The tire light came on so I checked air pressure of all tires which were all 41 psi which the dealer set (inside of the door label recommendation is 33). Then I noticed the cause of the tire light coming on. The passenger rear rim was missing the the balance weight. In addition a small piece of rim is also missing. Exactly the size and shape of the weight. It looks like a small bite in the edge of that section. The rest of the rim looks fine except for missing piece of rim about 2 inch across and 1 inch inward from edge.

Any ideas what caused this? I believe that tire was changed my dealer around a year ago. Is the dealer responsible for this since it is connected with the weight attachment?

Thank you.

 

The stick on type balance weights used on the insides of rims are held on by just that--stick on double sided tape basically. I have found the OEM German ones come pretty well attached, but most tire shop ones seem kind of so-so. I would never imagine these tearing away metal, let alone even rim paint in general. When they are pulled off, they leave behind some tape residue frequently. Maybe that is what you are seeing? Otherwise, if rim is truly damaged, I would say it is most likely a fluke coincidence, putting aside conspiracy theories that is like someone sticking on a weight to hide damage underneath or something pretty far fetched.

 

Please take a look at some pictures I took this morning of the car: (1 photo), the rim (2 photos) and damage area (3 photos) which is located at 7 o'clock.
As you can see the weight is missing with no other indicator (glue/tape residue) of where it was except the chunk of metal eaten off.

What is the cause of damage? What to do next get this worked out at lowest cost? Do I need a new rim?

I was thinking that tire could be deflated moved to opposite side of rim then a new weight could be attached?

Any ideas appreciated. Thank you!

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It looks like they put the clip on weights on your alloy rim, that's a big no no!

They probably cracked the alloy when the weight was hammered on.

Dave

 

That's standard for OEM wheels on new MINIs from the factory. Unless it has changed recently, that was the case for many years.

 

on my 2010 MCS OEM wheels that came w/ the runflats, at least not on the outside visible side. When I find those on most modern alloys, they are used the inside of the rim, not the outside. Instead, tape weights (what I referred to in my earlier reply) are the better and more common product mounted on the wheel interior near the outer spokes when balancing weight is needed toward the outside.

To the OP, no I don't think those should have been used either. If the tires were just mounted you have common sense and practice on your side. If they have been there a good while, I can see where whichever shop (or the factory) used them might try to argue they were okay to use and something hit the rim right at the weight and dislodged it. Not saying that, just flagging a possible debate.

 

I believe that tire had flat a year ago. It was repaired at the local BMW/Mini dealer. This is my first experience with this kind of problem. Previous cars never had this issue. Does the dealer have some responsibility?
What is best way to deal with this? The tire light went off. It seems to be adjusting. Currently driving at local speeds 40 mpg or less.
Can the rim be saved? Can the tire be remounted (to move the tire in a different position from the rim -opposite of current position) with a new tape-on weight?
Thank you in advance.

 

I see a dent in the rim next to the damage area

Unless that's from the old flat I think you whacked a pothole or something and the weight was broken off damaging the rim at the same time the dent happened.

If the dent is old then I suspect the rim was cracked at that time....

just my guess

you might have a comprehensive coverage claim, if you carry comp'

I'd be looking for a new rim

 

You would need to either inspect the wheel carefully for a crack, or take it to a shop to do the same. It could be leaking due to that, or it could be some other nail or something in the tire. If not cracked, often just using a dremel grinder to deburr the area and then a bit of silver touch up paint can clean up 80%+ of the appearance issue.

I find factory wheels on most cars don't tend to crack or bend absent a really hard hit that you would surely realize while driving. Thus, you may find ultimately you have some other minor leak going on and what you see is cosmetic. Head to a tire shop or garage, have them look at it, and if wheel okay, fix leak, rebalance and then deal w/ cosmetics. Even a higher volume gas station with a service business can sort this out for you for perhaps $25-40, assuming a patch and balance may be in order on one wheel.

Finally, yes if the wheel is bad consider an insurance comprehensive claim if you have the $100 sort of deductible.

 

That makes sense Capt. It would have to be pot hole maybe or the weight grabbing the curb? I do not recall either - sadly. Service at the dealer was two months ago - so it occurred recently.

This was a lease that I just purchased three months ago. So I have to pay directly. I know the rim is costly.
Thank you MP1 - so far no leaks. The tire has been at same pressure as the others set at 41 by dealer.

I will dremel grind/deburr and paint as recommended before going to dealer. This way they can finish the job with rebalance.

Thank you again!