Tires: sidewall
- Component
- Tires: sidewall
- Manufacturer
- BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Vehicles affected
- 990
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2001-06-14
- Owners notified
- 2001-06-28
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: POLICE MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH DUNLOP SPORTMAX A REAR TIRES, SIZE 160/60 ZR18. THESE TIRES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON SOME OF THE VEHICLES AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT. THE CAMPAIGN IS LIMITED TO THOSE SPORTMAX A REAR TIRES HAVING DATE STAMPS OF 189, 199, OR 209. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT AREAS OF REDUCED ADHESION ON THE TREAD REINFORCING CUSHION STRIPS MAY HAVE RESULTED DURING PRODUCTION OF THE TIRES. THIS COULD LEAD TO LOCALIZED SEPARATIONS AND BLISTERS WHERE THE TREAD JOINS THE SIDEWALL.
Safety risk
IF THIS PROBLEM OCCURS, THE RIDER MAY NOTICE A VIBRATION OF THE REAR TIRE AND DEPENDING ON THE DEGREE OF BLISTERING, VEHICLE HANDLING COULD ALSO BE AFFECTED. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE COULD LEAD TO FURTHER WEAKENING OF THE SIDEWALL AREA AND CAUSE A FURTHER DETERIORATION OF THE VEHICLE'S HANDLING.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR TIRE FOR THE PRODUCTION DATE. IF AN AFFECTED TIRE IS FOUND, IT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117, OPTION #4.