Almost got scammed -
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Super Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 942
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
'16 528i MSport
Almost got scammed -
So I had a nail in my tire since we've been doing some improvement around the house and the contractors refuse to clean up after themselves. I have Roadside come out and change it to a spare so I can take it to the dealership. They look at it for over 30 minutes and come back saying it can't be patched and I need a new tire. They're about to charge me $375 + tax for a new tire (Appearance Package) when I told them to wait.
I took it to Pep Boys and the guy was able to plug it and all, $20. I went the easy, probably not the safest but I haven't had a TPMS or an overall tire problem. Ray Catena, what are you doing?!!!
I took it to Pep Boys and the guy was able to plug it and all, $20. I went the easy, probably not the safest but I haven't had a TPMS or an overall tire problem. Ray Catena, what are you doing?!!!
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 292
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas, NV
GL450 (Alabaster White/Black Interior)
My experience with tire places/dealers are that they are getting very conservative in what they will and won't repair for liability purposes (i.e. if you get in some major wreck because the tire blows out after repair). My understanding is that the rules vary from state to state but if the nail or what not in any way jepordizes the side wall they are not supposed to fix it. That doesn't mean that someone won't fix it, but they are not supposed to fix it. I am not sure if this was your case. Regarding the cost of the tire, TireRack has replacement tires for $211 so even with tax, installation, and shipping you should be well under the price you are being quoted at the dealer.
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Seattle area
07 GL450
Unless it is warrenty work don't take it to the dealer. They are worst scammers! I got charged 2hr diagnostic time for getting car hooked up to the machine when I was there for 1 1/2 hr total and service tech. actually only worked on it for 20 min. Rest of the time they left the hood open and nothing was connected to it or anybody even around the car.
May be it was my fault for hanging around the service bay to see what was going on.
May be it was my fault for hanging around the service bay to see what was going on.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,414
Likes: 6
From: West Michigan
2007 E63
Was the nail straight in to the center of the tread, or was it in or near the sidewall, or in at a weird angle? I know when I've done the Discount Tire routine, they've been very happy to fix just about any road hazard when you purchase the insurance. Which, based on my own experience, is well worth it!
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 129
Likes: 4
From: Florida
1982 300Dt, 2021GLE53, 2013 GLK250, 2009 Smart Cabrio
Just had a similar issue on my SLK. A screw was very close to the side wall and it was deemed not repairable. Two tire compnaies told me the same thing....cannot plug close to the sidewall. So...bought a new tire!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,548
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From: LA LA Land
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
I would not go to dealer for tire problems, that is for sure. You get much better pricing/guarantees at Tire places like Discount tire, etc. Now if the tires were made by MB as well, I wouldn't go anywhere else 
