Question about a lease return
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Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Alta Loma, CA
Question about a lease return
I was wondering if you were to lease a BMW 530 and went to return it, what is the minimun tire deppth needed and also if you change the tires which are below that minimum, do you have to replace with runflats to not get hit up with a charge? TIA
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: NYC/ATL
Who is the lease company, some lease companies are not as strict with the return policies, my friends 530 needed new tires when it went back but they where not bald, wear and tear after 3 years does not mean it needs new tires, most want the cars back with no body damage
Chase gives a $1500 waiver to cover miscellaneous items and protect the owner
Chase gives a $1500 waiver to cover miscellaneous items and protect the owner
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,618
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From: NYC/ATL
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,854
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From: IL
BMW has very clear specs on this - they will send you a lease return guide that will cover everything (including a measuring tool to determine if your dings are too big - That's What She Said).
I'm pretty sure the tires need to be Run Flats.
I'm pretty sure the tires need to be Run Flats.
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: USA
I had a lease that specified all service/repair parts must be factory original no aftermarket parts or you pay to replace with factory original parts. This was on a standard state lease form.I got my deposit back one of the few that did.
I only use factory parts anyway.
I only use factory parts anyway.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,209
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From: IL
When I leased my '02 Maxima - you had to schedule an inspection with a 3rd party company. They would come out about 30-60 days before the lease return date and go over the car. Little stuff like slight door dings and rock chips are all considered normal wear and tear.
Basically if there was a problem you knew about it ahead of time. This guy signed off on the car and provided the info to the dealer. The day I returned the car I just handed them the keys, signed a paper, took my license plates, and I was on my way... they didn't even come outside before I left.
IMHO if your tires are blatently bald or shot - you're not going to get away with it. I personally doubt they'd check to see if they were a certain type of tire though.
Basically if there was a problem you knew about it ahead of time. This guy signed off on the car and provided the info to the dealer. The day I returned the car I just handed them the keys, signed a paper, took my license plates, and I was on my way... they didn't even come outside before I left.
IMHO if your tires are blatently bald or shot - you're not going to get away with it. I personally doubt they'd check to see if they were a certain type of tire though.
The lease return guide should be in his owners manual pack in the car. (the black leather case with the multiple booklets)..
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Southeastern PA
They can send you all the checklists they want, which won't mean a thing if your lease specifies the condition. If the lease says 5/32nds, then that's it. If the lease says some vague BS like, "per BMW guidelines", then they have you at their mercy. You may have flexibility to negotiate--you can tell them you will put on the cheapest tires you can get a hold of, unless they waive it or come to some agreement of a fee that's less than you'd spend on tires. The run-flats may be a problem--you probably don't have much to choose from.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: NYC/ATL
What does the overall car look like, I've leased many cars and most of them looked brand new when they where returned, just by visual appeal an inspector knows what he has to look for, are the tires bald or just worn, if you lease a car you should know that you typically put new tires on midway through the lease I would not really sweat the return
I would not really sweat the return
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,854
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From: IL
They can send you all the checklists they want, which won't mean a thing if your lease specifies the condition. If the lease says 5/32nds, then that's it. If the lease says some vague BS like, "per BMW guidelines", then they have you at their mercy. You may have flexibility to negotiate--you can tell them you will put on the cheapest tires you can get a hold of, unless they waive it or come to some agreement of a fee that's less than you'd spend on tires. The run-flats may be a problem--you probably don't have much to choose from.
