[thephantastic]

I read where some people replace their stock run flats with better non run flat tires. My question is what happens when you get a flat? you dont have a spare on you.

[Gitte]

Originally Posted by madskillzphan

I read where some people replace their stock run flats with better non run flat tires. My question is what happens when you get a flat? you dont have a spare on you.

Some people get cheaper non-run flat winter tires. The run flats perform very well. I do not see why one would want to remove them for 'better' non run flats, your run flats have more than enough performance in them for city driving and the intermittent track day if you feel so inclined.

But if you do choose to remove them and you get a flat tire then you would call a tow.

[F87_LCI]

You can always buy a spare and a jack kit and throw it in the trunk, unless you need the space for dead bodies...or golf clubs.

[PabloK]

Originally Posted by Gitte

Some people get cheaper non-run flat winter tires. The run flats perform very well. I do not see why one would want to remove them for 'better' non run flats, your run flats have more than enough performance in them for city driving and the intermittent track day if you feel so inclined.

But if you do choose to remove them and you get a flat tire then you would call a tow.

While run flats have gotten better over the years, non run flats simply outperform them on all levels. Replacing my runflats with a set of MPSS transformed my car with better ride comfort, traction, less noise.

[Nitrous Garage]

^^ X2. You will never get the kind of performance out of run flats that you do from non run flat tires. I have always took them off my cars. I always keep a personal plug kit in my car just in case and my AAA card on hand.

[focal]

I have a can of tire jack foam which seals up small leaks and lets me keep driving like run flats.

The smoothness and performance of non run flats are worth it. Tires are lighter too so you gain a bit of acceleration too.

[AstonKarim]

I recently got non run flat winter tires, wil probably keep a can of tire foam sealant, ideally I want the continental comfort kit, but struggling to find a retailer in Canada. (tirerack will not ship this item)

[Gitte]

Interesting. Well then perhaps I am wrong and have to look at a set of non-run flats.

Originally Posted by PabloK

While run flats have gotten better over the years, non run flats simply outperform them on all levels. Replacing my runflats with a set of MPSS transformed my car with better ride comfort, traction, less noise.

[sure_mac]

Original owner switched to non-runflats, so after I purchased the car I went to Amazon and purchased this Slime kit with compressor.

http://www.amazon.com/Slime-70005-Sa...air+compressor

[BMW Lawman]

Originally Posted by Gitte

Interesting. Well then perhaps I am wrong and have to look at a set of non-run flats.

Definitely look into it. While the Bridgestone S001's are an incredible upgrade compared to the Bridgestone RE050A's that came on the E90s of a few years back, a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports will probably make you say "wow". There's a reason they come stock on some of the best cars around

[macagain]

I ordered my 4er with the staggered summer set up, primarily because I wanted the staggered setup. But... I live in Colorado and hit the slopes quite a bit, and also don't believe in staying in whenever it snows. So, I pretty much right away swapped out the summer tires for a set of non-run flat all-seasons (Conti DWS). My observations are that they are noticeably quieter, and ride a little softer. The bumps in the road feel less jarring. I not a terribly aggressive driver, so really have not experienced any deterioration in handling or cornering.

I figured that when the lease is done down the road, I'd probably have to replace the tires before returning anyway. So, instead of having to buy a set of run flats later for a lot of $$$, I'd swap them out now, pay less for non run flats which I prefer, and then put the originals back on when I turn the car back in later.

As far as "what happens when you get a flat?" goes... I got a BMW tire repair kit that fits in the little storage compartment in the trunk. (I know.... you can get cheaper 3rd party, but the BMW one fits nicely and even comes with a pair of gloves

As to why the Conti DWSs... I had them on my A4, and their predecessor on my A6 before that, and really loved them.

Here're a couple pics...

[VMRWheels]

If you get a flat, you could carry a plug kit or something to that nature in your car, or invest in AAA.

[ronin951]

Can of foam. Though I can't remember the last time (see ever) I got a flat so bad I couldn't make it to a tire shop to get fixed and/or replaced.

[BMWbill]

Originally Posted by Gitte

Interesting. Well then perhaps I am wrong and have to look at a set of non-run flats.

For me the concern is not if run-flats perform as well as standard tires. I find it ridiculous that after just one little slow leak from a nail, you are required to replace a $400 run-flat tire. Most large tire service shops will refuse to repair a flat on a run-flat for liability reasons. This will always be a concern for me without tire insurance.