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      01-24-2013, 06:50 AM   #23
HighlandPete
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lbjgh View Post
My brother just bought a 2013 mustang gt and it doesn't have a spare tire either... And on his car there is a spot in the trunk for one. Maybe it is about the manufacturers saving a nickel.
We have this issue in the UK, on lots of main stream cars, even those without RFTs. As I see it, it all about emissions at the factory door. Even when there is a well for a space saver wheel, it is often an option and therefore added after emissions testing/rating.

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      01-24-2013, 06:56 AM   #24
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I have about the same thoughts as previous post. Also bought wheel/tire insurance which, if purchased at time of sale, also covers Winter wheels/tires (not sure if it is repair and/or replace and have to read it closer). I just bought a 88P Viair compressor (great reviews and compact size).

I don't think people would mind BMW not providing a spare so much if they provided a place for a spare (even space-saver) so someone could have a decent place to store it. Even if they made it a purchased option (along with tools) that would satisfy most people.
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      03-02-2013, 02:55 PM   #25
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Interesting that the X5 has an optional space-saver spare. Maybe it's big enough to have room for it, whereas the X3 couldn't fit it.
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      03-02-2013, 05:23 PM   #26
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I also purchased tire insurance. Some northeast roads can be quite nasty. Have had 3 punctures since purchase. One of the 3 times my wife had to drive on a compromised tire for more than 100 miles. When she finally reached a dealer...tire and rim where replaced and she was on her way in about 20 mins. RFTs work for us.
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      03-02-2013, 08:44 PM   #27
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Here's another thread where this horse was beaten: http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=777325
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      03-03-2013, 06:03 AM   #28
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I go with the safety & convenience option along with the weight /saving/ fuel too.

Took out the insurance too since it covers the winter tyres as well as the summer RFTs. Carry the repair kit for the winter ones. If I was going off the beaten track I would take a spare but here in the UK your never that far away from help!

The thought of trying to change such a large wheel on the hard shoulder of a Motorway is just too stupid to contemplate so driving to a service area and getting it done there makes 100% sense!
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      03-03-2013, 09:04 AM   #29
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The RFTs were almost a deal breaker for me. I'm still surprised that a performance brand like BMW would restrict its owners to about 5% of the universe of available tires, none of which are particularly good handling tires. I heard that RFTs were expensive, hard riding, and noisy. They're still expensive, but I've been pleased that the Pirelli P7s that came on my care are quiet and comfortable. As far as tread wear, time will tell. I expect that the selection and quality of RFTs will probably improve with time. I still would prefer conventional tires and a spare.
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      03-03-2013, 09:08 AM   #30
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One advantage of run flats that I don't think has been mentioned - the wheel will not be damaged in the event of a blowout.
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      03-06-2013, 04:50 PM   #31
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I wonder if a lease company for a company car would replace an axle set of tyres following a punctured runflat

Is the different rolling circumference on a new tyre compared to say one 2/3rds worn enough to damage the drivetrain?
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      12-31-2013, 06:45 PM   #32
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Well, we actually experienced the downside of BMWs stupid design decision by experiencing tire damage in the middle of nowhere. Details over here
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      01-01-2014, 06:59 AM   #33
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sids911 View Post
Well, we actually experienced the downside of BMWs stupid design decision by experiencing tire damage in the middle of nowhere. Details over here
But you went off road without a spare?
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      01-01-2014, 11:10 AM   #34
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sids911 View Post
Well, we actually experienced the downside of BMWs stupid design decision by experiencing tire damage in the middle of nowhere. Details over here
If you head into wilderness areas you would be well advised to consider carrying 2 spares and proper off road tyres.
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      01-21-2014, 09:01 PM   #35
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RFT is nothing but a Scam

Quote:
Originally Posted by sids911 View Post
Well, we actually experienced the downside of BMWs stupid design decision by experiencing tire damage in the middle of nowhere. Details over here
Couldn't agree more. I went to Firestone (owned by Bridgestone) today to get a RFT plugged where it had picked up a nail. I was relieved, because this was the 6th tire shop I had called (here in Washington DC metro area) and the first that said they repair RFTs. However, upon inspection, the nail was too close to the edge of the tread and they couldn't do the repair. The store manager then spent 15 minutes trying to track down a Bridgestone Dueller from his warehouse and nearby shops, and there were NONE available. He told me that BMW had bought them all up and that the expected production date for restocking inventory was April!! Unless I was willing to pay close to $500 for 1 tire and install labor, I would be reduced to buying a used tire on EBay, which I did for $60. But now - in the middle of a snow event - we can't even drive the vehicle until the new tire is mounted. The air leaks out too quickly.

As owners and consumers, we're getting it from both sides with RFTs. The stealer saves money by not including and extra rim or space to store a spare, they make money by buying up all the available RFTs for popular models and then selling them to us at double the normal cost. And the tire shops (most of them) refuse to patch the tires because they figure they can sell you an overpriced new tire. But, of course, even they can't do that when there are none available locally.

Anybody who's sold on the idea of RFTs would be well-advised to buy a used one and keep it in your garage as a spare. It may well save you the loss of use of your vehicle for a week. As for me, I'll be switching over to high-performance conventional tires come springtime
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      01-21-2014, 09:32 PM   #36
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Bimwat, the bmw dealership does have most of the tires for most of their models and if not they can get it shipped to them overnight from their warehouse. Try Bmw rockville. They found a tire for me and even price matched Mr. Tire by like 20 bucks. If you need a service agent who will take care of you find Beaver Ho.
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      01-22-2014, 06:18 AM   #37
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HighlandPete View Post
There has to be caution, as we do use up the run-on-flat capacity if we don't know the pressure and control it, if we have a puncture.

I carry a compressor and would certainly attempt to hold up the pressure, to get more mileage from the run-on-capacity (if necessary) to get out of trouble. But very cautious of a compromised tire, if used in real anger. I could never trust it myself.

On my current car I'm keeping with RFTS, the last car I took them off and had all the issues with carrying a spare in the boot space, etc., particularly on remote trips from home.

This time I've taken out tire insurance with a "replace if punctured" policy. I still carry the compressor, but at least I know if used in anger I can run on without cost penalty. Will only take one incident to pay for the insurance, and with two sets of wheels, seems a wise decision to cover tyres, summer and winter, with tires that cost over £250 a pop.

I was speaking with my local tire shop, (several outlets) and they will not repair RFTs, both on the liability issue, and customers lie about the use after a warning gong, so can't be trusted. The "I've only driven a couple of miles" comment, when clearly the tire is just about holding together. So their policy is blanket cover, "can't and won't" risk any repair.

HighlandPete

My local dealer did within a week of having the car £10 well spent and lasted the rest of the 24000 miles the tyre did before needing new.
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      01-22-2014, 07:49 PM   #38
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I was apprehensive about RFTs but after my first flat in an Airport garage when I arrived late one rainy night I was happy to have the RFTs. Drove home and to BMW the next day where they replaced the tire. I doubt I will ever go back to regular tires.
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      01-25-2014, 05:27 PM   #39
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mge.92 View Post
Bimwat, the bmw dealership does have most of the tires for most of their models and if not they can get it shipped to them overnight from their warehouse. Try Bmw rockville. They found a tire for me and even price matched Mr. Tire by like 20 bucks. If you need a service agent who will take care of you find Beaver Ho.
The Alexandria stealer quoted me $320 + labor. I bought a used Bridgestone for $55 w/ free shipping. It arrived yesterday, and is practically new. A tire shop will balance and mount it for $35. As soon as the weather breaks, I'll have conventional tires mounted and buy an odd rim to mount a spare, which I will keep in the garage for those occasions when I'm driving out of town.

And yes, the stealer has plenty of these in stock. Because they've bought up the local inventory, according to the Firestone rep
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      10-13-2017, 06:12 AM   #40
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Spare tire

Hello,

I have an X3 28i 2011, I replaced my vehicle's run-flat tires with regular ones 245/55/17. Which smallest size tire could fit as a spare one in case of puncher?

Thanking you in advance.
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      10-14-2017, 07:36 AM   #41
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I also have a 2011 X3 and was at the dealer the other day talking with the parts guy about options for ditching the RFT's. I had been looking at just grabbing one of the BMW Mobility kits with pump and tire goo, but he also mentioned that BMW sells a spare tire. I should have asked him more as im curious if its a space saver and if it actually does fit somewheres inside the vehicle. Worst case i can throw in one of my other wheels if im taking a big trip somewheres and want a spare to get me to a shop.
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      10-14-2017, 09:23 AM   #42
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Below is a link to an example of a space saver spare for the F25. When I first bought my car I thought about getting one. I didn't end up getting it because the only place to keep the spare is in the cargo area, which if often full of other stuff when I go on long trips.

http://www.bimmerzone.com/product/BIM-SST-F25-KIT.html
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      10-14-2017, 11:29 PM   #43
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Real reason = cost savings
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