Tires - Appears To Have A Crack In The Sidewall
Group 36Wheels and Tires
Bulletin Number
36 01 98
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
March 1998
Product Engineering
SUBJECT:
Michelin Pilot SX MXX3 Tires in 235/40 ZR 17 and 225/45 ZR 17 Sizes
MODEL:
M3
Situation:
The Michelin tires referenced above which were used on 1995 and 1996 model year M3s can exhibit a visual imperfection that appears to be a crack at the point where the tread compound meets the sidewall compound, as illustrated (1).
Even though this is purely a cosmetic condition that has no bearing on the integrity or the life of the tire, Michelin will replace any tires that exhibit this blemish.
Tires Affected:
This condition can appear on Michelin Pilot SX MXX3 tires in size 235/40 ZR 17 produced in weeks 40195 through 8196 or weeks 17/96 through 38/96, and in size 225/45 ZR 17 produced in weeks 37/95 through 16/96.
Affected tires can be identified by checking the production date contained in the DOT number on the tire sidewall. The last three digits of the number identify the production week and year (the first two digits denote the week and the last digit denotes the year). Therefore, only those 235/40 ZR 17 tires with DOT numbers ending in 405 through 086 or 176 through 386, and 225/45 ZR 17 tires with DOT numbers ending in 375 through 166 are affected.
Procedure:
In the interest of customer satisfaction, BMW and Michelin request that if affected tires are noted on a customer car in the workshop (including the spare), the BMW retailer take the following steps:
^ Contact Michelin at 1-800-433-6838 with the DOT number of the tire(s), and the name and phone number of the local Michelin retailer that you prefer to deal with. Michelin will contact their retailer and make arrangements to have both tires on that axle replaced at no charge.
^ Once the preliminary arrangements have been made with the local Michelin retailer, advise the customer that you have arranged to have the tires replaced at no charge, and obtain their consent to have the Michelin retailer replace the tires.
^ Coordinate with the Michelin retailer to bring the car to their location to have the new tires mounted and balanced.
Warranty Status:
Tires are warranted by the tire manufacturer. Parts and labor for replacement of affected tires will be covered by Michelin.