Tires - Abnormal Tire Wear/Noise/Lawsuit Settlement
SI B36 06 06
Wheels and Tires
December 2010
Technical Service
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B36 06 06 dated February 2010.
[NEW] designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT
Noise Caused by Irregular Tire Wear
MODEL
E90, E91 (3 Series) equipped with Bridgestone Turanza EL42 RFT Run Flat Tires
The affected tires can be identified by the last four digits of the DOT number, which is embossed on the tire's sidewall. New tires have been
introduced as noted below.
2010 BMW 335d Sedan (E90) L6-3.0L DSL Turbo (M57Y) Page 216
SITUATION
BMW has agreed to participate in a proposed settlement of a class action lawsuit involving certain 3 Series models which were originally equipped
with Bridgestone Turanza EL42 RFT Run Flat Tires (the "affected vehicles"). Under the terms of this proposed settlement, owners/lessees of
affected vehicles may seek coverage through a BMW center, should they experience the condition listed in this bulletin. Additionally, owners/lessees
of affected vehicles will begin to receive letters on or after February 5, 2010, informing them of the proposed settlement and the coverage available
to them. Owners/lessees seeking reimbursement for prior replacement(s) should do so by following the instructions provided with the customer letter
and claim form. Owners/lessees seeking repairs in the future will be subject to the provisions of this bulletin. Copies of the customer letter and claim
form are attached to this bulletin for reference.
NOTE:
The court has not yet approved the proposed settlement; a final approval hearing on the proposed settlement will take place in early April 2010.
An abnormal or loud noise caused by irregular tire wear on some Bridgestone Turanza EL42 RFT Run Flat Tires may be objectionable to some
customers. The noise is totally different from normal road noise.
CORRECTION
[NEW] If this situation is detected, and only if the tires have less than 30,000 miles, follow the recommendations listed under Procedure.
PROCEDURE
Abnormal noise may be caused by the irregular tire wear referenced in this Service Information. The wear occurs at the tire's inner and outer
shoulders as indicated by the arrows in the illustration.
Tires which exhibit this type of wear will have feathered or scalloped edges of the tread blocks at the tire's inner and outer shoulder areas.
2010 BMW 335d Sedan (E90) L6-3.0L DSL Turbo (M57Y) Page 217
This type of wear is referred to as heel and toe wear. Heel and toe wear is simply a difference in height between the leading and trailing edges of the
individual tread blocks, as shown in the illustration. While this condition is not uncommon, a difference in tread block height of more than 0.6mm
can create an abnormal noise.
This type of wear can be noted when inspecting the shoulder areas visually or by hand.
Always wear leather gloves when handling/inspecting tires.
The tread blocks will feel smooth in one direction and rough in the opposing direction.
Due to the differences in wear patterns which usually occur at the front and rear axle tires, this type of irregular wear is generally limited to the tires
fitted on the front axle. But if the rear tires are also causing abnormal noise and exhibit this type of wear, then all 4 tires should be replaced.
Heel and toe wear can be accelerated by low tire pressure and vehicle overloading. Therefore, customers should be reminded to check tire pressures
at appropriate intervals. BMW recommends checking tire pressures at least twice a month and before long trips.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
2010 BMW 335d Sedan (E90) L6-3.0L DSL Turbo (M57Y) Page 218
2010 BMW 335d Sedan (E90) L6-3.0L DSL Turbo (M57Y) Page 219
REIMBURSEMENT
ATTACHMENTS
2010 BMW 335d Sedan (E90) L6-3.0L DSL Turbo (M57Y) Page 220
2010 BMW 335d Sedan (E90) L6-3.0L DSL Turbo (M57Y) Page 221
2010 BMW 335d Sedan (E90) L6-3.0L DSL Turbo (M57Y) Page 222
2010 BMW 335d Sedan (E90) L6-3.0L DSL Turbo (M57Y) Page 223
B360606 - CLAIM FORM
2010 BMW 335d Sedan (E90) L6-3.0L DSL Turbo (M57Y) Page 224
2010 BMW 335d Sedan (E90) L6-3.0L DSL Turbo (M57Y) Page 225
2010 BMW 335d Sedan (E90) L6-3.0L DSL Turbo (M57Y) Page 226
2010 BMW 335d Sedan (E90) L6-3.0L DSL Turbo (M57Y) Page 227
2010 BMW 335d Sedan (E90) L6-3.0L DSL Turbo (M57Y) Page 228
2010 BMW 335d Sedan (E90) L6-3.0L DSL Turbo (M57Y) Page 229
2010 BMW 335d Sedan (E90) L6-3.0L DSL Turbo (M57Y) Page 230
2010 BMW 335d Sedan (E90) L6-3.0L DSL Turbo (M57Y) Page 231
B360606 - CUSTOMER LETTER
