FW: Tires, Extended Warranty and Cold Starts

[Mike Mueller <Mmueller@xxxxxxxxx>]

> I need some advice from the collective wisdom of the digest members.
> 
> 1.	I need recommendations for new tires.  I drive a 1995 325i with
> Sports Package and I live in Richmond, Virginia so snow is not a big
> problem, although it does occasionally appear.  I am looking for a good
> all
> around tire that balances wear with a smooth ride and handling and holds
> the
> road in the wet, maybe an all season tire or a decent touring tire.
> 
> 	I know it is preferred that I replace all four tires at once, but my
> front tires are in ok shape, but the rear tires need to be replaced soon.
> Should I just replace the rear tires and leave the front tires for now?
> If
> so, do I need to buy the same tires that are on the front (which is also
> on
> the never used spare in the trunk).
> 
> 	Any recommendations for mounting and balancing in the Richmond
> Virginia area?  Can you help me with this one Phil Marx?  The last time I
> bought tires (for a previous car) I bought the tires from the Tire Rack
> and
> I used the shop here in Richmond that they have some sort of affiliation
> with and I was unimpressed.
> 
> 2.	I only have 30,000 miles on my car but the warranty expires next
> April.  What problems should I be looking for, if any, with the car to put
> on a fix it list before the warranty expires?  I just had the 30,000 mile
> Inspection II done last week and the dealer said the car looked great.
> 
> 	Also, what is the collective wisdom on extended warranties?  How
> much can I extend it (another 5 years or 100,000 miles?) and how much
> should
> I expect to pay?  How do they work?  Are they no hassle deals like the
> original warranty or do I have to pay for the repairs myself and then seek
> reimbursement from the warranty company?
> 
> 3.	The last two days I have experienced cold starts with my car - the
> idle is very rough for a minute or so.  This has never happened before,
> even
> in much colder weather.  Is it related to the Inspection II I just had
> completed?
> 
> Please feel free to respond to me directly.
> 
> TIA,
> 
> Mike Mueller
> E-mail: mmueller@domain.elided

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