even though they mentioned it was not technically supposed to be covered under warranty and I didn't even have a service contract with them). I think the Service Advisor is trying to discourage me from bringing the vehicle in order to alleviate himself of problems he is unable or inexperienced to diagnose and rectify.

Let's see what how it goes...

 

Whoa! Don't believe I would have paid for that. Would have been good training for the service advisor.

 

Serious! daymn..u know that follow-up survey thing they do whenever u go in for service.. be sure to rip that guy a new one!!! that's unheard of!!

they actually care ALOT about how they're rated on those things...... i've had my entire bumper repainted and given a BMW loaner for a month because it was backed into a lamp post by a lot attendent.. and the whole time.. they just kept telling me that they'll take care of me if i make sure to give them all perfect on that survey...............