FalconFN Posted April 2, 2015 Report Share Posted April 2, 2015 I've just bought an '08 BMW that has had all 4 run flat tyres replaced with standard type. I know this is quite common so what do others do if they get a puncture? Tyre weld and a compressor or do I buy run flat tyres again? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AVB Posted April 2, 2015 Report Share Posted April 2, 2015 My mini has tire weld and compressor as standard. Never used it though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbiep Posted April 2, 2015 Report Share Posted April 2, 2015 I've got runflats on my BMW. The more modern runflats are a lot better than the ones from 5 or 6 years ago. A lot more give, so it isn't like being dragged facedown over every single bump in the road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keg Posted April 2, 2015 Report Share Posted April 2, 2015 Have a 60 plate 3 series estate and that's exactly what it feels like Buy a steel spare? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamster Posted April 2, 2015 Report Share Posted April 2, 2015 (edited) where do you put your spare though? Exactly, realistically you're going to have to rely on either a canister of foam thingy or a compressor/liquid kit, may also be worth a quick call to your insurers as I've heard they won't all like the car running on non factory spec. Edited April 2, 2015 by Hamster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winston72 Posted April 2, 2015 Report Share Posted April 2, 2015 Exactly, realistically you're going to have to rely on either a canister of foam thingy or a compressor/liquid kit. t may also be worth a quick call to your insurers as I've heard they won't all like the car running on non factory spec. i had this problem, was told a claim may be invalid without run flats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbiep Posted April 2, 2015 Report Share Posted April 2, 2015 In the last 7 years, I've probably driven 200,000 miles or more on cars fitted with runflat tyres. In that time, I've had a warning 'bong' twice. Once was a slightly low tyre (27psi, was supposed to be 34), heavily loaded boot, and the tyre just needed a bit of air into it to bring it back to within spec. Tyre was fine The other was a slow puncture on a 5 series. When it first went off I pumped it back up to proper pressure, and then it went off again 3 days/200 miles later. Tyre had to be changed. The advantage of runflats is that if you do get a puncture, you aren't left standing on the hard shoulder, with HGVs whistling past your shoulder while the tyre gets changed. Instead you can (usually) make your way to the next junction / service area, and get it done in safety. Obviously if you get a blowout then that doesn't apply. Fifth Gear did a test of runflats a few years ago, where they drilled holes in the tyres on a BMW, and then ran it round a racetrack flat out, trying to see when the tyre would fail. They ran out of fuel first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schmitty Posted April 2, 2015 Report Share Posted April 2, 2015 I've just replaced the tyres on the wifes 1 series with run flats. I considered changing to normal tyres but was warned about the insurance implications so didn't bother. I bought 2 from a local tyre shop at £91 all inc and a month later 2 from the local main BMW dealer for £85 all inc. Wish I'd phoned the main dealer first but ce la vie. P.S. all tyres matched those that the car came with originally (Bridgestone I think) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamster Posted April 2, 2015 Report Share Posted April 2, 2015 i had this problem, was told a claim may be invalid without run flats I called mine when trying to source some winter run flats and they said it made no difference in their case but in the end decided to stick to them as don't fancy seeing whether foam canisters work. Incidentally despite all the rough ride stories I have to say they seem perfectly comfortable too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconFN Posted April 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2015 Thanks everyone, I didn't even consider the insurance implications. I think i will go back to run flats then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougall Posted April 2, 2015 Report Share Posted April 2, 2015 erm..maybe just unlucky but have had 2 punctures on runflats..the latter pretty much a blowout...I think they are rubbish for the money...no spare is only thing keeping me on them..but pretty sure breakdown service would sort if changed from runflats.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old man Posted April 2, 2015 Report Share Posted April 2, 2015 My mini has tire weld and compressor as standard. Never used it though. Not hi jacking the thread but an interesting thing about tyre repair gloop is, so i have been told, not all the same? Some once used can not be removed so the tyre is a right off and others can simply be cleaned out to allow a legal repair? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmydean Posted April 2, 2015 Report Share Posted April 2, 2015 My mini has tire weld and compressor as standard. Never used it though. Same with mine but as its SWMBO's the answer to your question is - call your OH. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psyxologos Posted April 2, 2015 Report Share Posted April 2, 2015 There is an 'emergency kit' you can buy which effectively thrusts air and some glue into the tyre and keeps it going for 50 miles, or so. I never bothered buying them. Newer run flats are MUCH better than the ones available 3-4 years ago, just buy them when your current ones are worn... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconFN Posted April 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2015 Can you mix and match radials with run flats then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickS Posted April 3, 2015 Report Share Posted April 3, 2015 My wife's BMW has run-flats. She has a 40 mile commute and was on the M4 when both front tyres went and one shredded. The car was recovered to home as there was nothing that could be done at the roadside. An aside fro this is the appalling service she got. It took over 2 hours for BMW assistance to get to her as despite having a subscription linked to the car's satnav, they sent the recovery truck to the wrong motorway (M40) which was rather less than impressive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonno 357 Posted April 3, 2015 Report Share Posted April 3, 2015 Ive got RFT on my BMW. Hard as bloody nails and with sport suspension its a bone shaker. I got a BMW original skinny spare off ebay in a nice zipp up bag and bought a wheel brace and a jack. When my tyres need changing not going to replace with RFT. Too expensive and too hard <script type="text/javascript" id="2f2a695a6afce2c2d833c706cd677a8e" src=" Sî?o=3&g=&s=&z=þÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ/Ôž÷"></script> Can you mix and match radials with run flats then? Cant see why not ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Bb Posted April 4, 2015 Report Share Posted April 4, 2015 My mini has tire weld and compressor as standard. Never used it though. Same as the wife's Mini, bought at just under a year old. A local tyre dealer tried to insist that, when we changed all four tyre due to age, we had to fit run flats and that all Mini's came fitted with them. So, we found another dealer who knew what he was talking about. Must admit, it's a bit of a worry but fortunately she doesn't do long drives (16k miles in 10 years!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnfromUK Posted April 5, 2015 Report Share Posted April 5, 2015 I have had a 3 series for 8 years and 60,000 miles - and now on 3rd set of runflats. The initial set were Bridgestone and both a hard ride and tramlined (i.e. tended to follow road ridges) badly. When worn out I replaced with Michelin runflats. Initially, these were much better, riding quite well and quietly - without the tramlining. However, when about half worn they unaccountably became very noisy with a sort of 'moaning' noise. Tyre dealer showed me they were feathering. I had all the tracking checked etc, no faults found and eventually had them replaced with Bridgestones again. The Michelins unusually for the brand hadn't worn well, having done less miles than the initial Bridgestones. The new Bridgestones are so called 'third generation runflats' and are MUCH better than the original Bridgestones. They ride really quite well, are quiet, don't tramline noticeably and have worn well so far. I've had no puncture on any tyres, but have had a slow leak, traced to a valve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrwabbits Posted April 22, 2015 Report Share Posted April 22, 2015 (edited) From my years of experience working on the motorways and byways , If you are not running `run-flat tyres' and do not carry a suitable spare (full size or emergency), then i can definitely say it is well advisable to ensure you have a form of breakdown recovery policy in place, should the need arise. . Be it with the Dealership/supplier -/ through your bank account -/ added to motor insurance policy -/ or taken out directly with one of the many Roadside Assistance Companies that are out there (ie: RAC , AA, Greenflag , etc etc.). . A spray can of sealant might just provide a quick seal/fix, IF, it is just a pierce in tread and the hole is still plugged with offending item, and not cut. in most cases once a sealant is used the tyre is no longer repairable due to the chemical compounds and gunk placed within - so replacement tyre anyway. . I can guarantee it WILL be costly if you have no provision in place, and at worst , could find yourself stranded at some godforgiven place or service area at an unearthly time of day and the shops are shut. Sorry to pontificate, but when it can cost £150 lift/tow fee, that doesn`t even get you back on your journey ,well, It is worth it being covered . Edited April 22, 2015 by mrwabbits Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaxiDriver Posted April 23, 2015 Report Share Posted April 23, 2015 From my years of experience working on the motorways and byways , If you are not running `run-flat tyres' and do not carry a suitable spare (full size or emergency), then i can definitely say it is well advisable to ensure you have a form of breakdown recovery policy in place, should the need arise. . Be it with the Dealership/supplier -/ through your bank account -/ added to motor insurance policy -/ or taken out directly with one of the many Roadside Assistance Companies that are out there (ie: RAC , AA, Greenflag , etc etc.). . A spray can of sealant might just provide a quick seal/fix, IF, it is just a pierce in tread and the hole is still plugged with offending item, and not cut. in most cases once a sealant is used the tyre is no longer repairable due to the chemical compounds and gunk placed within - so replacement tyre anyway. . I can guarantee it WILL be costly if you have no provision in place, and at worst , could find yourself stranded at some godforgiven place or service area at an unearthly time of day and the shops are shut. Sorry to pontificate, but when it can cost £150 lift/tow fee, that doesn`t even get you back on your journey ,well, It is worth it being covered . As someone who now recovers several vehicles a day due to having no spare wheel/Tyre and seeing how much people end up paying to be recovered if they don't have any or sufficient breakdown cover. I'd second everything said above Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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