NAIL IN RUNFLATS
02-02-2006, 12:43 PM
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My Ride: 2006 550I Manual White/Black 6Speed Sport
This morning, while driving north on I94 toward Ohare, my tire pressure alarm sounded. I slowly made my way to the shoulder to find a nail in my rear right tire. Luckily for run-flats, I was able to LIMP back to my dealer to have them fix it.
The SA's initial response was that they did not have a replacement tire in-stock but that it would cost $510 dollars (PER TIRE ouch), and would I like to order one :'( . I asked if the tire could be patched, and he told me that Bridgestone and BMW have a joint agreement that they are not supposed to plug/patch run-flat tires.
It is not a recommended solution, it is recommended to replace the tire $510 
My service adviser did go ahead and plugged the tire. He told me that it should do the job and that if I run into any issues that I should go ahead and order a tire. Turns out they are about $200 cheaper through Tire Rack.
LOOKS TO ME THAT BRIDGESTONE AND BMW ARE TRYING TO GOUGE US! Your thoughts?
The SA's initial response was that they did not have a replacement tire in-stock but that it would cost $510 dollars (PER TIRE ouch), and would I like to order one :'( . I asked if the tire could be patched, and he told me that Bridgestone and BMW have a joint agreement that they are not supposed to plug/patch run-flat tires.
It is not a recommended solution, it is recommended to replace the tire $510 My service adviser did go ahead and plugged the tire. He told me that it should do the job and that if I run into any issues that I should go ahead and order a tire. Turns out they are about $200 cheaper through Tire Rack.
LOOKS TO ME THAT BRIDGESTONE AND BMW ARE TRYING TO GOUGE US! Your thoughts?
02-02-2006, 12:59 PM
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I agree, whilst there is concern that because of the construction of the sidewall of runflats, it is difficult to establish if damage has been caused by running with a flat, a blanket refusal to repair is outrageous.
It is another good reason not to choose runflats.
If a tyre is more than half worn I would not replace it as a single item anyway, I would want to replace the axle pair.
That is a mighty expensive puncture.
It is another good reason not to choose runflats.
If a tyre is more than half worn I would not replace it as a single item anyway, I would want to replace the axle pair.
That is a mighty expensive puncture.
02-02-2006, 01:22 PM
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My Ride: 2005 545i with Sport Pkg, Nav, HUD, Cold Weather Pkg, Rear Shades
either BMW or your dealer is trying to take you for a ride!!
RFTs can be repaired. Check out www.tirerack.com - http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/tec...¤tpage=57
unless the sidewalls have been damaged, then you can get the tire repaired.
Now in the case of Bridgestone RFT, maybe the sidewalls do get damaged a bit, and that's why they cannot agree to repair it for you.
RFTs can be repaired. Check out www.tirerack.com - http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/tec...¤tpage=57
unless the sidewalls have been damaged, then you can get the tire repaired.
Now in the case of Bridgestone RFT, maybe the sidewalls do get damaged a bit, and that's why they cannot agree to repair it for you.
02-02-2006, 01:30 PM
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My Ride: '05 545i, silver gray, black leather with anthracite maple wood, sport package, premium sound, navigation, cold weather package, electric rear sunshade, folding rear seat, satellite radio prep, PIAA 4150K fogs, red rear reflectors, hardwired Valentine One
Even for non-run flats, simply plugging the tire is not what I'd recommend. I'd suggest taking it to a reputable tire store and have them remove the tire and plug/patch it from inside, which is a much safer way to repair high performance tires.
02-02-2006, 01:33 PM
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My Ride: E61 530d Touring, May 2004
Again it may be a country ting, but I would never consider going to any make of car dealer for a tyre. They are typically miles more expensive than a tyre specialist
02-02-2006, 03:44 PM
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I had my run-flat replaced by my dealer for $325.00. Your dealer is ripping you off. Mine needed replacement because the damage was from a pot hole and the sidewall was ripped.
02-02-2006, 03:50 PM
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My Ride: '04 545iS 6 spd, bought new via eBay, 11/05; Blk/Gry, Cold, L7, PDC, BMW Rear seatcover for pets.
First "Bumwa" was a new 1971 2002. High performance 5s since 1987. Beamer motorcycles too, currently on an 07 BMW K1200 GT; also a Moto Guzzi 1000 SP III.
And of course, you KNOW where DEALERS get their tires....at least mine does at the Tire Rack. The extra $200 was for labor for his boys. 
Ray Hull
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02-02-2006, 04:25 PM
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My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
Eh Runflats can be plugged / patched...
YES they are suppose to tell you NOT to repair it. Because like stated they cant tell how much you drove on the flat tire and how much damage is done already to the existing sidewall...
But dude... the way i see it the're run flats right? Any "weakened" run flat side wall tire is still stronger / tougher and safer to drive on than a regular non RF tire...
Yes I agree its safer to patch a tire than plug EVEN BETTER to replace but if you dont plan on doing excessive high speed driving for long periods of time it should be ok...
I've plugged my MINI Runflats 3 times already... twice on the drivers rear tire and once on the passengers rear tire... Been driving on those plugged RF tires for 6 months now... its a daily driver and no problems...
Like I said they're run flats... if the plug goes ka-put and pop I'm still on a run flat tire. Have you seen Tiff Needle test how good those run flats are on 5th gear? Nohting to worry about.
YES they are suppose to tell you NOT to repair it. Because like stated they cant tell how much you drove on the flat tire and how much damage is done already to the existing sidewall...
But dude... the way i see it the're run flats right? Any "weakened" run flat side wall tire is still stronger / tougher and safer to drive on than a regular non RF tire...
Yes I agree its safer to patch a tire than plug EVEN BETTER to replace but if you dont plan on doing excessive high speed driving for long periods of time it should be ok...
I've plugged my MINI Runflats 3 times already... twice on the drivers rear tire and once on the passengers rear tire... Been driving on those plugged RF tires for 6 months now... its a daily driver and no problems...
Like I said they're run flats... if the plug goes ka-put and pop I'm still on a run flat tire. Have you seen Tiff Needle test how good those run flats are on 5th gear? Nohting to worry about.
02-03-2006, 05:37 AM
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My Ride: #1: 2004 545i; 6-speed manual; Sport Package; Mystic Blue with a gray leather interior and Anthracite wood; CWP; Logic 7.
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Originally Posted by Keith Farrow' post='233711' date='Feb 2 2006, 03:59 PM
I agree, whilst there is concern that because of the construction of the sidewall of runflats, it is difficult to establish if damage has been caused by running with a flat, a blanket refusal to repair is outrageous.
It is another good reason not to choose runflats.
If a tyre is more than half worn I would not replace it as a single item anyway, I would want to replace the axle pair.
That is a mighty expensive puncture.
It is another good reason not to choose runflats.
If a tyre is more than half worn I would not replace it as a single item anyway, I would want to replace the axle pair.
That is a mighty expensive puncture.
I know all the knocks on runflats, but this situation is exactly why I kind of like my runflats. This is the one time when they make up for all their other faults. Add my imagined scenario in which my wife is driving my baby son in the car when an otherwise disabling nail puncture shows up, and I just cannot picture myself giving up the safety (no loss of control) and convenience (no need to change a tire on the side of a busy motorway) of a runflat.
02-03-2006, 05:43 AM
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Originally Posted by tab545' post='234072' date='Feb 3 2006, 08:37 AM
I find it odd to react to a story about a sudden nail puncture in a runflat, in which he did not experience any loss of control or other danger, and did not have to change the tire on the roadside, and instead drove at a safe pace to a tire retailer, with the conclusion that runflats are bad.
I know all the knocks on runflats, but this situation is exactly why I kind of like my runflats. This is the one time when they make up for all their other faults. Add my imagined scenario in which my wife is driving my baby son in the car when an otherwise disabling nail puncture shows up, and I just cannot picture myself giving up the safety (no loss of control) and convenience (no need to change a tire on the side of a busy motorway) of a runflat.
I know all the knocks on runflats, but this situation is exactly why I kind of like my runflats. This is the one time when they make up for all their other faults. Add my imagined scenario in which my wife is driving my baby son in the car when an otherwise disabling nail puncture shows up, and I just cannot picture myself giving up the safety (no loss of control) and convenience (no need to change a tire on the side of a busy motorway) of a runflat.