BMW (3)

After extending the warranty period on new BMWs from two years to five last year, BMW Group Malaysia has now announced the arrival of the BMW Tyre Warranty Programme, offered on all new BMW vehicles and BMW-approved star-marked tyres sold from January 1, 2016.

The 24-month warranty covers against tyre damage caused by any pointed or sharp objects such as nail or broken glass, or by hitting the edge of a kerb or pothole, but is only applicable if there is no existing guarantee or insurance that already covers the tyres. The cost of tyre fitment and balancing is also covered, but not alignment or vehicle towing – the latter because most BMWs are now fitted with runflat tyres.

To make a claim, the dealer will inspect the cause of the damage and calculate the current market value of the tyre, based on tread depth and the retail price of the tyre during the time of change.

Full compensation will be offered on tyres with a tread depth of more than 7 mm, while those from 6.9 mm to 6.0 mm, 5.9 mm to 5.0 mm, 4.9 mm to 4.0 mm and 3.9 mm to 3.0 mm will be given 80%, 60%, 40% and 20% compensation respectively. No compensation will be given for a tread depth of less than 3 mm.

The warranty is valid within 24 months from the date of first registration of a new BMW, the date upon which the new tyres were purchased or upon reaching all four tyre claims, whichever comes first. For replacement tyres or new tyres purchased through aftersales, the warranty will cease when a claim is made.

As usual, there are terms attached – the warranty is linked to the vehicle the tyres are mounted on and is non-transferable if the same tyres are fitted on another vehicle. Furthermore, it does not cover damage caused by normal wear and tear, as well as defects resulting from improper or incorrect use of the tyres.

Other instances not covered include participation in driving events or test drives with racing characteristics, vehicle accidents, unauthorised vehicle modifications, as well as excessive or uneven wear due to false track and camber adjustment, inaccurate tyre pressures or the fitment of defective bumpers.

The warranty is only applicable for personal vehicles, and will not cover vehicles used for commercial purposes such as car-for-hire, taxi or any driver car services. It will also cease automatically and with immediate effect if the vehicle is sold commercially or outside of Malaysia.