Rft Issues With Dealership

[Lyrianlight]

Last year we purchased a used 2005 SC430 ironically from a BMW dealership. At the time the vehicle had approximately 22k miles on it, approximately 4K miles on the Bridgestone Potenza tires on it. Recently, the front driver side tire went flat and we contacted Lexus for roadside assistance. I took digitals which showed no visible damage to the wheel or scarring to the tire before the car was transported to the Lexus dealership. The tire was ripped in two places 3 inches apart where the tire beads to the rim. Lexus technicians inspected the tire and diagnosed the cause as impact to the tire. We have never brushed a curb, hit a pothole, or done anything to cause an impact to the tire, mostly because we have driven it rarely, only 4,500 miles this year, and we take impeccable care of the car, protecting it like it's a prize possession. When I inquired about how they determined that the damage to the tire was caused by impact, they did not physically demonstrate where there was any tire scarring or denting or scratching to the wheel. I left unsatisfied, obviously, but sent my digitals to two different shops to get their opinion. One came back and said without any physical damage to the tire or the wheel, it has to be either a mounting/installation problem or a manufacturer defect to the tire. Another person came to the same conclusion, although he wouldn't support it in a e-mail. I went back to BMW who mounted the replacement tires, and spoke to the Service Manager, but they too claim the damage to the tire was caused by impact, and wouldn't take responsibility for the tire.

I'm essentially perturbed that these two reputable car manufacturers have dealerships with employees who basically want to defer any responsibility, saying in their expert opinion, that the damage was caused by impact. I want to hold those dealerships accountable for an inferior or defective tire and replace it at no cost or at minimum, a prorated cost. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge in these matters on the quality of this tire, any inherent problems in its design or manufacturing, and how Lexus has handled these problems in the past. Based on a January 2007 Service Bulletin, BMW was having problems with Bridgestone Run Flat Tires and replaced the tire at no cost if the tread was less than 25 percent worn. I haven't found anything from the Lexus forums that shows any cooperation from Lexus based on the inadequacy of these tires. I appreciate any feedback.

[gordonw]

Have you taken the tire to Bridgestone? They are the one who ultimately warranties the tire. Car manufactures do NOT warranty tires. Of course if the damage is in the bead aea, my guess even they would say improper mounting. Had the same problem awhile back with Michelin.