Tire Repair for Your 1988 BMW 325i

Cities are growing. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. There's construction around every corner! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. If your 1988 BMW 325i is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. There’s a chance your tire could be plugged and patched (rather than replaced). Our technicians can inspect your tire and let you know if it is safe to repair. We’ll begin by taking a look at where the damage is, the type and extent of the tire damage, and how all of your tires are wearing.

If your 1988 BMW 325i tire puncture can be repaired, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (1) Remove the tire from the wheel for inspection and repair, (2) use a filler to close up the puncture (this is to keep moisture from getting in), and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

Sometimes, 1988 BMW 325i tire damage calls for more than a repair. For tires that have less than 2/32nd inch of tread left, a repair simply isn’t possible – even if the tire damage is minimal. Tires with this tread depth or less are no longer safe, so it’s time to replace the damaged tire. If your tire is not yet worn down, there are other forms of damage that simply can’t be repaired, like a tire with a puncture larger than ¼ inch in diameter; a tire with a puncture or damage outside the tread area; multiple punctures that are too close together (less than 16 inches between them); and a tire with cuts or tread separation.

Sometimes, it's in your best interest to buy one, two, or four new tires depending on BMW's recommendation. For vehicles with AWD, manufacturers recommend replacing all four tires simultaneously. This is because the AWD system can only function optimally when all tires are uniform. Just replaced your tires and only one is damaged? You may not need to buy another new full set after all. You might be able to replace one tire as long as it's the same brand, type, and size as the other three. Your tire technician can help you decide how many tires to replace and the kind of tire to purchase.

A flat tire? That’s pretty hard to ignore. But other tire damage? It’s not always obvious! Inconspicuous issues like bulging sidewalls, exhaust noise, leaks, or bent rims may indicate issues that need immediate attention. Bring your 1988 BMW 325i in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.