[ted99]

Welcome to the "don't like run flats" club. Many of us think that, contrary to the assertions about safety, this is a cost-saving matter.

My local "Discount Tire" has made three "inside the tire" patches on the inner tread of RFT's. No problems. I drive fast, but haven't tracked any repaired RFT. In fact, I've never tracked ANY RFT.

I recently received a survey from BMW, whose thrust was about my satisfaction with RFT's and possible alternatives. I gather from this that BMW is thinking about it's RFT policy. Perhaps the fact that so many other premium German Mfgs don't have an RFT fetish is weighing on them.

[hlothery]

RFT saved me when I popped a Goodyear F1 Asymmetric on a large pothole in a construction zone on Interstate 35 in Waco. Was able, with zero pressure, to safely drive to a Discount Tire to have the tire replaced (with a cheap non-runflat, same size). I have posted this many times, but I now run Michelin PS3ZP runflats, have many miles on them. They are quiet and have excellent grip. There are good RFT options.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Brucelinc

I have an M550i on the way with run-flat tires and I have been considering replacing them with non-run flats to improve ride and noise level quality. In discussing run-flats with my dealer and with Discount Tire, both told me that they repair run-flats as long as the puncture is not too close to the sidewall. It certainly appears from your picture that the tire is easily repairable.

Am I missing something?

Why didn't you just order it with non runflats? Mine is optioned that way. Run flats are the worst tire ever invented. They ride hard and a more susceptible to blowouts because they simply don't compress and absorb hard hits. Pretty much every significant pothole hit will require a new tire. Get the insurance, you will need it.

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Why didn't you just order it with non runflats? Mine is optioned that way. Run flats are the worst tire ever invented. They ride hard and a more susceptible to blowouts because they simply don't compress and absorb hard hits. Pretty much every significant pothole hit will require a new tire. Get the insurance, you will need it.

How would a run flat tire be more susceptible to a blowout? The reinforced sidewall should make it less susceptible to a blowout.

[Brucelinc]

I didn't order non run flats because they were not an option in 19 inch all seasons. Summer tires on a car delivered in December in Minnesota made no sense. Besides, I didn't want 20 inch wheels and tires with minimal sidewalls.

[mjr24]

Run flats are trash. I would rather pay a tow company to come get my car and tow it to the dealer (and replace a normal tire) than pay for trashy run flats.

The worst issue with these was the bubbles in the sidewall. Hit a big pothole? It may not puncture but will put a bulge in the sidewall which makes you have to replace it anyways.

This isn't even to mention how crappy they are handling and driving wise....they are like driving on bricks.

Run flats were a "cool" concept 20 years ago....but in reality they suck.

I had run flats on my M550i and then non RFT on my M5.....I was shocked how smooth and comfortable the M5 was over the M550I (and the M5 already has a very stiff suspension). The difference was 110% because of only the tires.

[RonronEG]

I think the car feels much more stable at speed on the freeway with RFTs. Also feel steering is worlds sharper on the RFT.

I had the OE Goodyear RFTs then swapped to the Conti DWS but when they are done I'm going to strongly consider a Michelin RFT.

I absolutely hate how jarring hitting any sort of bump with RFTs was- especially when putting down any serious power/acceleration but in every performance aspect I am firmly in the "BMW tuned this suspension for RFTs" crowd.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by LogicalApex

How would a run flat tire be more susceptible to a blowout? The reinforced sidewall should make it less susceptible to a blowout.

Wrong. The reinforced sidewall prevents the tires from compressing putting stress on the sidewall and specifically the wheel seam and it bubbles out. Hit a pot hole hard and there is a good chance you will have a bubble on the seal or you will lose air immediately. Run flat 101. Ask me how I know. 9 runflats in two years.

[Chasta]

Concur with many on here and share their disdain for run flats. I ditched mine in favor of some quality summer performance tires (live in Florida). I don't regret it...yet. I swear the new tires run a tad quieter and might even lessen rotating weight on each corner.

[AnthonyVincent]

Chasta - I live in FL was well. What tires did you replace your run flats with? Thanks

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Chasta

Concur with many on here and share their disdain for run flats. I ditched mine in favor of some quality summer performance tires (live in Florida). I don't regret it...yet. I swear the new tires run a tad quieter and might even lessen rotating weight on each corner.

Summer softies definitely are more quiet and they grip and ride far superior than all-seasons, run flat or not. Michelin PSS or PS4S are the way to go. Starmarked for BMW even better.

[Chasta]

Originally Posted by AnthonyVincent

Chasta - I live in FL was well. What tires did you replace your run flats with? Thanks

I went with the Continental Sport Contact 5s because they were highly rated. They were also on sale due to the 6s being released. I'm pleased so far with the tires and will probably buy the 6s when these wear out.

[YETIinFL]

Chasta, Anthony -- do you run your summer tires year-round?

I've never had summer tires -- all seasons on all my current cars.

My new car arrives in a few months with summer tires, and I do get a few days in the high 20s and a month or two in the low 30s here in Northwest Florida. Will that be an issue with summer tires?

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by YETIinFL

Chasta, Anthony -- do you run your summer tires year-round?

I've never had summer tires -- all seasons on all my current cars.

My new car arrives in a few months with summer tires, and I do get a few days in the high 20s and a month or two in the low 30s here in Northwest Florida. Will that be an issue with summer tires?

I run my summer tires year round (Boston) but I don't really drive it in winter, but the "really" is for that nice, salt free, slush free, etc anything to get it dirty, days when I might take it out on a 20F+ day for a spin. I drove it in the mid 20F's this weekend. Technically per spec they aren't rated for cold temps but I've never had an issue. You would be fine. If you can pull off summer rubber vs all seasons, the driving experience is remarkably better.

[YETIinFL]

Cool, thanks Joe. Makes me feel better about summer tires.

[AnthonyVincent]

Update... I wrote to Pirelli and asked about the warranty and indeed as many have stated here, there is a warranty.

https://www.pirelli.com/tires/en-us/.../tire-warranty


So here is the kicker which really aggravates me and I wrote back to Pirelli and also to BMW Consumer relations.

When I noticed the screw, I called my selling BMW dealer and another BMW dealer. Both said the exact thing - as per BMW policy, they don't repair run flats. I was also not advised of any Pirelli warranty. The only option by both dealers was to replace at a ridiculous cost for the rear P Zero which is a 275/30-20.

Now, Pirelli did elaborate and say that because I plugged the tire and a patch from the inside was not done, the warranty is void. So in essence, Pirelli's warranty can be printed out and used a toilet paper because the dealers didn't offer a patch repair since all run flat repairs are against BMW policy, the dealers at least in my case didn't know about the warranty.

Of course, I didn't know about that warranty as well. Wasn't mentioned when I purchased the car and there was no literature that was provided with the owners manual or otherwise. If I didn't post on this board, I would not have known. It is a great warranty if I knew when this occurred and had the printout to shove in the dealer's face.

So instead, I plugged the tire. Ignorance on my part? Sure. But I wouldn't imagine a warranty would exist that would cover a screw and not just be limited to manufacturer defect.

Basically and I mentioned this in my response to Pirelli and email to BMW Customer Relations... there is a terrible disconnect or lack of communication between BMW and their tire supplier, Pirelli. Both at the point of sale since I have nothing that was provided to me that states anything about the Pirelli warranty and the service departments who are clueless as well. Or the service departments do know about it and are deceitful hoping the customer was not informed like me. Then they get to charge over $500 for a new tire. Yes, it is less if obtained from Tirerack or similar.

I am not holding my breath on a favorable response and will most likely replace all Pirelli tires with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S non run flats. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP are their run flats which I don't want at all. Will do more research. I will need a spare tire kit as well. A big expense overall but lesson learned, I will have a better ride and if and when I get a screw in a tire again, it can be repaired unless too close to the sidewall. Will also get a road hazard policy. I declined the BMW road hazard at purchase because it was extremely expensive because it included the wheels. Couldn't get tires alone. And the wheel warranty only included damage that would render the wheel unsafe and not curb rash. Curb rash is not a concern. I don't hit curbs.

[CnSky]

If you go to non run flats my advice is make sure they are star marked for BMW.

I put MPS4S in my car and they were not star marked and I immediately started to get highway harmonic vibrations.

Regards the BMW CS complaint you could get lucky, my advice is threaten to post this in every BMW forum in the world.

It's a small cost for them to provide you a feee tyre over that kind of negative publicity.

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by AnthonyVincent

Update... I wrote to Pirelli and asked about the warranty and indeed as many have stated here, there is a warranty.

https://www.pirelli.com/tires/en-us/.../tire-warranty


So here is the kicker which really aggravates me and I wrote back to Pirelli and also to BMW Consumer relations.

When I noticed the screw, I called my selling BMW dealer and another BMW dealer. Both said the exact thing - as per BMW policy, they don't repair run flats. I was also not advised of any Pirelli warranty. The only option by both dealers was to replace at a ridiculous cost for the rear P Zero which is a 275/30-20.

It is what annoys me a fair bit about the brand. The dealerships act clueless on BMW things as if it is the first time they've encountered these issues.

But I think it has a deliberate financial incentive. I'm sure Pirelli would reimburse the BMW dealer at a flat rate for the mount and balance and "exchange" the damage tire for a tire from Pirelli since they already stock the tires. This means the dealership doesn't really "profit" from the tire sale. But if you purchased it they can get their markup from you and no extra work...

Doesn't hurt them to let you know that tires on the car have a warranty through the tire OEM and to check that to be sure you don't have any coverage... Pirelli does this, but Goodyear doesn't for instance.

I've learned to inform yourself before leaning on the dealership for advice. As they'll screw you if it means more money for them.

[mjr24]

Originally Posted by AnthonyVincent

Update... I wrote to Pirelli and asked about the warranty and indeed as many have stated here, there is a warranty.

https://www.pirelli.com/tires/en-us/.../tire-warranty


So here is the kicker which really aggravates me and I wrote back to Pirelli and also to BMW Consumer relations.

When I noticed the screw, I called my selling BMW dealer and another BMW dealer. Both said the exact thing - as per BMW policy, they don't repair run flats. I was also not advised of any Pirelli warranty. The only option by both dealers was to replace at a ridiculous cost for the rear P Zero which is a 275/30-20.

Now, Pirelli did elaborate and say that because I plugged the tire and a patch from the inside was not done, the warranty is void. So in essence, Pirelli's warranty can be printed out and used a toilet paper because the dealers didn't offer a patch repair since all run flat repairs are against BMW policy, the dealers at least in my case didn't know about the warranty.

Of course, I didn't know about that warranty as well. Wasn't mentioned when I purchased the car and there was no literature that was provided with the owners manual or otherwise. If I didn't post on this board, I would not have known. It is a great warranty if I knew when this occurred and had the printout to shove in the dealer's face.

So instead, I plugged the tire. Ignorance on my part? Sure. But I wouldn't imagine a warranty would exist that would cover a screw and not just be limited to manufacturer defect.

Basically and I mentioned this in my response to Pirelli and email to BMW Customer Relations... there is a terrible disconnect or lack of communication between BMW and their tire supplier, Pirelli. Both at the point of sale since I have nothing that was provided to me that states anything about the Pirelli warranty and the service departments who are clueless as well. Or the service departments do know about it and are deceitful hoping the customer was not informed like me. Then they get to charge over $500 for a new tire. Yes, it is less if obtained from Tirerack or similar.

I am not holding my breath on a favorable response and will most likely replace all Pirelli tires with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S non run flats. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP are their run flats which I don't want at all. Will do more research. I will need a spare tire kit as well. A big expense overall but lesson learned, I will have a better ride and if and when I get a screw in a tire again, it can be repaired unless too close to the sidewall. Will also get a road hazard policy. I declined the BMW road hazard at purchase because it was extremely expensive because it included the wheels. Couldn't get tires alone. And the wheel warranty only included damage that would render the wheel unsafe and not curb rash. Curb rash is not a concern. I don't hit curbs.

This is trash. Insist that the dealer replace the tire for free at this point. They gave you wrong information that they knew was wrong and it caused you to patch the tire.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by AnthonyVincent

Update... I wrote to Pirelli and asked about the warranty and indeed as many have stated here, there is a warranty.

https://www.pirelli.com/tires/en-us/.../tire-warranty


So here is the kicker which really aggravates me and I wrote back to Pirelli and also to BMW Consumer relations.

When I noticed the screw, I called my selling BMW dealer and another BMW dealer. Both said the exact thing - as per BMW policy, they don't repair run flats. I was also not advised of any Pirelli warranty. The only option by both dealers was to replace at a ridiculous cost for the rear P Zero which is a 275/30-20.

Now, Pirelli did elaborate and say that because I plugged the tire and a patch from the inside was not done, the warranty is void. So in essence, Pirelli's warranty can be printed out and used a toilet paper because the dealers didn't offer a patch repair since all run flat repairs are against BMW policy, the dealers at least in my case didn't know about the warranty.

Of course, I didn't know about that warranty as well. Wasn't mentioned when I purchased the car and there was no literature that was provided with the owners manual or otherwise. If I didn't post on this board, I would not have known. It is a great warranty if I knew when this occurred and had the printout to shove in the dealer's face.

So instead, I plugged the tire. Ignorance on my part? Sure. But I wouldn't imagine a warranty would exist that would cover a screw and not just be limited to manufacturer defect.

Basically and I mentioned this in my response to Pirelli and email to BMW Customer Relations... there is a terrible disconnect or lack of communication between BMW and their tire supplier, Pirelli. Both at the point of sale since I have nothing that was provided to me that states anything about the Pirelli warranty and the service departments who are clueless as well. Or the service departments do know about it and are deceitful hoping the customer was not informed like me. Then they get to charge over $500 for a new tire. Yes, it is less if obtained from Tirerack or similar.

I am not holding my breath on a favorable response and will most likely replace all Pirelli tires with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S non run flats. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP are their run flats which I don't want at all. Will do more research. I will need a spare tire kit as well. A big expense overall but lesson learned, I will have a better ride and if and when I get a screw in a tire again, it can be repaired unless too close to the sidewall. Will also get a road hazard policy. I declined the BMW road hazard at purchase because it was extremely expensive because it included the wheels. Couldn't get tires alone. And the wheel warranty only included damage that would render the wheel unsafe and not curb rash. Curb rash is not a concern. I don't hit curbs.

This entire situation is disappointing. From the BMW dealer not knowing about the Pirelli warranty or playing dumb, both aren't right. I also don't understand why a plug void the warranty because it wasn't patched from the inside. Weren't they just going to give you a new tire anyway?

I always get wheel and tire plus insurance which covers even accidental wheel cosmetic damage too. I don't hit curbs either, but sometimes even the wrong pothole can cause cosmetic damage and more often than not, a wheel bend. Got mine on delivery from the dealer. It was through All State and I've used it once already for wheel repair.

BMW will not fix a run flat even if the manufacturer says it's ok if done to their spec. I went through 9 runflats in two years on my F10. When you have the insurance the dealer is more than happy to replace. I never needed new tires on that car as they were always new.

But that car turned me off to runflats. They damage more easily and they ride like shit. Even though I had the wheel insurance, it was so inconvenient getting a flat so often and going there. I once hit a pot hole front to back, bang bang, two instant flats.

I'm not sure this would have helped, but if you knew Pirelli was going to cover it, pull that screw out and drive on the runflat for 25 miles and the tire will be toast anyway and they would have to replace it.

Now, as for your next tires, Michelin non run flats are the only way to go. Pirellis are the most overrated tire on the market. They wear quickly, are loud and ride like shit. If you can swing Michelin summer softies, as I said earlier, the ride quality will be a remarkable improvement.

[AnthonyVincent]

I will see what the response is from BMW. I suppose I can go personally to the selling dealer and speak to the service manager who misguided me. However, if he lies to my face and forgets the phone conversation, other than confronting him and making a scene, nothing else I can do. They don't care and I am just going to get more aggravated and definitely don't want to lose my cool. I would rather wait for BMW's response and perhaps escalate with formal complaints to the Consumer Services Division - Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the Federal Trade Commission, the United States Department of Transportation and the Florida Attorney General.

This is my first BMW ownership and most likely my last. Previously, owned nothing but Lexus cars since my first which was a Lexus GS300 in 1999. Maybe I was lucky, however, I never had a bad experience with a Lexus car or dealership. I strayed from Lexus when I purchased the BMW because Lexus is making decisions that I think will hurt them. They no longer offer a performance sedan with exception to the IS350 which is too small. The ES350 that is offered as an F Sport is a front wheel drive overpriced Camry. However, Lexus is putting a lot of emphasis on the ES350 and even came out with a 4 cyl AWD version. That was a stupid decision. The GS with the 6 cyl and GSF with the 8 cylinder are discontinued. I've owned many GS350s and one GSF which was quite powerful. They do have the SC500 with the same 8cyl but that is a 2 door. Beautiful car but I want a 4 door. The 540i M Sport that I have now would be in a similar category as their GS 350 F Sport. If they did a redesign instead of discontinuing, I wouldn't have a BMW now.

Anyway, I will certainly put up a fight on principle alone but I won't consume myself with it and will probably call it a day and pull the Pirelli tires and replace with Michelin that are non run flat and star marked/approved for my vehicle. Will do my research since I don't want to regret this decision.

[Brucelinc]

AnthonyVincent, who makes a star marked 19 inch non run flat tire? Personally, I would be more interested in the tire fits your needs in terms of comfort, noise, handling, traction, etc. than the star marking.

Tire rack tests many tires and often uses a BMW as a test vehicle. You will find good info on their site.