BMW approval for new Hofmann Megaplan ‘Smart X’ tyre changer

Hofmann Megaplan’s Smart X tyre changer has been approved by BMW for installation in its franchise dealerships. Hofmann Megaplan states that the automated machine’s approval by the German marque backs up its quality and simplicity, as the manufacturer’s preference for runflat tyres presents more difficult wheel assemblies on which to perform the change.

“There are so many automated tyre changers on the market today”, commented Andy Currell, equipment specialist & technical support at Hofmann Megaplan and first to be factory-trained on the Smart X. “However we don’t believe anybody has produced anything with quite such a level of simplicity and intuitive ability to avoid mistakes. Essentially, at each stage of set-up, the only function that will operate is the one you are completing. Everything else is inactive and remains that way until you are ready to move to that next stage. Once you are set-up, the machine has a full 3D ‘image’ of the rim and tyre, so from then on it literally does everything for you!”

The Smart X was conceived to make the tyre fitting process as automated as possible. Hofmann Megaplan achieved this by introducing an intelligent ‘dead man’ system, which is live throughout every part of the process. This ensures that when a particular function is being carried out, all other functions become inactive. Hofmann Megaplan states that this has effectively removed “any possibility for human error.” The approval of BMW, a manufacturer which can offer up notoriously difficult wheel assemblies due to the shallow well within the rim and run-flat tyre combination, is testament to this, Hofmann Megaplan states.

When being installed into a BMW dealership, the machine is also supplied in the corporate colour scheme and relevant branding.

The first Smart X in the UK was installed recently in Hofmann Megaplan’s showroom and training school near Peterborough. The company welcomes interested parties to visit for a full demonstration, while a video demonstrating the machine in operation is available at the company’s website.