Run Flat Tires

[baby huey]

Through a third party, the dealership offers a warranty on the RFT's. Any thoughts on whether this is a worthwhile investment? (I've never had RFT's on a car before, and don't really know what to expect)

[chuck92103]

The tire warranties are usualy very expensive.

The tires on the X6M are about $2600 to replaced (including installation and tax).

Many, many better riding tires for $1000 or less per set. I ditched my run flats when they wore out and I am glad I did.

[TAREK69]

Hi can you tell us has the ride quality improved? Has the handling changed?
I replaced the RFT on my 750li and it has become very much more comfortable and the handling i think feels better tooo....I want to know if I should dump them on my X5M but am worried that handling will suffer as its an M car and it was designed on that basis...

[x5driver214]

Run flats are too hard, you should sell them and get some Michelin latitudes or vredsteins, they run very smooth and I think makes the car a whole lot better. You will bot be losing out on performance, just make sure your tires are inflated properly.

[TAREK69]

great thanks for the info...i think i will definately dump the silly run flats!!

[powkay]

For those who have replaced their RFT with regular tires; what are you planning on doing in the event of a flat?
Since there isn't any spare tire, I've been suggested by one retailer to buy a tire repair kit? similar to this: http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/detail.jsp?ID=38

Are these at all useful? Are they one-time use only?

[matt_435xi]

Originally Posted by chuck92103

The tire warranties are usualy very expensive.

The tires on the X6M are about $2600 to replaced (including installation and tax).

Many, many better riding tires for $1000 or less per set. I ditched my run flats when they wore out and I am glad I did.

do you carry a spare, or just the Fix a Flat GOO?

[baby huey]

Personally, I wouldn't trust the glue alone. If you split a tire (e.g., hit a piece of metal), it will do you no good.
BMW sells a donut spare tire for the X5M - about $150 - and it fits in the wheel well. (Not bad for a BMW part) Then you just need to pick up a jack and lug wrench.

[chuck92103]

Originally Posted by matt_335Ci

do you carry a spare, or just the Fix a Flat GOO?

My X6 has the spare/jack.

Keep in mind, whether you have run flats or not, due to the tire size, either one is not normally stocked by anyone other than the dealer.

So if you get a flat that damages the tire beyond repair, you will have to be towed and will be without a car for a few days unless you are near a dealer and they are of course open. For this reason, you need a spare tire even if you keep it in your garage until needed.

[TurboFan]

Not all run flats are bad. There are plenty of good ones out there. They're firmer, yes, but they tend to have better initial turn-in too. I know the PS2 RFT is a great tire. Not sure if it comes in the size you'd need.

[AlexGP]

Friends - is it possible to order the 2011 X5 SAV with all-season tires of the same size as the run-flat stock ones? My hunch is that BMW and/or the dealers will not be open to that.

[ronald_adi]

you can but it would be an extra cost since the car comes with run flats and that is not changeable. The dealer will try and convince u to keep the runflats.

I changed my runflats to normal summer tires immediately i got my car.

[baby huey]

I tried to ditch the RFT's that come as standard equipment. The dealer was happy to accommodate, but the RFT's were mine. The Dealer had no interest in crediting them against the change-out.

[AlexGP]

Thanks guys.
baby huey, mind if I ask what tires you replaced them with?

[baby huey]

I never switched out - stayed with the factory RFT's.
About 4K miles - so far, so good, but the ride is a little harsh, especially over the bumps.

[ManMachine]

You can still order the spare tire for X5. I wonder if you don't order that option, could you do this after you get the vehicle - i.e. buy a set and put in there?