EBMCS03

Again... its because you have the 19" #172 wheels the 17" 18" wheels all come with Runflats the 19" sport package #172 wheel 550i does not. Your friends 535 comes with 18" wheels... #124 wheels those are mounted with runflats

All the 5 series tabs in BMWUSA refer to "standard" equipment which points to runflat tires. OPTIONAL 19" sport wheels come with non-runflats.

EBMCS03

Rudy

The 2008 brochure shows non-runflats as standard on any car without the sport package and standard on non-xi cars with the sport package. It goes on to show that xi cars can get runflats as an option but only if they have the sport package. In other words, an xi with the sport package doesn't automatically get runflats but a non-xi car with the sport package does -- with the exception of the 550i with the sport package.

If you want to see some additional confusion on the subject, just take a look here:
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=49040

Anyone else's head spinning?

Rudy

Whether he got a new tire or whether he's about to get a new tire, it makes no difference. I was only trying to explain that getting a new tire is the smarter option -- even if he hadn't already ruined the old tire. (I was trying to make him feel better about his situation... )

EBMCS03

No I understand what you said...

Rip

I took the tire to a local tire shop..."JustTires"...I have yet to take it to the dealer, however, after reading these responses, which are VERY helpfull, I have decided to forego the 50 mile trip to the dealer and just have the tire replaced locally....the dealer will probably charge an arm and a leg for the tire and installation etc anyways...anyone have an experience buying tires ONLINE? recommendations? or should I just go to Costco?

EBMCS03

Tire rack is fairly decent... but sometimes if you just ask your local tire shop to price match tire racks price they'll do it.

Its probably better to support the local mom and pop shop and ask them to price match tire rack / costco than to actually order it online or get it at cost co. But of course make sure they can handle low profile mount / dismount before actually letting them mess with your wheel.

Rip

Wow....I cant believe BMW wouldnt just give runflats in all its automobiles....would definitely save some confusion....and angry 550 owners like me, who expect runflats....anyways...thanks all for your help on the matter....btw have any of you done the "transmission reset" as explained in another thread? I am goin to try it...

JSpira

Ja, this is confusing.

Last time I spoke with BMW, they advised RF tires were standard on all 5ers (exception of my car).

The brochure clearly indicates otherwise.

Rudy, did you say something about putting spinners on your car a few moments ago?

Rudy

Tire rack is fairly decent... but sometimes if you just ask your local tire shop to price match tire racks price they'll do it.

Its probably better to support the local mom and pop shop and ask them to price match tire rack / costco than to actually order it online or get it at cost co. But of course make sure they can handle low profile mount / dismount before actually letting them mess with your wheel.[/quote]
Exactly. Tire Rack is great but you might do just as well locally. Obviously, you have to go somewhere where they can get the tire that matches the other three so if they don't sell Continentals, you need to either buy it online and have them mount it or find another shop.

For me, as EBMCS03 suggests, I decide where to go based primarily on who I trust to not scratch the wheels. It's very, very difficult to mount these low-profile tires and many shops don't exercise the care needed to protect the wheels from damage. Even if they're very careful, scratches can happen (it happened to me at my dealer but they ordered a replacement wheel and told me about it before I even saw the car.)

You may be able to save a few bucks by avoiding the dealer but it may end up costing you if they mess up the wheel...