[iulianm]

This is my first lease and looking for some opinions on my lease return and tire situation: I have 7 more months left on my '21 3-Series 36 months lease with currently 19k miles and my tires are almost done.

As per BMW lease return, “acceptable wear is a minimum of 4/32 of an inch of depth from the finish tread” and a set of tires (19", Runflat with BMW star logo) would get me close to $1.5k with tax and labor.

I have not yet decided if I would want to keep the car or return it (trying to make my decision now) but I’m also considering if I should I return the car before the lease end (used car values are quite good now) as last thing I want is to pay $1.5k for new tires at the end of the lease.

My tires now are pretty bad in the wet weather and I don’t even feel confident driving the car when raining (fortunately not much rain in the summer)

Obviously I would replace the tires if I choose to buy out the lease.


Current payoff info:

As per KBB value, I should be able to buy it out and sell it without much of an issue.

[chrish_22]

I believe regardless you're going to have to spend that amount. Question is when. If you decide to return the lease, they'll make you get a set of tires as they need to be returned in an "acceptable condition". If you buy the car, you'd want to get new tires anyways because it's for your own safety. However, I'm not too well-versed in early lease returns, but 7 months is still quite a bit of time and you'd at least get some value out of replacing the tires.

Best case you find some used ones for a cheaper price that meet the threshold for an acceptable lease return and save on that cost!

[Throatpunch]

Not sure about bmw but for every lease i returned the leave pre inspection would marked lower tire wear and the fee for that was much lower than replacing the tires itself

Last car they charged me $150 for two tires past tread req

[iulianm]

I have just returned the lease today so tires no longer an issue.
(wasn't that happy with the car anyway)

[Montaver]

On the subject, anyone returned a lease with damage? The valet guys have done an absolute number on my car, door dings, scratches, rear bumper lots of dings etc.

[calbears]

Originally Posted by Montaver

On the subject, anyone returned a lease with damage? The valet guys have done an absolute number on my car, door dings, scratches, rear bumper lots of dings etc.

Scratches and dents greater than 2 inches will be marked. Below 4 inches, the charge is $100 per incident per panel with a maximum of $400 per panel.

4 inches to 8 inches, the charge (fine) is $400. Maximum $400 per panel.

Over 8 inches will require a third party inspection and it's whatever they say goes as the fine.

[iulianm]

Apart from the tire wear from my first post, I also had this rim damage and there was no issue to return the car.


After cleaning a bit the area.

[BklynNYBMW]

Hello there. Figured I would chime in on this. If you leased through BMWFA, they (BMW)have contracted with independent leasing inspectors to come and inspect your car before the turn in date. From what I recall it is about a month before the end of the lease. You would get a report from the inspector as what "wear and tear" you will be charged for and what will need to be fixed or replaced. Such as dings, scratches, scrapes and tires if needed. I know they donot charged for curb rash. Cracked or seriously bent rims there is a charge.

On another note if your tires are that worn that you don't feel safe driving in the rain. Why would you not replace them regardless. Even from just a safety standpoint and if you shuttle family members around. Why put them, yourself and other on the road at risk. The tires are the only thing that keeps you planted on the road. Ok I will get off my soapbox (lol). Be safe out there.
__________________________________________________ _______________________
2017 X6 5.0 MSport, Carbon Black Metallic w/ black leather. All options except vented seats and B/O sound system. AKA the Tumbler
2021 M340i xdrive. Tanzanite Blue with W/Oyster with Red Calipers. All options except Adaptive M suspension, Driver Assistance Professional Package, Cooling and High Performance Tire package. AKA Blue Angel
*Retired 04/30/21: 2018 340i MSport Xdrive sedan. Glacier Silver w/Oyster. All options except active cruise control and window shades. AKA Airstream

[iulianm]

Just to close on this thread, as I mentioned in an earlier post, I have returned the car a couple of days after I made this post.
I have done so several months before lease end and it took ~15-20 minutes from the moment I went into the dealership and I got out without the car and they didn't care about tires or rim.

[Bc2005]

The 2021 3 series is a high demand car on the used market, so they may have been more flexible for the lease return. Dealers usually have multiple customers looking for them, and and most dealers never have any on the lot, especially if it’s an M340i. Most folks started buying SUV’s the last 4-5 years, so there is more demand for used sports sedans.