BMW run flats

Stevie Dakota

I must say the thought of a 2008 BMW in a couple of years appeals when it will be time to change, however I am really put off by the run flats. The fact that people seem reluctant to repair them, the cost of replacement (€250 a corner!) and the poor ride, it all just pisses me off. I can't remember when I last punctured on normal tyres.

Of course I can change the wheels and tyres but why I resent having to do that on top of the purchase. Anyone else have a problem with them to the extent they would put you off the whole car, or am I just a cranky old fart?

Owen

You don't have to change the wheels to fit normal tires. If you decide to buy one, just let the runflats wear out normally, then fit standard tires.

Drummerboy08

I dont know, i think its a feature of a car. It would be the same as being put off a car because of its colour, or lack of leather seats etc. You could change it, but i would just buy a car that had what i wanted.

So, if it was a massive issue to me, yes i would be put off by the run flats.

Anan1

As i've said before, RFTs are fine on 16" rims. If you're one of those people for whom a BMW isn't a BMW without an MPack, however, I think you'll be unhappy with the ride. BTW, a new set of OEM-spec RFTs for a 320dSE cost me just under €600 fitted last week. I think they would have been €450 or so from eiretyres.

Mena

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

I must say the thought of a 2008 BMW in a couple of years appeals when it will be time to change, however I am really put off by the run flats. The fact that people seem reluctant to repair them, the cost of replacement (€250 a corner!) and the poor ride, it all just pisses me off. I can't remember when I last punctured on normal tyres.

Of course I can change the wheels and tyres but why I resent having to do that on top of the purchase. Anyone else have a problem with them to the extent they would put you off the whole car, or am I just a cranky old fart?

Repair/Replacement cost I can understand but the ride quality I have to question. I have an 05 1 series and an 06 3 series, both on run flats, and the ride is simply fantastic. Far better in the 3 series but then the 1 has the sports suspension. And I have driven an 07 3 series without run flats so I have felt the difference.

Maybe my arse is just fatter and I can absorb the bumps better

niceirishfella

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

they would put you off the whole car, or am I just a cranky old fart?

nope, cos I hate them too. They are for pussies who can't change a wheel. Any Bm I've owned has'nt had them as of yet, but i'd be just like you. I don't want them now or ever on my future cars.

Stevie Dakota

I didn't realize that you could fit standard tyres on the wheels, that would certainly ease the pain. Not sure I could live with 16"s on any BMW though, they just look lost in the wheelarches, 17's would be a good compromise I suppose.

Anan1

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

I didn't realize that you could fit standard tyres on the wheels, that would certainly ease the pain. Not sure I could live with 16"s on any BMW though, they just look lost in the wheelarches, 17's would be a good compromise I suppose.

Depends whether you think wheels are for looking at or for driving on, really.;)

captainosull

You resent having to change the tyres on a car thats going to be a couple of years old? By the time your buying they will prob be due for a change anyway....oh but dont forget to buy a spare wheel kit if your changing them

niceirishfella wrote: »

They are for pussies who can't change a wheel.

Gayest comment Ive seen here :rolleyes:

MarkN

No tram lining, no broken teeth, no crash and bang... oh yeh, I just bought a BMW without RFs!

They're pointless in my view but OP I wouldn't worry about a car you may or may not buy in a few years and the warranty will be long gone so you can put what you like on the car then!

Captain Slow IRL

niceirishfella wrote: »

They are for pussies who can't change a wheel.

Run-flats are primarily added for safety - if you got a puncture doing 120kmph down the motorway, you'd fare out a lot better with the run-flat than the standard tyre.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-z3sH6KXec

unkel

That's class, Captain Slow IRL

beam99

Advance told me that run flats are non repairable, even if you just get a nail, or screw stuck in the tyre, you need to replace the tyre.

Anan1

beam99 wrote: »

Advance told me that run flats are non repairable, even if you just get a nail, or screw stuck in the tyre, you need to replace the tyre.

That's not true, i've had two punctures repaired at fast-fit and the tyres were used for 10,000+kms afterwards. I think the non-repairable line has more to do with covering the manufacturers in the case of a tyre that had been run uninflated for extended periods at high speed than practicality for the rest of us.

gofaster_s13

The manufacturer of the tyre says they are non repairable this means the tyre should not be repaired this isnt advice by the manufacturer, its a warning, just because you wrongly repaired a tyre and got away with it doesnt mean you should or should you recommend other people to do it.

Anan1

gofaster_s13 wrote: »

The manufacturer of the tyre says they are non repairable this means the tyre should not be repaired this isnt advice by the manufacturer, its a warning, just because you wrongly repaired a tyre and got away with it doesnt mean you should or should you recommend other people to do it.

I think you'll find a lot of people have been doing it for years now. When you think about it, why would a RFT not be repairable when a normal tyre that's been driven on completely deflated with the rim digging into it is?

gofaster_s13

Anan1 wrote: »

I think you'll find a lot of people have been doing it for years now. When you think about it, why would a RFT not be repairable when a normal tyre that's been driven on completely deflated with the rim digging into it is?

No idea, ask the manufacturers. Again just because people are doing it doesnt mean its right. Tyre manufacturers don't issue warnings just for the hell of it. An ordinary tyre is not repairable if it has been driven for any distance and the sidewall has been damaged