03-15-2015, 12:38 PM | #1 |
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Learning About Run Flats and BMW
Got my first nail through my OEM Conti Run Flats. The tire developed a slow leak but never went 'flat' or below 30psi.
Here's what I learned: 1) Continental does not recommend/support hole repair on their RFTs. Bottom line: it's a disposable tire. One hole = tire in trash. 2) Continental RFT warranty (12 months or 2/32 wear) is not honored by BMW - my dealership at least. But they are happy to sell you one new tire at $300 (installed). Bottom line: I've decided I'm done with RFTs. Bought a set of regular tires: cheaper, better road feel, and repairable. I'm fine changing a flat if necessary. |
03-15-2015, 01:04 PM | #2 | |
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03-15-2015, 01:23 PM | #4 |
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I've had RFTs on my BMWs since 2007... and I've had numerous RFT tires patched/repaired. No problems.
Don't listen to their "recommended advice". |
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03-15-2015, 01:34 PM | #5 | |
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And, you are fine "changing a flat." How are you going to "change" it? Did you get a temporary spare and a jack? If you get a flat, your only option is roadside assistance. |
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03-15-2015, 01:38 PM | #6 | |
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A lot cheaper than buying an entirely new set of tires.
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03-15-2015, 02:50 PM | #7 | ||
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I had a Conti SSR repaired for free on my F30 by Discount Tire. Ran it fine for another 2 years until the tread wore down. |
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03-15-2015, 02:57 PM | #8 | |
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http://www.dynaplug.com/products.html The key is to fix the tire before the pressure gets low enough and/or before you've driven on it far enough to cause sidewall damage, which will eventually result in a bubble. The reason BMW and the tire manufacturers tell you not to fix it is that they don't want to be potentially held responsible if a bubble results and the tire suffers total disintegration. Last edited by Billfitz; 03-15-2015 at 03:03 PM.. |
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03-15-2015, 02:57 PM | #9 |
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All tire companies say don't repair, you need to replace. RFT are patchable. Carry a mobility kit in your truck. If you drive on a run flat that has lost all or most of its pressure, the yes the tire is trash from heat build up.
But if you pump it up you can drive to a tire shop it can repaired. |
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03-15-2015, 03:27 PM | #11 |
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I'm curious if Conti run flats are worse that Pirelli?
My 2009 e92 was awful, noisy, and harsh with Conti's. My 2014 F32 had pirellis. They were great!
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03-15-2015, 04:18 PM | #13 |
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I've had the Continentals on both my previous E90 and now my F30 and haven't had any complaints about noise or harshness on either. Haven't had any experience with any of the other OEM RFTs though (other than Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2s and Continental TS810 winters i've used).
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03-15-2015, 04:40 PM | #14 |
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It depends mostly on the tire aspect ratio. RFTs have stiffer sidewalls, so they'll run harder and noisier than standard tires. If you combine that stiffness with lower aspect, which runs harder and noisier than higher aspect, the combination of the two can be too much. Knowing that's the case, and not wanting to risk pothole damage to my rims, which also is worse with lower aspect tires, I went with 17 inch rims and 55 series tires. They may not look as pretty, but where I live they're a much safer choice and the ride and noise is fine. If you want to run 19s with 40 series tires stay away from RFTs, and potholes.
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03-15-2015, 05:08 PM | #15 | ||
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Is there a particular one for run flats or are all of them capable? |
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03-15-2015, 05:30 PM | #16 |
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Run flats don't need a special tool because they're the same as regular tires where you're going to get a puncture. It's the sidewalls that differ. You can find youtube videos on the Dynaplug, it's a slick tool and cheap insurance. Of course, if you buy one chances are you'll never need one, but that's not a bad thing.
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03-15-2015, 06:32 PM | #18 |
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Think I may dump my RFTs on my new 428i once I pick it up in another week or so.
With my F30, I had Tire and Wheel from the dealer and haggled the price. I did use it once, but overall, I'd had rather taken my chances. My F32 is an M Sport with 19' wheels and am thinking about going with Michelin Pilot Super Sports and will carry a can of fix a flat; you know, for insurance. :-) |
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03-15-2015, 07:12 PM | #19 | |
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The website has a lot of good info on it as well as very informative video's and a FAQ section. and |
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03-15-2015, 08:15 PM | #20 |
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03-15-2015, 08:17 PM | #21 |
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03-15-2015, 08:33 PM | #22 |
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RFT's can be patched!!!
As long as its not near the edges of the tread it's fine. Most chain stores will not repair them though. We have a great tire shop near me though that does a nice patch like any other tire, they take it off the rim and patch from the inside. Hell I had two patches on one tire and they were fine.
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