- #1256 of 2421
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replace runflats?
by yakrider
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Aug 10, 2007 (10:17 am)
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is it possible to replace run flats with "normal" tires or are the cars (bmw 3 series) just set up to accept and use run flats? are there runflats that are durable and long lasting? i was all set to go and get the wagon but after hearing the horror stories and the expense associated with it i will have to wait. do you think this is a problem (durability and expense) that will be correct in the future and the industry advances or not? thanks
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- #1257 of 2421
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Re: Bridgestone Potenza Runflats -- BUBBLES [dkg42]
by greenetire1
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Aug 10, 2007 (12:31 pm)
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Replying to: dkg42 (Aug 01, 2007 1:22 pm)
we have a 2007 328xi with Bridgstone runflat tires EL42FZ. I have 5890 miles on the car. One of the front tires has two bubbles. Can you direct me to BMW of Bridgestone documentation confirming they will replace the tire at no charge?
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- #1258 of 2421
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Re: Why get a new tire after a nail? [be325]
by shangti
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Aug 10, 2007 (3:33 pm)
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Replying to: be325 (Aug 10, 2007 8:27 am)
The dealer told us that if you plug it, that it tends to rust through and will leak at some point. Highly does not recommend it. We have no spare - it does not come with one for the sports package 328i 2007.
We plugged it anyway. An added bonus: I located the VP of Customer Service's name and phone number. I called and now I have someone to assist me in this issue.
Take that Valencia BMW!!!!!
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- #1259 of 2421
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Re: Why get a new tire after a nail? [be325]
by capriracer
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Aug 11, 2007 (1:46 am)
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Replying to: be325 (Aug 10, 2007 8:27 am)
The reason you are suppose to replace a punctured RFT is that normal tires - when run low - will show the damage to the sidewall if there is any. RFT's don't show this damage - it is hidden under the stiff insert that makes it a "RunFlat". Since you can't see this damage, you could be facing a blowout up to thousands of miles later - and it would be bad if this happened at high speed. The only warning would be some slight bulging, but this is extremely difficult to detect and you really have to be paying attention to your tires.
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- #1260 of 2421
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Re: Why get a new tire after a nail? [be325]
by ggurr54
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Aug 11, 2007 (8:03 am)
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Replying to: be325 (Aug 10, 2007 8:27 am)
It is my impression at this time that RFT cannot be repaired. NO matter how small the whole the tire must be replaced not repaired. This is a real disadvantage. How many times have you used a tire until replacment without ever having to have it repaired at least once. I really want to buy a BMW but this issue with the tires will probably steer me back to an Infiniti or Lexus.
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- #1261 of 2421
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Re: Why get a new tire after a nail? [ggurr54]
by circlew
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Aug 11, 2007 (8:17 am)
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Replying to: ggurr54 (Aug 11, 2007 8:03 am)
You have hit upon one of the main problems with this technology. The cost is prohibitive until future generations of these the tires can be repaired/reused.
As of now, replce the tires for optimmum safty. Reuse after repair is fool's folley!
Regards,
OW
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- #1262 of 2421
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Re: Why get a new tire after a nail? [circlew]
by Mr_Shiftright HOST
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Aug 11, 2007 (10:55 am)
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Replying to: circlew (Aug 11, 2007 8:17 am)
Now correct me if I'm wrong here...BMW is giving you a $350 RFT that you can't fix if punctured, in order that you don't get a puncture on a $150 GFT that is repairable but that requires a $100 tow bill?
Aside from those who drive at night in the desert, how does this serve the consumer?
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- #1263 of 2421
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Re: Why get a new tire after a nail? [Mr_Shiftright]
by adethier
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Aug 11, 2007 (11:47 am)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Aug 11, 2007 10:55 am)
driving at night in the desert is even the worse case scenario as when RFT blows, the will soon after break down and decompose as ours did after 40 miles... crappy technology if you ask me! (here's the full story: http://h-otch-p-otch.blogspot.com/2007/04/bmw-with-run-flat-tires.html)
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- #1264 of 2421
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Re: Why get a new tire after a nail? [adethier]
by Mr_Shiftright HOST
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Aug 11, 2007 (12:48 pm)
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Replying to: adethier (Aug 11, 2007 11:47 am)
oops! That link seems busted.
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- #1265 of 2421
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Re: Why get a new tire after a nail? [Mr_Shiftright]
by circlew
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Aug 12, 2007 (6:44 am)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Aug 11, 2007 10:55 am)
You are correct! This does not serve the customer and is wasteful to boot! But...Conti RFT's are $146 at tire rack for the 17". I assume additional mfgr. RFT's at a reasonable price will become available for the other diameter rims going forward.
What I would envision for the future is an RFT that could also be repaired. If the cost is more, the ability for repairing a "typical flat tire" would mitigate some of the added cost.
In other words, the EL-42 tire I kept which suffered from a simple puncture (from a screw in the middle of the tread) should have been road worthy after repair DESPITE the fact I drove on it for 100 miles. There is no visible sidewall/tread damage or visible stress to the inner tire. The story is inside of the rubber. This is a waste at this point in the technology. The advantage to me was it got me to my destination during a zero pressure event.
Regards,
OW
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