Run flat tires querry

Every single report I've read says they don't perform as well as conventional tyres - especially for ride quality. And of course they cost more to replace. So a lose lose situation apart from saving some space - and of course initial cost to the car maker.

Ive had runflats (EMT) on my vette for years. Handy a few times (caught a nail once) just kept driving to my tire place 15 miles away and it was repaired. I now have 06 325xi with them. again no spare needed, reality: her bmw has roadside assistance anyway, and how likely is or would you want her to change tire on the roadside. they are a good thing.

" snipped-for-privacy@my.home" wrote

There has been a lot of discussion in the E60 and E90 forums on Roadfly:

The mainobjections center around poor ride quality, short life (possiblydue to early manufacturing problems), cost ($460 per tire insome cases!), and failures that leave you on the side of theroad (which isn't their objective.) FloydR

Assuming you haven't ordered the Sport Package, your 328xi will come with all-season 16" Bridgestone EL42 or Continental SSR runflats. Some folks have reported excessive noise with the EL42s so you might try to specify the Continentals (also the Bridgestones are more expensive) for your car.

See the Tire Rack link below for more info.

Contrary to what the dealer may tell you, punctured run-flats may be patched like any other tire if they aren't otherwise damaged - just make sure you find a tire shop equipped to work on them, especially since having a tire replaced by a dealer will be very expensive. Also, they may be replaced (on the same wheels) with conventional tires - many of us who have done so carry a repair kit and 12v air compressor.

The Z4 has had OEM run-flats since 2003 and while, IMHO, the performance Bridgestones handle great, the ride is a bit rough - and some owners have reported deteriorating handling after the tires are half worn. I've been lucky and haven't had any problems with my original Z4 run-flats or the non run-flat replacements I mounted after 30,000 miles of good service from the originals.

Admittedly, this is a pretty controversial topic and some owners of older BMWs claim they won't buy a new 3 series because of the run-flats.

Tom K.

Thanks for all the feedback guys. Woow. I am now a bit hesitant about this whole deal. I love the fact that I have a full size spare in my 325xi, which until today I still haven't used. Why BMW didn't make run flats an option is beyond me. I might have opted for them, but after reading all the discussion about them I just might have opted for regular conti's. Now it seems I don't have a choice. But again, thanks for the links and the feedback. Her car will come with the Conti runflats, and the ride was awesome (at least during the short test drive she took with it). She didn't get the sports package, as she hates getting in and out of the bucket seats in my car (she's a petite). We'll just have to see how it goes. And if we don't like the run flats, I'll get her regular tires and a repair kit that we'll store in that "extra cargo space". She did get the premium package, which includes BMW assist.