The problem some BMW’s have is that the RFT’s do not deform and do not allow a conical profile because of the rigidity of the tire and sidewall, meaning they cannot distribute the weight of the car evenly easily, but before you depart your beloved BMW in despair, once again we have solutions to address this.
The problem is that some BMW’s ride height puts the tires at an extreme angle such that they are no longer able to support the weight of the vehicle fully. This is particularly noticeable on BMW’s with 20″ wheels, which when combined with low profile run-flat tires results in a very curved tire as it sits on the road.
When you hit a pothole or bump though, the tire does not flex and bend to absorb the impact – it remains rigid and deflects this sideways into the wheel, breaking it.
The problem some BMW’s have is that the RFT’s do not deform and do not allow a conical profile because of the rigidity of the tire and sidewall, meaning they cannot distribute the weight of the car evenly easily, but before you depart your beloved BMW in despair, once again we have solutions to address this.
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Are BMW run-flat tires any good?
BMW run-flat tires are slightly different. They are filled with an extra hard foam so that when the tire is punctured it reduces the rate at which the tire deflates. This allows you to drive for up to 100km (60 miles) after the pressure has been lost – enough to get home or to your local garage.
The main problem with run-flat tires is that they don’t perform as well in the wet, especially in the first few turns of the steering wheel. The rubber compound used in run-flats is usually harder than standard tires and therefore doesn’t grip as well on wet surfaces.
Run flats are also stiffer and therefore less comfortable, which is why BMW introduced its Comfort Run Flat Tires. Compared with conventional tires these give a much more supple ride, but they are still stiffer than standard tires.
Why are run-flat tires so bad?
The most important is safety. The run-flat system reduces the possibility of a tire blowout, which can be dangerous. But it does not eliminate it. And it replaces that risk with a much more serious one — you driving on a severely damaged tire until you discover the damage.
That increases the chances of a crash and possible serious injury or death. A blown tire that takes out your steering can be hazardous at 70 miles per hour; driving on a shredded tire at 70 mph is far worse.
Run-flats increase wear and tear on steering and suspension systems, as well as other parts of the car’s chassis. The stiffer sidewalls cause more shock to be sent to those parts of the car, and that could mean more repairs over time, including front-end alignments, struts or shocks, spring replacement, and so on.
Run-flats are expensive to replace. Run-flats don’t go flat instantly when punctured or damaged; they have some measure of built-in support that allows them to keep their shape for about 50 miles.
Why is there no spare wheel on my run-flat tire?
A run-flat tire speed vary from under 55 mph (90 km/h) – and for limited distances – generally between 10 mi (16 km) to 50 mi (80 km), depending on the type of tire, speed, and load carried.
The term “run-flat” is used to describe three different types of tires:
Self-supporting run-flat tires have reinforced sidewalls that allow the tire to remain functional for a limited time after complete loss of pressure. An example would be Bridgestone’s RFT (Run-Flat Tire) system or Dunlop’s SSR (Self Supporting Run-flat).
Supports run-flat tires, which must be fitted with an external support ring around the rim of the wheel that prevents the sidewall from collapsing completely. A system that still requires a spare wheel/tire assembly as a precaution against total failure due to sidewall damage or other causes. An example would be Pirelli’s NCS (New Car System).
Do you know if your car tires are running flat?
After a while, the tires of your car will loose air and will become flat. This is one of the most common problems faced by car owners, and it’s something that can often be fixed easily.
When you are driving on roads, small rocks and debris from other vehicles can hit your tire, which can cause them to puncture or deflate.
If you suspect your tires are running flat – such as if they feel more squishy and unstable than normal – then here are some top tips that will help you to resolve the problem easily:
Check your tire pressure
The first thing you should do is check the pressure of your tires. If you notice that there is not enough air in them, then you will need to inflate them. However, you must know the right amount of air pressure for each tire so that they don’t overinflate or underinflate.
You can find this information in your car manual or on the inside of the driver’s door.
If your tire pressure light comes on in your car, then this means your tires need inflating. You should take care of this issue as soon as possible because it can cause damage to your vehicle if left unchecked for too long.
How long should run-flat tires last on a BMW?
Run-flat tires are designed to be punctured and still provide a comfortable ride. Compared with traditional tires, they can’t be repaired if they go flat — they have to be replaced. However, the tread wear of run-flat tires is no different than that of non-run-flats. If you stick with the same brand, the replacement tires should last as long as the originals.
The tread life of a tire depends on many factors, including your driving habits and road conditions where you live. The mileage warranty on tires can give you an idea of how long they’ll last. BMW warranties the original run-flat tires on some 3 Series models for up to 50,000 miles, for example.
The tread depth on run-flat tires should be checked like any other tire — once a month or before every long trip. A good tire tread depth gauge is essential. It will show you how many thousands of an inch are left on the tire’s treads so you know when it’s time to replace them (see Resources).
Don’t wait until your run-flats are almost bald before replacing them — this can put your safety at risk and void your warranty in some cases.
Can I replace BMW run-flat tires with regular?
Yes BMW-run flat tires have the possibility. Some owners are not happy with the ride quality and noise levels of their BMW run-flat tires. They opt to use regular tires instead.
Some BMW models come with run-flat tires as an option. You can have your regular BMW tires replaced with run-flat tires. Once you do so, you should mount new wheels as well to accommodate the new tire size.
According to BMW, the tires on their all-wheel-drive X models are not able to be replaced with regular non-run flat tires. The reason is that the X models have a self-leveling suspension system and the computer that controls the suspension needs to know when a tire has lost air pressure.
If you replace your run-flat tires with regular tires, the computer will not receive any information when a tire is low on pressure and could cause damage to other parts of the vehicle’s suspension system.
How often do run-flat tires need to be replaced?
Run-flat tires are built to be able to get you where you need to go even after a puncture. But all tires, whether they’re run-flats or not, wear out over time.
The answer depends on several factors, including your driving habits and the type of vehicle you drive. Run-flat tires are typically more expensive than standard tires, so it’s important to know how long they’ll last to ensure you’re getting the most for your money.
Factors That Affect Tire Life
Tires are made of rubber, which is a natural product that dries out over time. This means that regardless of how much tire tread you have left, you’ll still have to replace your tires when they get old enough. However, other factors can also contribute to shorter tire life.
Driving Habits
If you drive primarily on smooth roads and avoid debris in the road or potholes, your tires will last longer than someone who drives off-road with their vehicle. A driver who commutes daily in Atlanta traffic might wear their tires out faster than someone who lives in a rural area and only drives once or twice a week.
Are run-flat tires more prone to punctures?
In the case of run-flat tires, the tire itself is thicker. It contains a reinforced sidewall that allows the vehicle to operate without air for a limited time and distance. That same added reinforcement can make it more difficult for a foreign object to penetrate the tire and cause a flat.
However, if something does find its way into your tire and puncture it, you are at greater risk of having a blowout because the run-flat tire has less give than a conventional one.
Run-flats also tend to be heavier than conventional tires, which can affect handling and braking performance, particularly on wet roads. They often do not offer as comfortable of a ride as conventional tires. And they cost considerably more than conventional ones. Finally, even with self-sealing tires, you still need to monitor your tire pressure regularly.
If you’re considering run-flat tires, consider all of these factors before making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What tires does BMW recommend?
Most BMWs have BMW-specified tires. These tires meet and exceed the highest standards of quality and performance. BMW specifies tires that are safe for your model and provide optimal performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency. BMW also recommends tire pressure levels for each model to ensure optimal handling, safety, and ride comfort. BMW recommends replacing all four tires at once with the same type of tire. This is important to ensure proper handling and control of your vehicle.
2. Do BMWs need special tires?
The short answer is that yes, BMW vehicles do need special tires to operate at their best. This is because all BMW vehicles are designed and engineered to exact specifications and tolerances. These specifications ensure that each vehicle offers the best performance possible and meets stringent safety standards.
3. Why does BMW use run-flat Tires?
BMW run-flat tires allow you to drive safely even when you have a puncture thanks to their thick sidewalls. If a tire loses pressure, the sidewall stiffens up, allowing it to support the weight of the vehicle and keeping it in contact with the road until you can make it back home or travel to your local garage.
4. Can a slow leak in a run-flat tire be repaired?
The only difference between a run-flat tire and a standard tire is the construction of the sidewall. A run-flat tire has a thick sidewall so that it will not collapse if there is a loss of air pressure. This allows the driver to continue driving for approximately 50 miles or so before having to replace the tire or get it repaired.
Conclusion
The problem is that some BMW’s ride height puts the tires at an extreme angle such that they are no longer able to support the weight of the vehicle fully. This is particularly noticeable on BMW’s with 20″ wheels, which when combined with low profile run-flat tires results in a very curved tire as it sits on the road. When you hit a pothole or bump though, the tire does not flex and bend to absorb the impact – it remains rigid and deflects this sideways into the wheel, breaking it.
