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[phobic]

so driving down the highway a pot hole blew my front drivers side tire. I drove home, the wheel looks bent too.

questions: is it worth getting a new run flat or just replacing all the tires?

how long can my car sit (not driving) on the run flat before I replace it?

should I get an alignment?

Ive owned the car for about a month, and this is my first time with run flats on a car and I do admit, I liked not having to swap the tire before getting home.

[GarrettF]

Runflats IMHO are crap, they ride hard. The choice is yours about swapping them out. The car can sit on the flat not driving for as long as you need it to. Get the rim fixed if it is bent. If the car is pulling after the wheel/tire is fixed an alignment may be necessary, you will not know until the car is driving again.

[phobic]

thanks for the quick help. so bummed...

[RoundelM3]

Personally, I'd recommend replacing all tires with non-runflats. If you put a new runflat on one side, it'll have more tread than the other (unless you've replaced them all recently) and could affect the way it handles. I put non-runflats on my wife's 128i about 3 months after we took delivery and have never looked back. Just get an M-Mobility kit (or similar kit with tire sealant and a compressor), which should get you to somewhere that can plug a regular radial (not many places will repair a runflat). Non-runflats ride and handle much better.

[sochermit]

From what I gather the run-flats give you more steering feel and reaction. I will readily admit the ride is rougher but I do like it. Saying this I will still have to agree with roundel335 about replacing all the tires with non-run-flats. If or when I have a major problem with my run-flats I will be replacing them with non-run-flats unless I can find run-flats that are close to the same cost as non-run-flats. I would also consider an alignment check.

[1addyfan]

I've already made the decision.... Once my RFT's are dead, I'm going with non-RFT tires. Might even go with powder coated aftermarket rims too, as I'm not a fan of the M-sport 135i tires.

[Dackelone]

I would be temped to just make an insurance (comp) claim. It won't go against your driving record. Check with your agent.

IF you do replace the RFT with regular tires(like a lot of have done) make sure to get very good tires with a XL rated (stiffer)sidewall to give you almost as good turn in response as with runflats. But know by switching to non RFTs you will loose "some" turn in response. Buy top tier/brand tire. After all your tires are the only thing connecting your car to the road. I can't stress that enough. Tires are more than just black donut rim protectors.


Perhaps these threads of mine will help you decide. I will say that once you ditch the RFT's this will start you on a slippery slope of modding your suspension for the better.


Run Flat tires vs Normal tires - dealer cut away carcus...
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=412903

My new Michelin PS3’s 225’s & 255’s…
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...chelin+PS3%27s

Dackel's replacement of rear suspension OE bushings with M3 ones…
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=638163

[doublevanosrc]

Originally Posted by sochermit

From what I gather the run-flats give you more steering feel and reaction. I will readily admit the ride is rougher but I do like it.

Correct. I tried non-runflats and the sharp steering and nimbleness was gone. I love the way the car feels with runflats too. The roads here are pretty good so it's liveable.

[1addyfan]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

I would be temped to just make an insurance (comp) claim.

I wouldn't go that route, personally... but that's because I have enough claims on my record as it is (2 in the last 3 years, totaling well over $20k )

I know in my area, the city will often pay for damages suffered from hitting a pothole that wasn't patched properly (or patched at all). You need proof (pictures of damages + pothole + any other evidence)... and it takes a little while, of course... but they do reimburse sometimes.

Not sure where the OP lives though.

[sochermit]

Originally Posted by doublevanosrc

Correct. I tried non-runflats and the sharp steering and nimbleness was gone. I love the way the car feels with runflats too. The roads here are pretty good so it's liveable.

I have not had any problems, knock on wood, with pot holes. Most of my driving in on the freeways at 70+MPH and I like the quick response when dodging road trash. It does ride rougher but, as I said, I like it. It will come down to price when the time comes to replace them.

As Dackelone mentioned tires are very important. I never understood why someone, unless they cannot really afford it, would put retreads on their car. That is the only thing between me and the road. And coin 70~100 frequently I want something really dependable beneath me.

[pinmagic]

I hit a pothole this weekend, but the car seemed fine after. Drove all day the next day, including highway driving. As I was pulling off the highway, the "low tire" warning light came on. Turned out there was a gash in the tire, and all the air had escaped. I'm glad I was on run-flats - no idea what would have happened if the tire had blown out at highway speeds.

[phobic]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

I would be temped to just make an insurance (comp) claim. It won't go against your driving record. Check with your agent.

I emailed my insurance agent actually to see if it would put a mark on my driving record because I know if I email the city, they'll tell me to pound sand.

[Dackelone]

I think most insurance companies allow for one comp claim per year, and no more than two years consecutively. Its best to ask your agent.

[phobic]

also wondering what the name of these wheels are? just incase it is bent and I need to find a new one (hoping used)




thanks you guys for the suggestions. waiting on a call from insurance right now... one woman I talked to said pot holes aren't considered "road hazards"

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by phobic

also wondering what the name of these wheels are? just incase it is bent and I need to find a new one (hoping used)




thanks you guys for the suggestions. waiting on a call from insurance right now... one woman I talked to said pot holes aren't considered "road hazards"

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[ptack]

If it's not that bad (you can drive on it), you can get it fixed for a lot less than buying a new one from BMW.
You may not like using run flats to get home so much when you find out how much they cost because it's one and done with using them deflated.

[IZAGLO]

If you are worried about performance and turn in...put a better tire on the car than the runflats...Yokohama AD08's made a huge difference and will make your car better in handling as well as grip and comfort...I could not of been happier after i switched....My son is ordering, putting new tires AD08 Yokohama again on the car as i write..they are that good.

[phobic]

Originally Posted by ptack

If it's not that bad (you can drive on it), you can get it fixed for a lot less than buying a new one from BMW.
You may not like using run flats to get home so much when you find out how much they cost because it's one and done with using them deflated.

yeah, I know the cost and def don't think it's worth it. It was nice not needing to get out the jack on the highway, but from what Im reading runflats last half as long and cost twice as much. def going to be swapping them out and then selling the 3 good ones at some point.