[jwr0721]

Is it possible? Can I order the tire repair kit instead of a spare?

[scottyn]

Originally Posted by jwr0721

Is it possible? Can I order the tire repair kit instead of a spare?

You mean this thing? http://www.shopbmwusa.com/PRODUCT/342/BMW-MOBILITY-KIT

I think that's what you get standard with the super sport non-RFTs...

[Cyberdemon]

Yes it is possible.

There are much cheaper alternatives out there for fix-a-flat in a can + a portable compressor (which is good to have for any occasion).

http://www.amazon.com/Slime-10011-Tu...ct_top?ie=UTF8

These days most of them are water based, so they shouldn't make life too miserable for a full time patch or damage the TPMS sensor, but if you purchase one make sure it is water based and TPMS safe.

It's also only a temporary fix for punctures only. If you blow out a tire you're SOL.

[jwr0721]

I just happened to be at a BMW dealership for the past 30 minutes. The guy here says he doesn't recommend switching. He says it will drastically change the handling.

So my questions are:

Is he just saying that because he wants to sell me the more expensive run flats?

Has anyone done this?

Did you notice a difference?

[Canaletto]

Originally Posted by jwr0721

I just happened to be at a BMW dealership for the past 30 minutes. The guy here says he doesn't recommend switching. He says it will drastically change the handling.

He's right, it will affect the handling.

Except, it will make the handling *better* not *worse*.



Frickin' salesmen...

[MrBones93]

Originally Posted by jwr0721

I just happened to be at a BMW dealership for the past 30 minutes. The guy here says he doesn't recommend switching. He says it will drastically change the handling.

So my questions are:

Is he just saying that because he wants to sell me the more expensive run flats?

Has anyone done this?

Did you notice a difference?

Yes, swapping out run flats for, say, MPSS will definitely drastically change handling... in all the best ways! I have MPSS on my car and I did get a flat in the first 1000mi but I just used BMW assist and had it fixed in somewhat of an inconvenience but having a superior tire is simply worth the risk of flats. I also live in one of the worst parts of the snow belt so snow tires are a winter ting for sure.

[jwr0721]

Cost wise - are MPSS cheaper than replacement run flats?

Besides the handling, I'm interested in saving some $$ on tires.

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by jwr0721

Cost wise - are MPSS cheaper than replacement run flats?

Besides the handling, I'm interested in saving some $$ on tires.

Generally yes.

You can check tirerack.com for prices.

For example the factory All Season Pirelli P7's which come on most of the 2's are $250 a tire. The same size Michelin PSS tires are $190 a tire - almost a $250 savings.

Keep in mind if your car came with the square (225 front/rear) tires you will not be able to fit the same tire width as the staggered wheels that come on the car when equipped with the summer tires.

You can either buy new wheels, try to find a used set of staggered wheels on the forum, or stick with a square setup and run the same sized tires.

My car came ordered with the all seasons, so I have a new set of summer wheels with MPSS on order, I'm in the same boat as you.

I'll keep the factory wheels and replace the all season RFTs (I've already blown out 2 within the past 2 weeks) with dedicated winter tires.

Lastly, if your car is a lease - you will need to return it with RFT's on it (unless the dealer doesn't know better and sees MPSS tires and thinks they are factory).

[jwr0721]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

Generally yes.

You can check tirerack.com for prices.

For example the factory All Season Pirelli P7's which come on most of the 2's are $250 a tire. The same size Michelin PSS tires are $190 a tire - almost a $250 savings.

Keep in mind if your car came with the square (225 front/rear) tires you will not be able to fit the same tire width as the staggered wheels that come on the car when equipped with the summer tires.

You can either buy new wheels, try to find a used set of staggered wheels on the forum, or stick with a square setup and run the same sized tires.

My car came ordered with the all seasons, so I have a new set of summer wheels with MPSS on order, I'm in the same boat as you.

I'll keep the factory wheels and replace the all season RFTs (I've already blown out 2 within the past 2 weeks) with dedicated winter tires.

Lastly, if your car is a lease - you will need to return it with RFT's on it (unless the dealer doesn't know better and sees MPSS tires and thinks they are factory).

Great reply. Thanks so much.

[G-Mann]

Hit up the discount tire website to get some pricing and alternative tire options. There are better cheaper runflat options than what came on the car.

[335BOY]

Originally Posted by jwr0721

I just happened to be at a BMW dealership for the past 30 minutes. The guy here says he doesn't recommend switching. He says it will drastically change the handling.

So my questions are:

Is he just saying that because he wants to sell me the more expensive run flats?

Has anyone done this?

Did you notice a difference?

Drastically changes handling and ride in a GOOD way IMO. I was on 19 and handling and ride became WAY better when I switched to regular tires. NO comparison.

[335BOY]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

Generally yes.

You can check tirerack.com for prices.

For example the factory All Season Pirelli P7's which come on most of the 2's are $250 a tire. The same size Michelin PSS tires are $190 a tire - almost a $250 savings.

Keep in mind if your car came with the square (225 front/rear) tires you will not be able to fit the same tire width as the staggered wheels that come on the car when equipped with the summer tires.

You can either buy new wheels, try to find a used set of staggered wheels on the forum, or stick with a square setup and run the same sized tires.

My car came ordered with the all seasons, so I have a new set of summer wheels with MPSS on order, I'm in the same boat as you.

I'll keep the factory wheels and replace the all season RFTs (I've already blown out 2 within the past 2 weeks) with dedicated winter tires.

Lastly, if your car is a lease - you will need to return it with RFT's on it (unless the dealer doesn't know better and sees MPSS tires and thinks they are factory).

I put the RFT in the garage and then re mounted for lease return.

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

Originally Posted by 335BOY

I put the RFT in the garage and then re mounted for lease return.

Thats exactly what i did...I put on the PSS non-rft and the ride and handling characteristics are much, much improved.

RFT's suck

[Killramos]

Well i have my stock non runflats and winter runflats. They had no problem selling me those so they really don't care to much.

This is some truth to the suspension being tuned for heavier runflats etc but that's missing the forest for the trees.

[sstarrx3]

You dont have to buy PSS summer tires. Michelin also makes a good Sport AW tire that you can use in the Winter too. If it gets below 45 degrees you will have issues with the PSS in the winter.

[angelbones]

I switched out my RFTs a couple months ago. The only thing I was worried about was that one tire dealer saying it might ruin the walls of the RFT during the change. It was unfounded. After putting my non-RFTs on my car, it handles BETTER not worse. Further, I did not want to spend a lot on new tires so I got some fairly cheap summer performance tires (Tire Rack) installed for $450. All I know, is it handles better, sounds better, and I don't have to pay $1400 or so for RFTs when my lease is up, because I saved them and will put them back on in two years.

[jwr0721]

Originally Posted by angelbones

I switched out my RFTs a couple months ago. The only thing I was worried about was that one tire dealer saying it might ruin the walls of the RFT during the change. It was unfounded. After putting my non-RFTs on my car, it handles BETTER not worse. Further, I did not want to spend a lot on new tires so I got some fairly cheap summer performance tires (Tire Rack) installed for $450. All I know, is it handles better, sounds better, and I don't have to pay $1400 or so for RFTs when my lease is up, because I saved them and will put them back on in two years.

Nice answers all. Appreciate the feedback.

To what pressure do you inflate your non-RF tires?

[SteveInfante]

It really depends on the tire and it's recommended pressure. I plan to get rid of the run flats as soon as I can. If you need an all season tire Michelin makes the Pilot Sport A/S 3 which is a stellar tire. They hold up to snow here in Germany and hold their own with spirited driving on the back roads as well. Very predicable tire as well. You know when they are going to break loose should you be in a Hooning mood.

[Nahlem]

doesn't removing the RF-tires makes the sensor in the car go nuts? according to my dealer he said switching for non RF-Tires makes the sensor light up constantly in the car and display on the I-Drive "FLAT TIRE" bla bla bla .... i my self am considering changing rims and tires soon but have been looking for RF-Tires to make sure it doesn't go bananas on me.

[SteveInfante]

That would be a ploy to have you keep the run flats and the cost associated to replace one when damaged. The sensors don't know they are different.

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by SeroXer

doesn't removing the RF-tires makes the sensor in the car go nuts? according to my dealer he said switching for non RF-Tires makes the sensor light up constantly in the car and display on the I-Drive "FLAT TIRE" bla bla bla .... i my self am considering changing rims and tires soon but have been looking for RF-Tires to make sure it doesn't go bananas on me.

Not at all. This is BS to try and get you to spending $500 on a RFT tire at dealer prices.

The M235i comes from the FACTORY with MPSS non RFT tires - the sensors are no different.

I am currently running 2 non RFT + 2 RFT's at the same time since I blew out 2 tires and did not want to replace them with RFT's when my new wheels + tires are on order.

[Nahlem]

Thank you Very much for that one. Highly appreciated answer.