frustrated

My 08 535i came with Dunlop run flats. I'm sure I will have to replace the tires before lease end. My question is, must I return the car with Dunlop run flats, or can I return with non run flats (as long as they are same quality)?
Thanks
Walt

AngelEyes

i'm no expert, but i think you have to return them with run flats, since they are of a different value (run flats are more expensive), so if you hand it back with normal tyres, then you're sort of giving them less back !

swajames

Assuming your current set is in generally good order, you could take the runflats off and store them, replace them with better tires and stick your original set of run flats back on as you return the car. For me, my 550 was transformed by switching out the run flats for a better high performance summer tire. I get the safety benefits of runflats, but they destroy the ride/handling in an E60. It's not like you can cruise at autobahn speeds in the US - if we could, I'd stick with the runflats.

JeffNNJ

Car must be returned with run flats.

w84me

look in your lease agreement and talk to your dealer. We returned a 325i with pretty low tire tread and they didn't charge, but it was at their discretion.

In order for the dealer to CPO the car, "APPROVED" run flats will need to be installed. You will need to ask BMW what is on the approval list. The car can not be CPO'd with out meeting a bunch of specs, including tires. That may be important to the dealer, or they may put brand new tires on the car anyway.

But.... It probably depends on your dealer, but to be on safe side, you will need approved run flats. But like someone said, if you have enough tread on current ones, you could swap out now and put them back on before returning.

NYC530XI

I would say it needs to be returned with the run flats.

Here is a suggestion. When you get close to your lease end, put a want to buy add in the classified for OEM run flats. People often look to unload them. Often very cheap. I sold my OEM 245/45/18 Dunlop run flats with 50 miles on them (were replaced as part of the CPO process) for $550.00 when they were $1300 for a new set on tirerack.

Even if you get a used set, it would be fine to return with the lease. Good luck.

melimel

+1.. i would take them off, buy yourself a good set of tires, and put the runflats on when you return the car..

Richr8

In reference to tires, my lease agreement talks about tread depth only. Not a word about runflats.

I guess I'll ask before I get surprised.

JeffNNJ

It seems like any thread that involves run flats turns into a bashing session. I had 9 flats and/or sidewall ruptures on the run flats that came on my 2006 550i. I really didn't care about the money because I always buy wheel/tire coverage. What I did care about was that each time I was able to drive to the dealer at my convenience and have them replaced. I have had 4 flats on my 2008 550i, all caused by monster potholes and I was stranded waiting for BMW Assist 3 different times. Once, I missed a dinner with my family, once I was late to pick up the kids and once I missed a date that I had set up weeks before. The newer models have suspensions set up specifically for OEM tires but that aside, I will take carrying on with my life after a blow out over sitting by the side of the road waiting for a ridiculous looking donut to be installed any day.

NYC530XI

+1 on this, but the ride quality on the run-flats is not great compared to regular tires.

I'm glad my MY2007 came with a full size spare, so I dont have to worry about this happening