BMW X3 Service & Repair Manual: Notes for repairing aluminum rims

In general, the economic viability must be checked prior to the repair.

It is possible to repair the following damage (applies to cast aluminum rims labelled as AlSi7 AlSi11, AlSi12):

• Depth of the damage in the aluminum at maximum 1 mm
• Distance of the damage from the outer rim edge at maximum 50 mm
• Paintwork damage on the remaining wheel rim

It is not possible to repair the following damage:

• Deformation and cracks
• Polished, forged aluminum wheel rims are unsuitable for repair.

NOTES ON EXCHANGING TIRES DURING REPAIR

General:

• The tire size, manufacturer and tire tread must be the same on one axle
• To meet the BMW standards, the vehicle should be equipped with tires from the same manufacturer and with the same tire tread (tires approved by BMW) on all 4 wheels
• The difference in tire tread depth on one axle must not exceed 2 mm (control quality of suspension control systems and wheel alignment requirement)
• The tires with the higher tread depths must be mounted on the rear axle
• The DOT age difference must not exceed 4 years
• On exchanging the tires, the tire pressure must be adjusted

Additionally for all-wheel drive vehicles:

• The tire size, manufacturer and tire tread must be identical on all wheels; if mixed tires are fitted, different dimensions are permissible.
• The difference in tire tread depth on all wheels must not exceed 2 mm (control quality of suspension control systems and wheel alignment requirement)