No spare tire reasoning? - Page 2 - XBimmers

HighlandPete · 01-24-2013, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbjgh

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.

HighlandPete

noka · 01-24-2013, 07:56 AM

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.

noka · 03-02-2013, 03:55 PM

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.

kozzi · 03-02-2013, 06:23 PM

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.

ErnestHouse · 03-02-2013, 09:44 PM

Here's another thread where this horse was beaten: http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=777325

plymjack · 03-03-2013, 07:03 AM

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!

woodchuck1 · 03-03-2013, 10:04 AM

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.

woodchuck1 · 03-03-2013, 10:08 AM

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.

Poohbore · 03-06-2013, 05:50 PM

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?

01-24-2013, 07:56 AM	#24
noka First Lieutenant Drives: 2013 x35i M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: MA Posts: 310 iTrader: (0)	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. __________________ 2013 x35i (Space Gray, MSport, CW/CWII, DHP, Premium, Premium Sound, Technology, BMW-Apps) Retired: '09 C300 4Matic, '09 GTI, '06 750i, '05 C55, '04 R32, '03 M5, '02 GTI, '01 M5, '00 M-Coupe, '00 540i/6, '99 M3 Coupe, '98 M3 Coupe, '96 328i,... '86 4000 CS Quattro... too many to list. Last edited by noka; 03-02-2013 at 09:57 PM.

03-02-2013, 03:55 PM	#25
noka First Lieutenant Drives: 2013 x35i M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: MA Posts: 310 iTrader: (0)	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. __________________ 2013 x35i (Space Gray, MSport, CW/CWII, DHP, Premium, Premium Sound, Technology, BMW-Apps) Retired: '09 C300 4Matic, '09 GTI, '06 750i, '05 C55, '04 R32, '03 M5, '02 GTI, '01 M5, '00 M-Coupe, '00 540i/6, '99 M3 Coupe, '98 M3 Coupe, '96 328i,... '86 4000 CS Quattro... too many to list.

03-02-2013, 06:23 PM	#26
kozzi Pygocentrus Piraya Drives: 2011 BMW X3 35i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 137 iTrader: (0)	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. __________________ kozzi 2011 BMW F25 35i Deep Sea Blue Metallic/Nevada Mojave/Brushed Aluminum/SAP/DHP/309 Run-Flats

03-03-2013, 07:03 AM	#28
plymjack Second Lieutenant Drives: X3 (F25) 2.0D SE Auto Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Plymouth, UK Posts: 227 iTrader: (0)	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! __________________ Dont and BMW X3 (F25) xDrive20d SE . . Alpine White. . Oyster Leather . . 8 Speed Servotronic. .RFTs. . High Beam Assist. . Electric Seats . . DAB Radio. .USB/Bluetooth

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

03-02-2013, 09:44 PM	#27
ErnestHouse Private First Class Drives: Non-BMW Crossover Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: South Florida Posts: 176 iTrader: (0)	Here's another thread where this horse was beaten: http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=777325

03-03-2013, 10:04 AM	#29
woodchuck1 Private Drives: 2013 X3 X-drive 35i Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: United States Posts: 57 iTrader: (0)	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.

03-03-2013, 10:08 AM	#30
woodchuck1 Private Drives: 2013 X3 X-drive 35i Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: United States Posts: 57 iTrader: (0)	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.

03-06-2013, 05:50 PM	#31
Poohbore Enlisted Member Drives: too embarassed to say yet ! Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: uk Posts: 41 iTrader: (0)	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?