The wheels on the car developed hair line fractures, one wheel was damaged to the point it would not keep inflated. Google has many complaints posted, I inquired to BMW dealer without resolve. I decided to replace the wheels at my expense.

- Fripp Island, SC, USA

This problem affects wheel style "296" a 19" optional alloy wheel package for E89 BMW Z4. BMW part number 36116785257(rear wheel 19X9) and 36116785256(front wheel 19X8. Under normal driving conditions, multiple cracks developed on inner edge of rim lip leading to large drop in tire pressure and potentially unsafe driving condition. This happened to (1) of my rear wheels. After doing research, I strongly believe this is a manufacturers defect as many owners of the same particular wheel model "296" are experiencing the same problems. It is noted in the following link: E89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?T=485935 contacted bmwna customer relations and they declined to provide assistance.

- Sunnyvale, CA, USA

I've noticed that my rear passenger tire was losing pressure even after inflating it multiple times so I brought the car into BMW of murrieta to get the wheels inspected. It was verified by their technicians that both rear rims were cracked and that it would cost and estimate of nearly $1,800 to replace. I denied the repair/replacement as I didn't believe I should pay out of pocket for what I believe is a manufacturer defect. I learned that many other owners are having the same exact issue with the same exact rim style on this vehicle, the rear rims are prone to cracking under normal driving conditions, which I believe is a major safety hazard. I filed a claim with BMW Corp, claims department and they denied reimbursing me or agree to fix the wheels under my extended warranty. My vehicle has since been in nonoperation without a loaner vehicle given to me by BMW.

- San Diego, CA, USA

In the morning of October 23rd, I've noticed the low tire pressure warning indicator (tpm) turn on in my car for the rear passenger wheel. It appeared to be completely flat. With the runt flat tire, I drove carefully to the nearest gas station to fill the tire with air to specification of 42 psi. Hours later, I check the pressure to see if it holds. The tire lost significant pressure and the tpm turned on again. I once again went to the nearest gas station to fill the tire with air and hours later, it lost pressure again, eventually going completely flat. It appears that many other owners of this particular make and model with the same rim style is experiencing the same problem and I suspect that the rim has a slight crack driving under normal conditions. It seems to be a flaw in the structural integrity of the rim that allows it to crack and lose air pressure.

- San Diego, CA, USA

I'm a owner of 2011 BMW Z4 35I with 296 style wheels. BMW's 296 style wheel considered has design defects by most of owners, since they really easily cracked without impact. Reason why 296 style wheels got easily cracked definitely seems flawed design, and it can be proved by other wheels with same diameter don't have these kind of problem. Also fatigue structure failure means, structure strength of wheel design wasn't properly reviewed. Also BMW changed its design of inner barrel to reinforce strength around 2012. There was settlement between owners and BMW na about this issue, but it only covers during initial factory warranty. (Z4296wheelsettlement.com) although my BMW Z4 doesn't have initial factory warranty, it still has cpo warranty. BMW na and local dealer refused to replace or fix my cracked wheels, since my cpo warranty don't cover wheels. The reason cpo warranty doesn't cover wheels seems they can be damaged from curb or pot-hole. (neither of them are my case.) however if most of owner suffered by same problem, it definitely can be considered to caused by flawed design, not mis-use or abuse by owner. In addition, BMW should replace those wheels regardless warranty period. (this is what happened in S.Korea. BMW Korea admitted its problem and changing owners 296 wheels regardless their warranty period.) please find relevant links as follows. E89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php"T=764312 E89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?T=742693&highlight=296+poll E89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php"T=484812&highlight=296+poll

- Vero Beach, FL, USA

Blow out at 70 mph, replaced rear passenger tire at BMW with same run flats. Next day flat, returned to dealership where they said I had 2 hairline cracks in same wheel, which needed replacement. I noticed a ton of complaints and similar problems with these 296 style 19 inch rims.

- Naples, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2011 BMW Z4. The contact stated that air was leaking from the rear passenger tire. The vehicle was taken to a personal mechanic and the contact was informed that the rear passenger wheel was cracked and that it was a manufacturer's defect. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that there were a total of five cracks on the rear wheels. The rear driver's wheel suffered three cracks and the rear passenger wheel suffered two cracks. The dealer stated that the cracks were caused by potholes. The manufacturer was notified and offered no assistance. The vehicle was examined by a personal mechanic, who stated that the cracks were not from an impact, but instead from metal fatigue. The rear driver's wheel was welded as a temporary fix. The failure and current mileages were 8,900.

- Norfolk, VA, USA