Run flat tyres mixed with non run-flat?

Pulsedriver · 20 Oct 2014 at 12:55

Hey folks, picked up a 2011 320d e90 M-Sport which currently has RFT however both rears are needing to be replaced, it looks like a lot of people ditch the RFT but if that is the case, is it necessary to replace all 4 tyres at once to non run-flats or could I just replace the rears for now, then the fronts when they need replacing?

In theory replacing all 4 to non-run flats would probably (possibly!) be cheaper than replacing 2 RFT's but wanted to know the general consensus on whether it's worth it or not?

Thanks in advance!

Akagi · 20 Oct 2014 at 12:57

If it has runflats, doesn't that mean there is no spare wheel?

ci_newman · 20 Oct 2014 at 12:59

Acme said:
If it has runflats, doesn't that mean there is no spare wheel?

Normally this is the case, yes. How often have you ever experienced a full tyre failure though? For me, once in the last 14 years of driving. All other times have been slow leaks as a result of nails / screws etc.

[TW]Fox · 20 Oct 2014 at 13:11

Replace all 4. Buy BMW mobility kit for 30 quid from eBay.

Bunka · 20 Oct 2014 at 13:32

[TW]Fox;27082065 said:
Replace all 4. Buy BMW mobility kit for 30 quid from eBay.

This. If you're going to do it, do it properly.

PhillyDee · 20 Oct 2014 at 13:33

ci_newman said:
Normally this is the case, yes. How often have you ever experienced a full tyre failure though? For me, once in the last 14 years of driving. All other times have been slow leaks as a result of nails / screws etc.

Last month, a kerb in a multi story carpark in hull claimed my sidewall. Though that is all!

[TW]Fox · 20 Oct 2014 at 13:36

PhillyDee said:
Last month, a kerb in a multi story carpark in hull claimed my sidewall. Though that is all!

That would have claimed an RFT though, so you'd still not have been able to drive home. IMHO they are crap and the benefits of them are far exaggerated. A couple of months ago my girlfriend got a nail in her 17 inch Bridgestone RFT - luckily she was across the road from the tyre shop. Drove in, but they wouldnt repair it because it was an RFT. Had it been a non RFT it would have cost £10 and been fixed.

They don't even do a good job in getting you home unless you never drive anywhere - get a puncture 200 miles from home at 11pm and you are not driving home on RFT's. You would be on a spare wheel...

SDK^ · 20 Oct 2014 at 13:45

I've had so many Run Flat Tyre punctures over the last 30 months - they seem to attract damage

Pulsedriver · 20 Oct 2014 at 14:23

Deal.Done.Dusted following the advice and going for all 4 replaced with the BMW motobility kit!

Good call and thank you to TW Fox & Others (also followed previous advice ref BMW Warranty - well worth it!!)

Havana_UK · 20 Oct 2014 at 15:02

Runflats really only come in to their own in the event of a critical and sudden loss of pressure when at speed.

That, or if you're trying to outrun John Law and you get the stingers..you can still carry on at 50 MPH for miles and miles with all four tyres flat!

dangermouse425 · 20 Oct 2014 at 19:14

You won't regret it. I ditched my RFTs on the Z4 (RIP) as soon as the RFTs wore out. Best tyre-based decision I've ever made.

melchy · 20 Oct 2014 at 19:49

Could someone point me in the direction of the £30 BMW Mobility kit, I can only seem to find them for around twice that.

[TW]Fox · 20 Oct 2014 at 19:53

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-MINI-...Air_Tools_and_Compressors&hash=item1e93afc145

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-MINI-...Air_Tools_and_Compressors&hash=item1e9379302e

melchy · 20 Oct 2014 at 20:51

Thanks, I wasn't looking at the MINI ones which is why I'd missed them.

Pulsedriver · 22 Oct 2014 at 11:54

I did notice the fronts and rears are different sizes?

Front = 225/40/R18 88W
Rear = 255/35/R18 90W

Is this just for run-flats, or the same regardless of the tyres I choose? Was looking at Michelin Pilot Sport 3, the fronts are far cheaper (£110 fitted) than the rears (£150 fitted) assuming those sizes are kept as above.