Got the two new (well replacement) wheels on the M3 Competition. Man that was a nasty experience to go through. These of course are the special M3 Competition wheels and they are simply a thing of beauty. As I have always said, the two most important elements of a car are the stance, and the wheels, and they go hand in hand. Just happy she’s back in 100% condition again.
While I was at it I changed the rubber all around. Decided to go with the cost effective and highly rated Hankook Ventus V12 Evo. So far really happy with them. Time will tell how well they wear and stay quiet..
So what was the deal with needing new wheels? Wasn’t a fun experience. Was driving up 680 home one evening about a month ago and out of nowhere appears in my lane something big and long and very solid. Still don’t know what it was. Both right wheels ran over it with a major, major noise and a cringe from me as I know… this isn’t good. I continue driving and holding my breath waiting to see if I am losing air and getting a flat. Within a few hundred yards I see a car pulled over. Then another. Then another. Man… there were 8 cars pulled over attending to flats or checking out their car!
I’m driving carefully and still monitoring the tires and I don’t seem to have a flat, so I make a decision to keep going and make it home. If there is wheel damage there is nothing that pulling over now will do except make me start crying a little earlier. So 15 minutes later I pull into my garage and again hold my breath as I do the inspection. Do I possibly have the luck and find no damage? Or do I find what I’m expecting – two damaged wheels? Yup… two damaged wheels. What a shame.
A dozen insurance company calls, a trip to BMW and the tire store, and a month later, I’m back in 100% condition. Happy.
Jim Price is a Marketing professional at Cadence Design, currently engaged in marketing communications, web, and social media management. 
