Run flat tyres

[c63chris]

But I did 56k miles in 3 years and followed BMW's advice to regularly ensure correct tyre pressure and I never had a problem. They were the same wheels as shown on Watchdog.

Bit like playing Russian Roulette and saying there was no bullet in the gun as you weren't shot. Well documented problem but like everything not for everyone.

 

[Dryce]

But I did 56k miles in 3 years and followed BMW's advice to regularly ensure correct tyre pressure and I never had a problem. They were the same wheels as shown on Watchdog.

Depends on the wheel types and also sizes.

296s were well known for cracking. AFAIAA the design was modified.

326Ms are not immune either. We had one crack within 22,000 miles. Quick search of forums indicated we were not the only victims.

 

[V8 Supercharger]

A common request i have to deal with, mainly from BMW owners, is wether there is an alternative to Runflat tyres.

I tell them to buy a "spare wheel kit" from either the dealers or even ebay and get that in the boot. Then replace the runflats for normal tyres, the amount saved usually pays for the spare wheel kit.

As for repairing Runflats - Technically speaking they are the same as non runflats. Depending on where the puncture is we have been able to repair 99% of them successfully.

The main problem is that the likes of official dealers, Kwik-Fit, ATS etc etc, the big names in tyres, will not repair a runflat tyres regardless of where the puncture is or how less/far you've driven on it.

About 7 months ago we had a lady enquire about a repair on her Mini Cooper which had Runflat tyres. Tyre looked fairly new and when i saw where the nail was i told her we could repair it. She must have asked me about 4 times if i was sure.

After doing the repair and showing her it was not leaking anymore i put the wheel back on the car. When i had finished she apologised for being a pain but had in fact just been to the dealers about this problem when the light came up on the dash and she did not know what it was. Dealers had a look, told her there was a nail in her tyre and that she would need a new tyre. She had asked them several times if it was repairable as she had only recently bought the tyre from the same dealers and did not have the money to spend right at this time. The only answer she got was that she needs a new tyre and that was their official stance.

She just popped in to ours on her way home to see if we could do anything. Dealer price was £210 for a new tyre, our price was £10 for a puncture repair. She left with her delighted husband still on the phone and actually paid us £20.

Same customer came in 3 weeks ago and wanted an alternative to runflat tyres. 2 days ago she left a very satisfied customer once again after getting a spare wheel kit and swapping all the tyres for non-funlats. Happy Endings.

Runflat tyres are a real pain in most everyday cases. Its very very unlikely that you will get a puncture that will instantly cause your tyre to deflate. 95% of the punctures we get are a slow leak and customers have just been putting in air and saving the tyre. Its the same story with runflats, if the light comes on in your dash then put more air in it. This saves a lot of tyres.

To the threadstarter - if the cars not been built yet, my advice would be to go for normal tyres, you'll seriously regret runflats. For the sake of that puncture which may or may not happen, just get yourself a cheap 12 volt air pump and just put air in the tyre until you can get it to a tyre shop. For the majority you probably wont even have to use your spare wheel for the life of the car.

 

[Spinal]

Based on a few sites, the suggestion from BMW is that they have adjusted the suspension for RFTs. This would mean that if you put normal tyres, your car would be a little "damp"...

 

[ss201]

Good friend and ace Mercedes independent specialist bought a C36 for his own use. The ride was horrible. He checked the suspension carefully and set it up so it was spot on. The ride was still horrible - felt every bump in the road. Then it dawned on him to check the tyres.....you guessed it - runflats. Put a set of new non-runflat tyres on and it transformed the car.

(He has subsequently fitted the engine from an E55 into it. It was quick before, now it's a flying machine!)

 

[cinek]

Just had it confirmed by the dealer that they cannot supply the car with non-RFTs

I suppose the only option is to use them, run them down and swap them when they are worn out.

 

[gIzzE]

Try them, there is a massive difference between the EXX range of cars and the Fxx range of cars with regards to run flats.

We had an F11 5 series touring on run flats and it was great, more comfy than the E350 Avantgarde.

However, my 6 previous BMWs, 535d, 335i, 320d, X1, 120d and 123d all had them removed within weeks, they were terrible.

As I say, big difference between the current gen and the previous, 10 years ago they were not ready, both tyre and suspension set up, I think they are there with them now.

 

[G.P]

As I say, big difference between the current gen and the previous, 10 years ago they were not ready, both tyre and suspension set up, I think they are there with them now.

^ This, around 3% difference now between them..

 

[ScottBacon]

I had Bridgestone Potenza RE050 on my e92 330i on 19" wheels. I thought they were fantastic, lasted over 20k miles. I had one puncture - great that I could continue my journey. Only downside is slightly more expensive than non RFT. I wish I had them on my c63.

And the rumours about cracked alloys were untrue, just check tyre pressures regularly. I do that anyway.

Interesting how opinions differ. I had the very same on my 2011 E92 335d and they were absolutely terrible. Rock hard, you even winced as you went over cats eyes on the Mway !

 

[V12]

Yep, E90 was horrid with them on...no idea how old the tyres were but it was on original suspension. 44k on the car when I bought it.

Bolted on a set of E46 wheels with non rft tyres as a tester and it completely transformed the car.