[BM91]

So today I was informed that my rear right hand tire has a bubble after getting a low tire pressure warning. At first I thought it was the common cold weather error from my TPSMs during winter, but that wasn't the case.. The current problem I have right now is the cost, since the tire shop quoted me almost 900 to get the two rears replaced (runflats). For a while I was considering getting new tires (non run flats) in order to eliminate the bumpy ride. My bigger issue is on mid december Im going back overseas and will be retuning back in mid Jan, where during that time my car will be parked in a garage. I want to know whether I can drive with this tire for another 200miles or so till I leave and come back to the US and get them changed immediately.
Heres a picture of the bubble it doesnt seem to be that big, but my knowledge of tires are close to none so im not sure if this is drivable or not. The bubble is right on the word "Safety and warning" and above where u can see a wrinkle/crack (great choice of words in this situation...) what do you guys think?
Thanks and happy holidays.

[NormE91]

Bubble right on the word safety... irony!

It's generally not advised to drive on a bubble, you don't know when it will blow.

I see you're in the Boston area, are you far from Nashua? I had a runflat replaced at Tulley BMW a few months ago, I think it was about $350 installed. No sales tax there either, and they'll give you a loaner while they do it of course. I've had really good luck with that dealership. Good luck!

[Dark_Knight_335]

Good ol' run flats!

[Quasimodem]

I have driven on a "bubble" for around 10k miles, and it looked worse than yours. But it did affect me psychologically a bit. I was always worried about it. And IMHO RFTs are not much of a protection from a sidewall blowout.

I wouldn't take long trips either. If you get a space-saver spare (which you will need it when you switch to non-RFTs), you should be fine. So you might buy your spare early and play it safe.

[3s4u2]

Did a quick search in the tire section and found this from one our sponsors Tirerack.com ->http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...jsp?techid=159

Have one on my "HANKOOK" summer tires, they are off the car and need replaced anyway!

[NormE91]

You know the bubble itself doesn't look too bad in the pic, but the bead, or whatever it's called, isn't even at all along the edge of the rim.

I guess it comes down to your risk aversion. You could be good for 1000 miles, or 10. The fact that the TPMS is on is somewhat concerning to me, and the way the tire lines up on the wheel rim doesn't look right to me either.

Runflats are kinda cool, I know when I had a flat is was nice to be able to get to work without changing a tire on the side of the road in the rain. They also seem kinda fragile at the same time... Trade offs I guess.

[BM91]

Originally Posted by NormE91

You know the bubble itself doesn't look too bad in the pic, but the bead, or whatever it's called, isn't even at all along the edge of the rim.

I guess it comes down to your risk aversion. You could be good for 1000 miles, or 10. The fact that the TPMS is on is somewhat concerning to me, and the way the tire lines up on the wheel rim doesn't look right to me either.

Runflats are kinda cool, I know when I had a flat is was nice to be able to get to work without changing a tire on the side of the road in the rain. They also seem kinda fragile at the same time... Trade offs I guess.

Im not 100% sure if this is the exact one that the shop suspected, I found this when I got back home and inspected it myself. (hopefully there isnt one in the inner) I have gotten the TPSM warning on the same wheel back in May the day before I left overseas as well. And again on Saturday. I wonder whether the bubble was there back in the Spring. Not sure if this does any good but the mechanic reseted the warning and put back air again. I'll see if the TPSM gives me another warning. I guess I would consider it very serious when the TPSM warning would go on again.

[BM91]

Yeah I read this article as well. Thanks for the source!

Originally Posted by 3s4u2

Did a quick search in the tire section and found this from one our sponsors Tirerack.com ->http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...jsp?techid=159

Have one on my "HANKOOK" summer tires, they need replaced anyway!

[Bescacho]

I actually went for a full day of tracking with one of my front tires having a bubble... but I wasn't aware the bubble existed until later that day.

In the end I bought a used set of tires off a member and replaced all run flats. I pretty much did that right away as I am risk adverse when it comes to safety especially when travelling on highway speeds.

[3s4u2]

I would have to agree, your tire is not seated correctly around the edge of the rim. I would get it looked at ASAP!

I dumped the run-flats along time age, they just wouldn't last, and then there is the cost....... I have a full size spare with a E60 spare jack kit for 7+ years. My wife now has over 215K on her 06 325i and she has had the tire changed once, ironically, I have a run-flat for a spare...

Please get your tire replaced or repaired, I have had a high speed blow-outs before and it is quite difficult to keep your car in control let alone trying to avoid collisions with others!

[jacobsed]

If you see a bubble on the outside then there is a big split on the inside. Ask to see it when they change the tire because its crazy and not what you would expect. Having seen it first hand, I now would never drive on a bubble unless it is to get to a tire shop.

[techietaichi]

Originally Posted by NormE91

Bubble right on the word safety... irony!

It's generally not advised to drive on a bubble, you don't know when it will blow.

I see you're in the Boston area, are you far from Nashua? I had a runflat replaced at Tulley BMW a few months ago, I think it was about $350 installed. No sales tax there either, and they'll give you a loaner while they do it of course. I've had really good luck with that dealership. Good luck!

I totally agree. Believe it or not, I wouldn't coin Tulley BMW as a "stealership". They do the work right the first time and I've NEVER had a problem or complaint. Seek out SA's Keith Fait or John Bowling, they'll get you squared away OP.

[BM91]

A few days ago I was bickering about my tints, but now I have something more serious to deal with......

Originally Posted by Dark_Knight_335

Good ol' run flats!

[BM91]

Thank you for the tip. Also was it 350 for a single tire or for 2?

Originally Posted by NormE91

Bubble right on the word safety... irony!

It's generally not advised to drive on a bubble, you don't know when it will blow.

I see you're in the Boston area, are you far from Nashua? I had a runflat replaced at Tulley BMW a few months ago, I think it was about $350 installed. No sales tax there either, and they'll give you a loaner while they do it of course. I've had really good luck with that dealership. Good luck!

[BM91]

Ill definitely check them out, thank you for your opinion. That being said their Yelp reviews don't seem too promising, but it looks to be the sales dept.

Originally Posted by techietaichi

I totally agree. Believe it or not, I wouldn't coin Tulley BMW as a "stealership". They do the work right the first time and I've NEVER had a problem or complaint. Seek out SA's Keith Fait or John Bowling, they'll get you squared away OP.

[jeffro535]

I don't mess around with tires,'cause you just never know what pothole you're going to hit or ahole that pulls out right in front of you requiring max braking. Not to pour gas on the RFT vs non RFT debate, but I hit a crater hard on one of the the local freeways a couple of weeks ago. Several cars were pulled off to the side in various stages of changing their right front tire or calling AAA. My right front PS2 RFT was split, but holding air, so I limped home. Don't think that would have happened with my other car that has the PSS's. So a new tire/ full inspection and alignment set me back $600. Butother outcomes could have been worse.

[DF]

I have two tires with bubbles worse than that. I have driven on them over a year.

[///M3NACE]

I bought a set of used tires in Craigslist and three had bubbles. No way to check if it's not mounted. I ended up selling it as is with my wheels. Too much of a hassle to deal with. I didn't feel safe at all and didn't want to have a blow out and kill myself

[paddy335]

Originally Posted by Quasimodem

I have driven on a "bubble" for around 10k miles, and it looked worse than yours. But it did affect me psychologically a bit. I was always worried about it. And IMHO RFTs are not much of a protection from a sidewall blowout.

You are insane

[paddy335]

I cannot believe there are people who are enthusiastic enough about cars to read and contribute to an internet car forum but who drive around on tyres with bubbles.

You are accidents waiting to happen.

[NormE91]

Originally Posted by YBMB

Thank you for the tip. Also was it 350 for a single tire or for 2?

It was a single tire. My tires were less than two months old and I picked up a nail, so I was able to just replace the one tire.

[upstatedoc]

Originally Posted by DF

I have two tires with bubbles worse than that. I have driven on them over a year.

OP should take this guys advice, he knows what he's talking about.