Does anyone use run-flats?

reprice · 01-01-2018, 01:19 PM

I just got a used 228i with Michelin Pilot SS tires that are NOT run-flats. Do most of you run non run-flat tires?

GregoryG · 01-01-2018, 01:43 PM

Non run flat summer Michelin PSS and winter run flat Pirelli Sottozero 3. I figure without having a spare tire I'd much rather have to deal with the inflator kit in the warm rather than the cold.

Elvisfan · 01-01-2018, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reprice

I just got a used 228i with Michelin Pilot SS tires that are NOT run-flats. Do most of you run non run-flat tires?

Since the car comes with run flats,it stands to reason that most owners are running run flats at least until the tires need to be replaced. When I replace the tires,I will probably replace with softer R/F tires. However,I am not a typical BMW owner. No mods.

aerobod · 01-01-2018, 03:49 PM

In Canada, only a couple of the wheel/tyre options are with runflats, it is common for cars to be delivered without runflat tyres.

Rayscott · 01-01-2018, 04:01 PM

I have A/W run flats and from what I have read on this fourm they are not the popular choice. So if I change to non run flats when I need them what are the advantages. Handling, more tire/size choices. If I get a AW non run flat how does that effect handling. How does the inflator kit work. So far the run flats have been fine. I don't track or drive the car that aggressively so should I even bother changing

NVHoo · 01-01-2018, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rayscott

I have A/W run flats and from what I have read on this fourm they are not the popular choice. So if I change to non run flats when I need them what are the advantages. Handling, more tire/size choices. If I get a AW non run flat how does that effect handling. How does the inflator kit work. So far the run flats have been fine. I don't track or drive the car that aggressively so should I even bother changing

In general, non run flats are cheaper, softer ride, better cornering, lighter, and any mechanic can fix or replace a flat. Run flats require special tire equipment that most tire dealers have but few generic garages do. Often they can not be repaired and you are then faced with replacing at least 2 tires, if not 4 if you have X drive.

If you do little long distance driving, then run-flats will get you home or to a tire store after pressure loss (assuming the tire is not sliced nor the rim bent). Non-run flats will require a spare or tow or pump & goo. Most folks in urban areas who get non run flats assume they will use a AAA tow if they get a flat. I do a lot of long distance rural driving in the west and carry a spare.

Ron Jeffries · 01-01-2018, 05:05 PM

My M240i has non run flats. I'm not sure I like that. The 135is and my 335 had run flats. The 335 delaminated a tire somewhere in Ohio and got me to a town with a tire dealer, so I count that as a win.

The nons are definitely softer. I don't think I can tell the cornering difference, if there is any, and I suspect that's more a matter of tread and compound than RF vs nonRF

I was talking with my trained master tech (also my son) at a New Years supper tonight and I think I might move away from the ultra performance tire and go to a performance rated tire that won't break down crying when it sees rain. We'll see, I'll drive the perf tires a while, come Spring, and see how it goes.

p912guy · 01-01-2018, 05:53 PM

RF's offer a bit of "peace of mind" but not much more. My m235i came with summer performance tires and I purchased winter wheels and tires for this time of year - so no RF's. That said, my previous 2011 MINI Cooper S came with RF's which lasted about 45K miles. They may have provided "peace of mind" but they were miserable for driving especially on 18" wheels. I'm certain they dislodged at least 4 or 5 fillings, especially during winter driving. When it came time to replace them, I went with a quality all season non-RF tire and never looked back. Maybe I'm just very lucky, but in nearly 40 years of driving both local and long trips, I have only had one blow-out flat tire requiring a change on the road to a spare, a situation where RF's might have been helpful. Those odds don't make tolerating RF's on a daily basis worth it for me.

VIN240i13 · 01-01-2018, 06:11 PM

I have had good luck on run flats during previous ownership with vetts and most recent Ford 5.0 GT Mustang. However I have a couple of long drives planed in 2018 for the new m240i and this time I would like some additional piece of mind.

My Service Manager at the local BMW dealership recommended this:

http://www.bimmerzone.com/BMW_Perfor...2M235-KIT.html

Anyone have any experience / comments on this product?

harma24 · 01-01-2018, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elvisfan

Since the car comes with run flats

The car does not necessarily come with run flats. It only comes with run flats if you order it with the all-season run flats. I'd bet more people order with summer (non-run flat) tires.

I have MPSS's for the summer and Alpins for the winter. Both sets are not run flat.

morphomeman · 01-01-2018, 09:20 PM

BMW must know who orders the car without runflats.
I suspect, though, that only a minuscule percentage of buyers do, all enthusiasts.
I have non-runflat winter tires, but on 17" wheels. I carry a kit in winter, which I have thankfully never had to use.
My 18" wheels go through tires like they were going out of style. The wheels, which seem to be made of butter, don't do much better. Luckily, I have tire and wheel insurance

msej449 · 01-01-2018, 10:10 PM

There is great controversy over the efficacy of Runflats, as you may have picked up on. I first had them on my previous 330d xDrive Touring and was happy to have them on my M235i Convertible. They've proved useful when a tyre deflated on the motor(free)way and I got off OK, got home and to the dealer the next day for a replacement. I also opted for Runflat winters (17" Pirelli S3) which I'm also very happy with. And that's on a 322 BHP RWD 'vert.

I think it's really hard to evaluate the difference people report when they change one brand of Runflat for another brand of Non-Runflat, and say the new tyre is better. This may well be true, but how much is down to 'runflatness' and how much is just due to a different, better tyre design is impossible to know.

SteveAustin · 01-01-2018, 11:06 PM

I bought Bridgestone Drive Guard RF A/S to replace the Pirelli Cinturato P7s that came on the 18" wheel package I optioned. The Pirelli's lasted about 25K but I didn't rotate them as I should have. They were a good overall tire but I'm not into spending money on tires -- these DriveGuards have a rating of 50K if you rotate every 5K - they are quieter than the Pirellis and handle well -- I got a set for $950. I like a good overall tire as I don't really need a set of winter tires in Portland. We don't get enough snow but I'm too cheap to buy summer/winter sets.

bryan_G01 · 01-02-2018, 07:26 AM

i had the run flats for winter only tires on oem wheels.
I put them on last winter, and after a few days had a massive bubble it the sidewall of both front tires. This, plus the performance loss while using runflats made me move the oem wheels to dws06 all seasons. I really like the tires for all seasons, very predictable and you can break traction pretty easy even on a xdrive. Softer drive once replaced.

Look into tiredirect and tire rack for prices, than google search for best prices delivered to a shop near you. You can always keep the run flats as spares, or some places trade in, or sell in classifieds. I sold mine for $50 a tire.

I had a set of mpss, nitto 05s, and the oem run flat perellis on these wheels and I liked the Conti's overall better.

Rayscott · 01-02-2018, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VIN240i13

I have had good luck on run flats during previous ownership with vetts and most recent Ford 5.0 GT Mustang. However I have a couple of long drives planed in 2018 for the new m240i and this time I would like some additional piece of mind.

My Service Manager at the local BMW dealership recommended this:

http://www.bimmerzone.com/BMW_Perfor...2M235-KIT.html

Anyone have any experience / comments on this product?

$335.00 is outrageous for a temporary spare, then add in the tray for $150 and your around $500. Typical BMW rip off for accessories. I'll take my chances. I had a flat in my X3 with run flats, got it plugged, drove home and got another tire.

Maynard · 01-02-2018, 09:07 AM

Mine came w/ the Conti runflat summer performance tires - they aren't awful for grip, but they are worn out at 18k (some alignment issues with this too, but I see many postings about them cupping out under 25k, and you can't rotate the performance staggered setup). I'm switching to non-RFT for next summer - from what I can gather, only about a 30-50% chance that whatever takes out the runflat will leave it drivable, so not really that much extra insurance. Also non-RFT are easier to replace in an emergency (tons of stories of some small town garage not having the right tire, or having to wait for delivery - probably will also be the case w/ the MPSS though).

USA-RET · 01-02-2018, 09:37 AM

Running a "square" set of run-flats.

Originally had planned to order summer perf, but sales manager mentioned getting all seasons as they last much longer, so I did (figuring that was the only difference).

I did not realize at the time, they were not staggered and the top speed was governed down from 155 MPH. Initially I was pissed, but after owning am very happy w/ my choice.

Peace of mine - Should I get a flat, I can get to a service station. Having a serious back problem, running a "spare" or even messing w/ a inflation kit would be a problem. Last thing I want is to be stranded at night on Alligator Alley waiting for a tow truck.

Appearance -The staggered look is indistinguishable to look at the car. If you got on your hands and knees w/ a tape measure, you'd then be able to tell which car had staggered or square set ups.

Performance - Having the top speed reduced to 130MPH is hardly an issue as I rarely need to go over 129MPH.

I do not track nor run my can on the "bleeding edge". So I do not need the extra lateral grip of performance tires. If I did, I'd dump the OEM wheels and get the lightest race wheels and tires I could find.

Durability - Finally, the all seasons do wear much better than the summer performance tires. Running a "square" set, I can rotate if I choose to. Additionally, for the three or four years I plan to keep the car I won't need to replace the tires (as I am not high mileage driver anyway). Additionally, I do not find the RF ride to be at all punishing.

Of course, my choice and justification isn't for everyone.

Rayscott · 01-02-2018, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USA-RET

Running a "square" set of run-flats.

Originally had planned to order summer perf, but sales manager mentioned getting all seasons as they last much longer, so I did (figuring that was the only difference).

I did not realize at the time, they were not staggered and the top speed was governed down from 155 MPH. Initially I was pissed, but after owning am very happy w/ my choice.

Peace of mine - Should I get a flat, I can get to a service station. Having a serious back problem, running a "spare" or even messing w/ a inflation kit would be a problem. Last thing I want is to be stranded at night on Alligator Alley waiting for a tow truck.

Appearance -The staggered look is indistinguishable to look at the car. If you got on your hands and knees w/ a tape measure, you'd then be able to tell which car had staggered or square set ups.

Performance - Having the top speed reduced to 130MPH is hardly an issue as I rarely need to go over 129MPH.

I do not track nor run my can on the "bleeding edge". So I do not need the extra lateral grip of performance tires. If I did, I'd dump the OEM wheels and get the lightest race wheels and tires I could find.

Durability - Finally, the all seasons do wear much better than the summer performance tires. Running a "square" set, I can rotate if I choose to. Additionally, for the three or four years I plan to keep the car I won't need to replace the tires (as I am not high mileage driver anyway). Additionally, I do not find the RF ride to be at all punishing.

Of course, my choice and justification isn't for everyone.

I agree with you and your analysis makes sense for my style of driving. Thanks to all for the very informative points regarding this issue.

mecodoug · 01-03-2018, 07:43 AM

I run non-flat performance summer and winter tires and use the donut spare. I paid a lot for it and the jack kit but have used it in both E90s and now the F22 so I've had it for 10 years and had to use it two times, so for me it was money well spent.

I did put all season RFT on the 335d when my wife took it over, and she had one flat earlier this year and drove home. They work well for her - she has a highway commute and would not change a tire.

VIN240i13 · 01-03-2018, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rayscott

$335.00 is outrageous for a temporary spare, then add in the tray for $150 and your around $500. Typical BMW rip off for accessories. I'll take my chances. I had a flat in my X3 with run flats, got it plugged, drove home and got another tire.

I agree, $500 is VERY pricey, however similar to USA-RET’s message I also have a physical issues that would prevent me from using a spare tire. The idea was to purchase the spare specifically for the long road trip on US 66 later this year with some friends (primarily Vette owners) and if I ran into trouble one of them could help since parts of US 66 are lacking adequate service stations.

I think there will be another or perhaps two M2XXi in the group, so maybe a group purchase is an option?

Viffermike · 01-03-2018, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reprice

I just got a used 228i with Michelin Pilot SS tires that are NOT run-flats. Do most of you run non run-flat tires?

(Y'all know I gotta do this.)

OP, welcome to the forum. Before posting your query, it would have been advisable to search for answers in this subforum called Wheels and Tires. That subforum has multiple long threads regarding your question, including answers and feedback from me (I have a 228i M Sport that I swapped out OEM RFTs for a set of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires).

Please use the forum effectively. It is a community resource first, not a chat room or customer service center.

Thank you, and again: welcome!

DaleHeinz · 01-06-2018, 04:32 PM

I absolutely hate run flats. Had them on my 335i coupe, and they came in my M240xi. Ride quality and handling are sub par compared to cheaper non run flat options. You sacrifice a certain amount of security, but I'm willing to take the occasional flat for having tires I enjoy, handle better, and last longer.

I finally burnt up my oem runflats that came with my car. I had Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ installed. What a great tire.

01-01-2018, 01:19 PM	#1
reprice Registered 2 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 228i Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: houston iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 228i [0.00]	Does anyone use run-flats? I just got a used 228i with Michelin Pilot SS tires that are NOT run-flats. Do most of you run non run-flat tires?
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01-01-2018, 01:43 PM	#2
GregoryG Enlisted Member 9 Rep 37 Posts Drives: '14 M235i 6MT - EB II Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Detroit, MI iTrader: (1)	Non run flat summer Michelin PSS and winter run flat Pirelli Sottozero 3. I figure without having a spare tire I'd much rather have to deal with the inflator kit in the warm rather than the cold.
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01-01-2018, 03:49 PM	#4
aerobod Car Geek 3621 Rep 3,590 Posts Drives: Caterham R500, M2-G87, Macan S Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	In Canada, only a couple of the wheel/tyre options are with runflats, it is common for cars to be delivered without runflat tyres.
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01-01-2018, 04:01 PM	#5
Rayscott Major 376 Rep 1,154 Posts Drives: BMW 228ix Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Lewes DE iTrader: (0)	I have A/W run flats and from what I have read on this fourm they are not the popular choice. So if I change to non run flats when I need them what are the advantages. Handling, more tire/size choices. If I get a AW non run flat how does that effect handling. How does the inflator kit work. So far the run flats have been fine. I don't track or drive the car that aggressively so should I even bother changing
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01-01-2018, 05:05 PM	#7
Ron Jeffries Old Member. Old in general, actually. 388 Rep 889 Posts Drives: 2018 M240i xDrive convertible Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	My M240i has non run flats. I'm not sure I like that. The 135is and my 335 had run flats. The 335 delaminated a tire somewhere in Ohio and got me to a town with a tire dealer, so I count that as a win. The nons are definitely softer. I don't think I can tell the cornering difference, if there is any, and I suspect that's more a matter of tread and compound than RF vs nonRF I was talking with my trained master tech (also my son) at a New Years supper tonight and I think I might move away from the ultra performance tire and go to a performance rated tire that won't break down crying when it sees rain. We'll see, I'll drive the perf tires a while, come Spring, and see how it goes.
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01-01-2018, 05:53 PM	#8
p912guy Captain 373 Rep 702 Posts Drives: 2016 M235i Convertible Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: The Ville iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW M235i Conv ... [0.00]	RF's offer a bit of "peace of mind" but not much more. My m235i came with summer performance tires and I purchased winter wheels and tires for this time of year - so no RF's. That said, my previous 2011 MINI Cooper S came with RF's which lasted about 45K miles. They may have provided "peace of mind" but they were miserable for driving especially on 18" wheels. I'm certain they dislodged at least 4 or 5 fillings, especially during winter driving. When it came time to replace them, I went with a quality all season non-RF tire and never looked back. Maybe I'm just very lucky, but in nearly 40 years of driving both local and long trips, I have only had one blow-out flat tire requiring a change on the road to a spare, a situation where RF's might have been helpful. Those odds don't make tolerating RF's on a daily basis worth it for me. __________________ 16 BMW M235i Alpine White Convertible / MT (Daily Driver) 16 Audi Q5 3.0T (Wife's Daily Driver) 66 Porsche 912 (Project) 17 GMC Canyon Denali Long Bed 4x4 (Tailgatin, Haulin & Towin) various 'one design' sailboats / stinky hockey gear
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01-01-2018, 06:11 PM	#9
VIN240i13 Private First Class 42 Rep 146 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW M240i F23 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Daphnie, AL iTrader: (0)	I have had good luck on run flats during previous ownership with vetts and most recent Ford 5.0 GT Mustang. However I have a couple of long drives planed in 2018 for the new m240i and this time I would like some additional piece of mind. My Service Manager at the local BMW dealership recommended this: http://www.bimmerzone.com/BMW_Perfor...2M235-KIT.html Anyone have any experience / comments on this product? __________________ 2018 ///M240i Convertible [Loaded - Garage Queen] 2018 Ford F150 XLT FX-4 [Daily Driver] BMW CCA #535395 SCCA #619713
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01-01-2018, 09:20 PM	#11
morphomeman Major 593 Rep 1,219 Posts Drives: 2015 M235ix Join Date: May 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (1) Garage List 2016 BMW X3 [0.00] 2015 BMW M235ix [0.00]	BMW must know who orders the car without runflats. I suspect, though, that only a minuscule percentage of buyers do, all enthusiasts. I have non-runflat winter tires, but on 17" wheels. I carry a kit in winter, which I have thankfully never had to use. My 18" wheels go through tires like they were going out of style. The wheels, which seem to be made of butter, don't do much better. Luckily, I have tire and wheel insurance
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01-01-2018, 10:10 PM	#12
msej449 msej449 514 Rep 717 Posts Drives: M235i Convertible +LSD 2016 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: South Coast UK & Swiss Alps iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 Peugeot e208 GT [0.00] 2016 BMW M235i Conv ... [0.00]	There is great controversy over the efficacy of Runflats, as you may have picked up on. I first had them on my previous 330d xDrive Touring and was happy to have them on my M235i Convertible. They've proved useful when a tyre deflated on the motor(free)way and I got off OK, got home and to the dealer the next day for a replacement. I also opted for Runflat winters (17" Pirelli S3) which I'm also very happy with. And that's on a 322 BHP RWD 'vert. I think it's really hard to evaluate the difference people report when they change one brand of Runflat for another brand of Non-Runflat, and say the new tyre is better. This may well be true, but how much is down to 'runflatness' and how much is just due to a different, better tyre design is impossible to know. __________________ 2016 M235i Convertible Estoril Blue & Oyster 2023 Peugeot e-208 GT (electric)
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01-01-2018, 11:06 PM	#13
SteveAustin Private First Class 25 Rep 108 Posts Drives: 2014 228i Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	I bought Bridgestone Drive Guard RF A/S to replace the Pirelli Cinturato P7s that came on the 18" wheel package I optioned. The Pirelli's lasted about 25K but I didn't rotate them as I should have. They were a good overall tire but I'm not into spending money on tires -- these DriveGuards have a rating of 50K if you rotate every 5K - they are quieter than the Pirellis and handle well -- I got a set for $950. I like a good overall tire as I don't really need a set of winter tires in Portland. We don't get enough snow but I'm too cheap to buy summer/winter sets.
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01-02-2018, 07:26 AM	#14
bryan_G01 Lieutenant Colonel 1165 Rep 1,931 Posts Drives: like i stole it... Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	i had the run flats for winter only tires on oem wheels. I put them on last winter, and after a few days had a massive bubble it the sidewall of both front tires. This, plus the performance loss while using runflats made me move the oem wheels to dws06 all seasons. I really like the tires for all seasons, very predictable and you can break traction pretty easy even on a xdrive. Softer drive once replaced. Look into tiredirect and tire rack for prices, than google search for best prices delivered to a shop near you. You can always keep the run flats as spares, or some places trade in, or sell in classifieds. I sold mine for $50 a tire. I had a set of mpss, nitto 05s, and the oem run flat perellis on these wheels and I liked the Conti's overall better. __________________ www.nybmwcca.org Current Cars: 1995 M3 Coupe Manual Alpine White 1997 M3 Sedan Auto Cosmo Black Metallic 2018 x3 m40 Auto Grey Metallic
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01-02-2018, 09:07 AM	#16
Maynard Colonel 3848 Rep 2,873 Posts Drives: 228iX & M2C Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Upstate NY iTrader: (1)	Mine came w/ the Conti runflat summer performance tires - they aren't awful for grip, but they are worn out at 18k (some alignment issues with this too, but I see many postings about them cupping out under 25k, and you can't rotate the performance staggered setup). I'm switching to non-RFT for next summer - from what I can gather, only about a 30-50% chance that whatever takes out the runflat will leave it drivable, so not really that much extra insurance. Also non-RFT are easier to replace in an emergency (tons of stories of some small town garage not having the right tire, or having to wait for delivery - probably will also be the case w/ the MPSS though).
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01-02-2018, 09:37 AM	#17
USA-RET Captain 605 Rep 970 Posts Drives: Estoril Blue M240i Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: SW Florida iTrader: (0)	Running a "square" set of run-flats. Originally had planned to order summer perf, but sales manager mentioned getting all seasons as they last much longer, so I did (figuring that was the only difference). I did not realize at the time, they were not staggered and the top speed was governed down from 155 MPH. Initially I was pissed, but after owning am very happy w/ my choice. Peace of mine - Should I get a flat, I can get to a service station. Having a serious back problem, running a "spare" or even messing w/ a inflation kit would be a problem. Last thing I want is to be stranded at night on Alligator Alley waiting for a tow truck. Appearance -The staggered look is indistinguishable to look at the car. If you got on your hands and knees w/ a tape measure, you'd then be able to tell which car had staggered or square set ups. Performance - Having the top speed reduced to 130MPH is hardly an issue as I rarely need to go over 129MPH. I do not track nor run my can on the "bleeding edge". So I do not need the extra lateral grip of performance tires. If I did, I'd dump the OEM wheels and get the lightest race wheels and tires I could find. Durability - Finally, the all seasons do wear much better than the summer performance tires. Running a "square" set, I can rotate if I choose to. Additionally, for the three or four years I plan to keep the car I won't need to replace the tires (as I am not high mileage driver anyway). Additionally, I do not find the RF ride to be at all punishing. Of course, my choice and justification isn't for everyone.
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01-03-2018, 07:43 AM	#19
mecodoug Private 15 Rep 55 Posts Drives: 2017 M240i 6-speed Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	I run non-flat performance summer and winter tires and use the donut spare. I paid a lot for it and the jack kit but have used it in both E90s and now the F22 so I've had it for 10 years and had to use it two times, so for me it was money well spent. I did put all season RFT on the 335d when my wife took it over, and she had one flat earlier this year and drove home. They work well for her - she has a highway commute and would not change a tire.
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01-06-2018, 04:32 PM	#22
DaleHeinz First Lieutenant 221 Rep 314 Posts Drives: M240Xi Estoril Blue Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Washington DC area iTrader: (1)	I absolutely hate run flats. Had them on my 335i coupe, and they came in my M240xi. Ride quality and handling are sub par compared to cheaper non run flat options. You sacrifice a certain amount of security, but I'm willing to take the occasional flat for having tires I enjoy, handle better, and last longer. I finally burnt up my oem runflats that came with my car. I had Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ installed. What a great tire.
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