Automotive Forums

...anyone with any run-flat tire experience.  i'm debating on a certain model that comes with run-flats as standard.  

It's an idea that's ahead of its time, to be kind. Expect less than 20K miles before they need to be replaced. We have a Sienna, & Toyota (after lawsuits were filed & settled) kindly offered to replace the Dunlops with a 2nd set, under the 3 yr, 36K warranty of the car. The 2nd set is history with 35K miles, & now they've given us a 3rd pair, this time Bridgestone, I think.

To save yourself time & some heartache, I'd look at the option of regular tires & a mini spare. Or another vehicle.  

I took our 2006 BMW 325i (sport package) to local dealer (Paducah, KY) with 17,000 miles and again at 18,000 complaining about the RFT problem.  In the process of denial, we had a family emergency and now mileage is 20,204.  According to BMW North American, we must pay full cost because the mileage is over 20,000 (under 20,000 miles 1/2 price) even though the dealer was informed.  BMW has a bulletin (360606) about the problem but has failed to notify affected owners.  We have another BMW (Z3) and will getting rid of both soon.    Also understand there is a class action lawsuit being formulated which we will gladly be part of.  

I have a new '07 328xi Coupe with Conti RFT's which have not had the problems like the Bridgestones. Consumer comments on The Tire Rack site have been positive but just in case, buy the tire/wheel replacement pkg if it's a BMW that you're considering. It cost me less than $400 and they'll replace the tires and wheels at no cost for as long as you own the car so long you don't hit a curb & the tires have x amount of tread.  

I have a 2006 BMW 325i with Bridgestone Turanza run-flat tires.  My odometer has just turned 16,000 and I have incurred my THIRD leaking tire - all three on the front right side.  I paid for the first replacement (merely a few months after I purchased the car); BMW paid for the second replacement; and now I expect them to reimburse me for this third failure.  I took the car in for service a few days ago and my salesman told me that BMW still uses the same run-flat tires by Bridgestone.  I was surprised that they would supply the same manufacturer after all the problems I've been reading about.  My lease is up next year, and I will look elsewhere for another vehicle.  

im on kumho ecsta ultra high perf all-season tires with run-flats. i traveled over 150miles with a flat tire and i didn't even notice it. I was also going about 65-70mph. i noticed it when i was getting an oil change and i saw the tire was flat.

run-flats are awesome. as for tire wear, i have had my tires for over 20k now. i really dont see how that has anything to do with tire wear since every tire has a different tire wear rating.  

I have a toyota ,2005 sienna, with run flats. If you are going to be driving cross western states where the towns are small and far between you better buy a spare. Most cars that come with run flats do not have a spare. Most small towns do not have the equipment to change a run falt tire, let alone the proper tire for replacement. These tires have a extremely stiff side wall which allows them to run flat for 50 to 100 miles. What most people do not realize is that the manufactures of these tires do not advise using  or repairing these tires after they are ran in the falt mode for several miles. Here lies the problem, most small cities do not carry the proper equipment to change these tires without bending your rims. If they do have the equipment, the chances of them having the proper size tire is slim to none, so you wait 1 to 3 days to have a tire shipped in to the local dealer. I will never buy another car or truck with run flats. The tires also ride somewhat rougher than standard tires. Now YOU know the rest of the story.  

I have a 2006 bmw 330xi with run flat tires.  In less than 4 months one tire was worn down to the belt all the way around the inside and another was almost as bad.  The dealer never noted a problem although I had taken it for service.  My brother found the problem when I told him about the funny noise that BMW said was normal!  I drive higways most of the time and as far as I am concerned these tires make the BMW THE ULTIMATE DEATH MACHINE.
In addition, the make noise and you feel every bump in the road.  

I had an ']06 330 Xi with Bridgestone Runflats. No problems whatsoever. I drove many curvy mountain roads and highways with no issues at all. Smooth, quiet, handled like a Bimmer is made to handle. Recently traded for an '08 335 xi coupe (being built).  After reading all of these blogs I called the salesman (personal friend) He says there was an issue with the first generation of that tire back in early model year '06, but it was corrected. He acknowledged that the company could have done better PR with a consistent customer service policy, but often it's the dealer who may/may not want to work with the customer. My pal said I shouldn't trade out the new Bridgestones when the '08 arrives; it's no longer a problem. Been driving Bimmers since '92; 528, 540, M3, 330Xi and loved them all, looking forward to getting the new one.  

There's a lot of information out there regarding run flats, unfortunately a lotof it is negative. I would research it thoroughly before committing a decision. You can find articles like this one on the web. http://forums.automotive.com/70/11461/tires/run-flat-tires-on-2006-bmw/index.html#6533142

There's also plenty of forum entries to read.  

I try again

http://forums.automotive.com/70/11461/tires/run-flat-tires-on-2006-bmw/index.html#6533142  

RUN FLAT TIRES STINK!!  I bought a used 2007 BMW 328i a month and a half ago.  A week later I had a flat tire.  Fine.  I figured the used car lot already knew about it, and didn't tell me.  So I bit the bullet and bought a new tire for $450 since the dealership told me these tires cannot be replaced.  All it had a was a freakin' nail in it.  Oh well.  Now, a month later, another flat (different tire).  WTF?!?  Are you serious?  Now I have to shell out another $450 for a new tire.  These tires are horrible.  They say you get better traction with Run Flats.  Who cares?!  I'm not Dale Earnhardt Jr. who is taking turns at 100mph.  I've been driving for 20 years on "regular" radial tires with other cars, and I've never had a traction problem.  I just don't drive that crazy to have to worry about traction.  RUN FLATS STINK!!  Does anyone know how I can put radial tires on BMW??  

How do you remove Run Flat Tire? Since I have over 20,000 miles on them my BMW dealer will not replace them so I decided to rotate my tires.. BUT... could not remove them...what the hell!!!!  Whats the secret????