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[rudd1122]

I bought 4 Continental Extreme Contact DWS tires today and swapped out the Goodyear RFT that came with the car, already a happy customer. One thing I am wondering is though...since I don't have a spare tire and no more run flats, what would you all suggest as a emergency back up plan? Has anyone used Ride-On? It is used by bikers a lot, but I can't find any reviews for use in cars. If not Ride-on, would you suggest a kit with compressor and sealant?

Thanks for the help@

[PA135i]

I have the Conti Extreme Contact DW's and love them. Get the Conti-Kit from tire rack. It's around $80. I bought my Conti-kit in 2008 and never had to use it. I'm not worried. It also fits nicely in the right side of the trunk where the net is.

[ken1137]

Get the mobility kit or spare tire...

http://www.shopbmwusa.com/ProductSearch.aspx?sc=mobility+kit&CenterId=852000 1

[Tom K.]

In 12k miles, my DWS tires have picked up one nail. As it resulted in a very slow leak of 1/2 lb. per day, I drove 4,000 miles on it before discovering the nail and getting it repaired. It seems like (unless you hit curbs and/or potholes at speed) most punctures are similar, allowing you to re-inflate the tire and procede to a shop with no further tire damage.

So I'd strongly recommend an inexpensive 12v compressor (I use both Air-Man and Slime models) and a plug kit - with sealant goo to be used only as a last resort.

Incidentally, if you feel that the DWS steering response is a tad mushy on initial turn-in compared to the NCT5, upping the pressures about 3 psi over stock will help without degrading the ride too much.

Tom

[pdr1269]

I've heard that using the slime type sealants is bad for the TPMS sensors in the wheels. You may want to check on that.

[rudd1122]

Tom you were right, I added about 4 pounds to the tires and the ride is now awesome! Just need to buy the kit and I will be all set!

[bavarianx]

Originally Posted by pdr1269

I've heard that using the slime type sealants is bad for the TPMS sensors in the wheels. You may want to check on that.

Yes, the tire slime will clog the sensors pressure valve and make it inoperative.

[HeyMoe53]

If that is indeed true, then I wonder why BMW puts the Comfort Kit as standard equipment in the M3, which is not equipped with runflats and doesn't have a spare.

[IDBMW]

I carry the BMW mobility kit which has a sealant and air compressor. You can use just the air compressor or the slime and compressor. I am going on 12 years driving BMW’s with no RFT’s, without a spare and never had to use the slime. I have had to use the air compressor to get me to a place to fix a flat.
Walmart has a Slime brand air compressor with slime for under $20 which does the same as the BMW mobility kit.
Yes slime can plug your TPMS but my thinking is if I am somewhere and can’t get assistance easily I would use the slime and try to clean up the TPMS later.

[jmc777]

I picked up the slime kit at walmart. It fits nicely in the well next to the battery. It's cheap insurance and takes up a lot less space than a spare.

[AW128i]

I would recommend the Slime kits. For one, the sealant that's used can be washed off the wheel/tire so that the tire can be repaired (if possible) and reinstalled on the wheel. Two, Slime sells a TPMS-safe sealant. From what I understand, the sealant in the BMW mobility kit will keep the car mobile, but it will result in having to replace the tire since the sealant will permanently bond to the tire. This is at least what I've read on this site. Not sure about the BMW kit and the TPMS sensors.