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[BoomerM3]

I am planning to buy a MY08 328i. I have been lurking on this board as
well as several others, trying to determine the good and bad points
of the current models. As would be typical of any group of owners,
there are lots of complaints about various features of the BMWs. Of
course, there are many positive things being said as well.

However, I have yet to read good things about the run-flat tires and
this 'feature' has given me pause about buying. The number one complaint
seems to be tire noise and 'hard' ride - this of course is very
subjective. I have seen discussions about 3 'solutions' to the RFT
issue.

1. Buy tire/wheel insurance. That would pay for the replacement tire if
caused by a road hazard. (Bridgestone apparently does not recommend
repair of RFTs). However, this solution can easily leave you stranded on
the road waiting to find a replacement tire which are apparently not a
common tire.

2. Immediately, swap out the RFTs with regular tires. Buy a repair kit
and compressor. Costly, and not an optimal solution.

3. Carry a spare in the trunk. This is not practical in the convertible.
With the Sport Package, it is impossible (2 tire sizes).

Are there other practical solutions to a flat tire on the road? How have
you dealt with the problem - or perhaps you don't think it will be a
problem?

I'm looking for solutions - not a reason to buy a different car. Thanks.

[2007_E93]

I thought the same thing at first before I bought my BMW 335i convertible. Thought about getting a spare and changing tires. But then I realized it is rare for me to go through more than 1 tire in a 3 year period or so with a flat. The insurance is equivalent to about 2.5 tires + balancing in cost (~$700) so I didn't get it. Also the run flat tires I think stick well to the road. Have had no problems with noise and harsh ride. Afterall it is a sprts/luxury car so it is gonna feel more harsh ride than say a Lincoln Towncar or luxury Mercedes my parents would drive but I like that and it's as expected not much of an issue to me. Obviously the RFT will last until you get to a gas station or can drive to a BMW dealer or tire shop to get the tire replaced (that what a runflat means...will last about 100 miles after failure of tire pressure) so not sure why you mention "getting stranded" in your post. Maybe I misunderstood what you meant. I have no second thoughts about it and LOVE the car (lack of spare and all). Hope this helps.

[Atombyte]

Like you, I don't really like this setup. For local driving, it's not so bad, but I just don't like going on a trip with no spare. However, you could get a tire plug kit, jack, and a can of air (or fix-a-flat). If I get a flat, I will only drive on it long enough to find a safe place to repair the tire.

I really don't find the RFTs noisy or harsh at all. I was actually surprised at how smooth and quiet they are since I was expecing a noisy, bumpy ride after reading this forum.

[JSpira]

There is no question that non run flat tires are less harsh but the amount of harshness depends on which tire package you are getting as your normal, garden variety 18" summer/sport tire will be fairly harsh to begin with.

I have the 18"s (staggered) and they handle very well. Just as well as non RF tires.

Regarding the most frequent question that comes up, re repair: RF tires in some cases can be patched (optimal method is a plug from one side, patch on the other) but only if you have not driven on them with NO air and of course it depends where the wound is. Most times, RF tires will have no air so there is no possibility of repair.

One caveat: you can't use those cans of fix-a-flat on tires with TPMS.

Advice to the OP: take a car matching your desired specs for a test ride and decide for yourself.

[Jaws]

To the OP, it also depends on where you live whether it RFTs will be acceptable in regards to harshness.

Many of us live in cold weather areas where the roads are covered in frost heaves and potholes. In areas with smoother roads (areas which don't freeze), the RFTs would be acceptable to me.

The roads in Germany are very nice and maybe BMW didn't take into account road surface conditions in various parts of the world when they specified RFs,

[calle_enell]

Originally Posted by BoomerM3

I am planning to buy a MY08 328i. I have been lurking on this board as
well as several others, trying to determine the good and bad points
of the current models. As would be typical of any group of owners,
there are lots of complaints about various features of the BMWs. Of
course, there are many positive things being said as well.

However, I have yet to read good things about the run-flat tires and
this 'feature' has given me pause about buying. The number one complaint
seems to be tire noise and 'hard' ride - this of course is very
subjective. I have seen discussions about 3 'solutions' to the RFT
issue.

1. Buy tire/wheel insurance. That would pay for the replacement tire if
caused by a road hazard. (Bridgestone apparently does not recommend
repair of RFTs). However, this solution can easily leave you stranded on
the road waiting to find a replacement tire which are apparently not a
common tire.

2. Immediately, swap out the RFTs with regular tires. Buy a repair kit
and compressor. Costly, and not an optimal solution.

3. Carry a spare in the trunk. This is not practical in the convertible.
With the Sport Package, it is impossible (2 tire sizes).

Are there other practical solutions to a flat tire on the road? How have
you dealt with the problem - or perhaps you don't think it will be a
problem?

I'm looking for solutions - not a reason to buy a different car. Thanks.

Get a set of Michelin PS2s. Makes for a totally diffrent ride. Then get the repair kit, AAA, BMW assist, cell phone and a VISA card. Works well for me.

[Pecty]

I don't know how the roads are in FL, I have the wheel and tire warranty mainly because of where I am in north NJ. Construction, pot holes and poor road conditions in general, that is a recipe for disaster. Even if I never use it, its reassuring to have.

[dcar335i]

I am very pleased with the run-flats. I am not sure I see the benefit in going the other way and having to deal with the patch kits, compressors, extra spare,etc.. If you track the car regluarly that would certainly change things.

[2007_E93]

Originally Posted by peckty

I don't know how the roads are in FL, I have the wheel and tire warranty mainly because of where I am in north NJ. Construction, pot holes and poor road conditions in general, that is a recipe for disaster. Even if I never use it, its reassuring to have.

You're probably right about the north compared to FL. I used to live in Chicago and NY and the harsh winter wreaks havoc on the roads and potholes abound!! If I lived in one of those cities I might have gotten the tire insurance. Here its just not worth it to me. I'll chance it! Take the $700 and put it in the bank at a conservative 6% interest for 4 years as a emergency car fund for this and I bet you come out ahead...at least in FL.

Just my 2 cents.

[JSpira]

Forgot to mention something important about tire insurance.

$700 is way too much for that. A lot of people here (myself included) have purchased insurance from theautoclub.com for $2.50 a month. Yes, that's right, it's real legitimate tire and wheel ins. for $2.50 / month.

[2007_E93]

Originally Posted by JSpira

Forgot to mention something important about tire insurance.

$700 is way too much for that. A lot of people here (myself included) have purchased insurance from theautoclub.com for $2.50 a month. Yes, that's right, it's real legitimate tire and wheel ins. for $2.50 / month.

hmmm....may have to look into that. Much more reasonable. After 4 years thats only $120. NOW THAT seems worth it to me.

[carrabassett786]

I wish there was a kit for a spare tire, I have to keep a seperate rim and tire at my ski house because its 300 miles from the nearest stealer, let alone tire center that knows anything about RFTS, let alone TPMS.

[SteveInNC]

Coverage amount limited to $350 per incident for tire and wheel replacement:

https://secure.theautoclub.com/plans/tire_and_wheel.jsp

Based on discussions here, that doesn't seem like enough for a RFT *or* a BMW wheel, much less both (which is likely if you bend a rim), although it's still better than eating the total cost yourself.

[2007_E93]

Originally Posted by SteveInNC

Coverage amount limited to $350 per incident for tire and wheel replacement:

https://secure.theautoclub.com/plans/tire_and_wheel.jsp

Based on discussions here, that doesn't seem like enough for a RFT *or* a BMW wheel, much less both (which is likely if you bend a rim), although it's still better than eating the total cost yourself.

huh? How likely are you to bend a rim? Am I missing something? Aren't runflat tires supposed to last about 100 miles after failure? I'm rarely more than 20 miles from home or dealer (except when vacationing with my car). I should be able to get to a dealer for the tire pretty easily in most cases. Besides, the tire is about $200-250 from what I have found. Should easily be covered by the insurance you mention above, if you choose to get it.

[captainaudio]

Originally Posted by BoomerM3

I am planning to buy a MY08 328i. I have been lurking on this board as
well as several others, trying to determine the good and bad points
of the current models. As would be typical of any group of owners,
there are lots of complaints about various features of the BMWs. Of
course, there are many positive things being said as well.

However, I have yet to read good things about the run-flat tires and
this 'feature' has given me pause about buying. The number one complaint
seems to be tire noise and 'hard' ride - this of course is very
subjective. I have seen discussions about 3 'solutions' to the RFT
issue.

1. Buy tire/wheel insurance. That would pay for the replacement tire if
caused by a road hazard. (Bridgestone apparently does not recommend
repair of RFTs). However, this solution can easily leave you stranded on
the road waiting to find a replacement tire which are apparently not a
common tire.

2. Immediately, swap out the RFTs with regular tires. Buy a repair kit
and compressor. Costly, and not an optimal solution.

3. Carry a spare in the trunk. This is not practical in the convertible.
With the Sport Package, it is impossible (2 tire sizes).

Are there other practical solutions to a flat tire on the road? How have
you dealt with the problem - or perhaps you don't think it will be a
problem?

I'm looking for solutions - not a reason to buy a different car. Thanks.

I live in New York City and drive a 335I Convertible with the Sport Package. I purchased it in Palm Beach Florida and drove around South Florida (about 1500 miles) for two weeks before shipping the car to New York. In Florida I did not find the ride to be harsh at all. In New York City the ride is rough to the point of being uncomfortable. If you are goint to drive it in South Florida than I say get the sport package. I think the ride on the sport package is too hard for New York City's pothole infested roads.

I mainly use the car to leave the city. Took it up the Pallisades Interstate Parkway today and the car was a blast to drive. On the FDR drive on the way back home it felt like it was going to shake the fillings out of my teeth.
My Florida car (2007 Jaguar XKR) is a better compromise between ride and performance. I may move the Jag to NY and send the BMW back to Florida.

[drexplode]

wow, thank you for posting the link to the tire/wheel protection. Great find!

After my car shows up i will probably sign up... MI roads suck A**

[Pecty]

Originally Posted by 2007_E93

huh? How likely are you to bend a rim? Am I missing something? Aren't runflat tires supposed to last about 100 miles after failure? I'm rarely more than 20 miles from home or dealer (except when vacationing with my car). I should be able to get to a dealer for the tire pretty easily in most cases. Besides, the tire is about $200-250 from what I have found. Should easily be covered by the insurance you mention above, if you choose to get it.

Right from the BMWNA website:
"Due to low-profile tires, please note: wheels, tires and suspension parts are more susceptible to road hazard and consequential damages"

low profile, inflexible sidewall, if the tire is absorbing less of the impact then your wheel (and suspension) receive more of the blow.

[captainaudio]

Originally Posted by peckty

Right from the BMWNA website:
"Due to low-profile tires, please note: wheels, tires and suspension parts are more susceptible to road hazard and consequential damages"

low profile, inflexible sidewall, if the tire is absorbing less of the impact then your wheel (and suspension) receive more of the blow.

If I had test driven this thing (E93 w Sport Package) in NYC I never would have bought it. I find driving this car a totally unpleasant experience. If I can not come up with a solution for the lousy ride it is going on ebay next week. Whatever performance advantages this setup may have are totally offset by the horrible ride on rough surfaces. I can't begin to express how sorry I am I purchased this car. As far as I am concerned it is just poor engineering on part of BMW.

[Jaws]

Originally Posted by captainaudio

If I had test driven this thing (E93 w Sport Package) in NYC I never would have bought it. I find driving this car a totally unpleasant experience. If I can not come up with a solution for the lousy ride it is going on ebay next week. Whatever performance advantages this setup may have are totally offset by the horrible ride on rough surfaces. I can't begin to express how sorry I am I purchased this car. As far as I am concerned it is just poor engineering on part of BMW.

It's simple. Get rid of the RFTs, and, if necessary, go with a higher profile tire.

[captainaudio]

Originally Posted by Jaws

It's simple. Get rid of the RFTs, and, if necessary, go with a higher profile tire.

You are the second person to make that suggestion.
How do you deal with the lack of a spare.

[Jaws]

Originally Posted by captainaudio

You are the second person to make that suggestion.
How do you deal with the lack of a spare.

Just like the Corvette and M3 crowd.

[captainaudio]

Originally Posted by carrabassett786

I wish there was a kit for a spare tire, I have to keep a seperate rim and tire at my ski house because its 300 miles from the nearest stealer, let alone tire center that knows anything about RFTS, let alone TPMS.

How's this?