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Run Flat Tire Problem - Noise, Wear, Cost, Handling, Service
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I have run flat tires and hate them. I found out that the original set of run flat tires were recalled which is why they handled so poorly. Lots of run flat tire problems out there. See what problems others are having. Hopefully you can avoid these cars and problems.



About this poster:
Posted by: Bones (male, mid-30s) (Posted 3/19/08)

Resource Links: Free (relevant links only) BMW Run Flat Forum, Tire Noise, Replacing Run Flats, BMW Tire Noise, BMW Run Flat Tire
Have you had a run flat problem? Please share your experience.
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Responses (5)
wilfrredo2 (3/28): my tire looks like a rake scard about 8 inches of the front tire it make a thumping noise at slow speed (report)
Anonymous (9/13): I've been using run flats for three years and nearly 50,000km. No problems at all. Most tyre wear problems are caused by lousey drivers who are over aggressive with power, brakes, cornering then just blame their tyres. People with non run flat cars have tyre issues too.. (report)
sportcoupe (11/10): although i like the extra room in my trunk, i don't like the extra price for run flats. I agree that they are hard to find and when you do you have to wait for them to ship and pay an additional shipping fee. I did have a nail and i was able to find someone to plug it for $35. (report)
Anonymous (4/26): I've run RFTs on a 2006 325i w/ Sport pkg since May of 2005 with no issues. Just replaced them this weekend. They went probably 25,000 miles which I'm fine with for a soft tread summer tire. No other problems. They gripped great, rode fine and weren't loud. (report)
frankieq (7/23): Run flat tires are awful, especially Bridgestones. I've had to change the tires on my 328xi a number of times in just 5 years. Its not worth the cost or aggravation! (report)

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Responses (62)
Anonymous (3/19): my tires were recalled as well but no one told me at BMW. They still made me fight for new tires. arghh. (report)
Anonymous (5/2): Don't think tires were recalled. BMW issued service bulletin on the Bridgestone Turanza's, but did not inform their customers. The tire problem is Bridgestone's. The customer service issue is BMW's. Caveat Emptor. Vote with your money... (report)
Anonymous (5/10): BMW Misrepresents the tire quality and expectation of a flat tire. In over 40 years of driving I have had maybe a flat every other year, My first and last BMW has had 4 unrepairable flats in less than one year. (report)
johnemil (7/1): Finally I found an internetsite that discuss this problem. I have had a lot of BMWs, now 2006 330i with Runflats. And I hate them very much. I tried an other 3-series last week with normal tyres Michelin Pilot Sport, and it was just fantastic compared to mine. But BMW says that the car is made for Run-flats, så now I don't know what to do. (report)
johnemil (7/1): I forgot to say why I hate run-flat ; noise,too-sensitive for small differences at the road and absolutely no grip in the corners, spesially when wet. (report)
Anonymous (7/6): I just bought a 2006 bmw 2006 wtith 21,600 miles and the noise from the tires is so bad that it sounds like there are chains on the wheels. I still cant believe the dealer when he says its the tires. I thought it was bad bearings or something like that. No way am I buying those run flats. I have two questions. First, what are the best regular tires to buy for that car? and Next, Is there a doughnut tire that I can buy? (report)
Anonymous (7/9): RFT's suck. I have a 330i w/sport package. This is my 9th BMW and could be my last due to tires and BMW's lack of anything. Mine needed replacement after 14K. BMW wanted $1900 to replace. Why buy a car for $44K and have to put tires on it every 14-15K? My other BMW's also had sport packages and handled better without RFT. This is great for BMW since they save money on spares and a extra tire and helps them with their CAFE average. They claim you can go 50-100 miles before changing. FGo on a trip and get a flat. You will get to some station but will wait a day or two to get the tire. (report)
Anonymous (8/15): Hi their i've got 2007 318se touring i notice that at about 7000 miles from having the car from new the front tyres ware completely worn on the out side i keep tyre presures spot on complaint to my BMW dealer they check alignement and more they said that was all fine the front tyres add less then 1mm on the Outer and 6mm middle rear tyres 6mm they did not charge me to check it but a walked way not very happy and no explanation to this problem , so if this is a commen problem with their tyres i will be happy if you let me know thank you Paul.email :almdu@live.co.uk (report)
matrixxboy3 (9/21): I don't hAve a BMW, I have a Toyota Sienna Van. I have had nothing but problems. I find that these tires have a very short life span. I have replaced about six tires in less than three years. Two of them just came apart while i was driving. Fortunately it started as heavy vibration so I could slow down and get off the freeway. Had to stay in a hotel one night because of it. I hate these things. (report)
Anonymous (9/28): I have had my 328i now for a year and half, I had to replace 3 tires. I only have 29,000. miles on the car! They tell you that they are suppose to last 50 thousand miles, that B.S. Not to mention they are run flats, no I don't think so because they don't run when flat. BMW is know for quality, not so much when it comes to these so called run flats. Something needs to be done. (report)
Anonymous (11/4): (Expensive !) solution looking for a problem. What use is 50 miles mobility on a trip if few tire dealers have them or the equipment to install. (report)
major (12/11): I hate them!I recently had a puncture,had it fixed & drove 20miles & the warning came on again saying i had another puncture!I limped tp the nearest garage & was told that there was not a puncture but that they needed reset which i knew nothing about?I have had the warning light go on again this morning & dont know if its a puncture or not?Thats 2 weeks since the last time it came on.Totally pissed off!! (report)
alan (12/22): interesting read, i have a 118 d sport and have been experiencing uneven tyre wear (front passenger esp) had it back to the local dealership, they have checked it out twice, but say there is nothing wrong ! unconvinced i bought a new tyre , but have been checking other 1 series and noticed similar tyre wear on them.BMW uk are saying there is no known issues , my local dealer aknowledges a bit of an issue, but no one is admiting the problem, any one know any more info? regards Alan (report)
Anonymous (12/23): I have an order in for a '09 335 xi and am nervous about the tires. The dealer told me about a 'tire for life' program at a cost of $2,100. Need more details but has anyone done this? (report)
edo (12/24): Do other cars have similar issues with Run Flat Tires..like the Audi S-5 or A-5? If not, why not? I am looking at purchasing the BMW 335i or Audi A5/S5. Thanks (report)
Anonymous (1/31): Try a product called flats over.. I found it easy to install and now I can run standard tyres on my BMW 3 and still have a run flat system. www.flatsover.co.za (report)
NickHJ (2/6): Yes, a big problem. My sister has a BMW 118d. She skidded off a dual carriageway on the M50 in cold, icy conditions and spun off onto the bank and crashed the car. The car was towed to a local BMW garage, and the insurance denied on the basis that the rear tyres (Bridgestone Turanza ER300 RFT) tyres were completely worn out. The car is 10 months old, with only 14,990 miles on the clock, driven by a very normal driver. I have shown pictures of the tyres to various car and tyre service centers, and they are amazed that these tyres could have worn so quickly. Why buy a car with tyres that wear out 4 times as fast as normal tyres? (report)
Anonymous (2/6): well this is just wonderfull. I have had a 318I for the past 10 years and just purchased an 09 328xi. I keep thinking that its noisy and just doesn't handle as well as the old car and everyone around me says "oh your'll get used to it, you just don't know how to drive it" NOW I know its because of the tires. I don't feel the noise or handling on the highways but on city roads I feel like I am drving a tank. (report)
WhAtDaHeck (3/10): I have had to replace these tires twice a cost of 280 dollars it's a crime no shop wants to give me road hazard and when puncture and fixed and i still loose air, it's a no win situation and not to mention they wear out at 10 to 15 K. Yeah it's safe but the cost adds up. Please somebody do something about this. (report) (report)
epapp (4/8): epapp.At low speeds lots of noise.When time comes will not buy them again.Also very expensive. (report)
Anonymous (4/9): 2007 328xi - Road noise is loud and annoying. Sounds like you are going over a metal bridge all the time. Worse at speeds over 35 mph. BMW service told us to purchase two new run flats, which we did (car has 18,000 mi.) and still the noise is awful. Also right after we purchased the car we had to buy two new run flats from a puncture. It took us 3 days to get the tires because the dealership did not even keep them in stock! (report)
Anonymous (4/30): I have had a BMW 335i since July of 2007 (20 months). Fortunately, the dealer talked me into the 'wheel and tire' insurance which added ~ $20 / month to my 36 month lease. In 20 months, I had to replace 3 tires, 2 of which actually ran on the 'run' flat, but still required towing, and 1 which completely 'shredded' on the interstate and nearly killed me. In that case, it was a restricted NY throughway, so I needed to be towed once off the nearest exit, and then picked up by a BMW related tow company. To top it off, my car went in this morning as the low tire pressure kept coming on and the steering was pulling a bit. My wife called me at work to tell me that ALL FOUR TIRES have to be replaced as they are "completely worn", have "bubbles" in them and are a "danger". This will be 7 tires in 20 months. Thank goodness all 7 came at zero cost due to the $20/month 'insurance'. But the hassle of continually having to go to the dealer and / or get towed is too much for me. I can't wait to get out of this otherwise great and fun car in 16 months. Granted, the roads are horrible here in NY, but I've had sporty cars before in NY and PA and never had to replace a tire in 8 years other than normal wear and tear. No fun. (report)
maybenot (5/3): Leasing a 2007 335i. I'm going on my forth, maybe fith run flat. Its in the shop now, for reparing two flat. Another countinous problem I Have with it is this fuel intake pump issue. I've had that problem two times prior to the one now. It alert with the warning light indicatng, 'enigine malfunction reduced speed' which does slow the car down. When you ecselerate you could feel the diffrence in kick. I 'm on my second year Of the 3 year lease, i am really suprised about the unreliability and inconsistent perfomrnace on my 335. It's a nice car, i hate to let it go or not buy or lease another. Its Just not worth your money. I also feel BMW needs to do something about It. They seem to just ignore that this is a major issue. I'm sure im not the only one with this same problem. (report)
Anonymous (5/5): My 05 118d has suddenly developed horrendouse road noise which I think is tyre noise. Considering my commute to work is 65 miles each way it's hell. Dont want to change them yet as they have a few miles left in them and are expensive. The car wears the outside of teh front tyres heavily as well (report)
Anonymous (5/6): I hate my RFT. I have a Mini Cooper with a donut tire AND RFTs. They ride roughly, they wear quickly, and they are expensive to replace. BMW told me that they are going to sell all their cars with RFTs only. This includes Mini. I lodged a formal complaint with them regarding these effing tires. It is making me reconsider leasing another Mini. (report)
Anonymous (6/21): terible tire wear 12000-1500 miles (report)
Anonymous (6/22): Wow, I thought it was my Mini's shocks that were the problem, but it's the tires! Little bumps take the car out of my control. Out of alignment--again (third time and never feels fixed). With 38K miles on the car, I had to replace 2 tires last year and now about to replace the other 2. Maybe I'll get 4 regular tires instead. (report)
Bobbye1 (6/25): I have an 06 325I Sports package w/RFT's. This is my 3rd 325I in 21 years. I loved the first two, but the tires on this '06 are terrible, they make alot of noise and the car handles like a tank not a BMW. BMW should be ashamed to put these terrible tires on such a great car. Cannot say this is the Ultimate Driving Machine anymore my friend's Subru is a better ride. (report)
Anonymous (7/6): They are the worst tyres ever, I had them for two years and keep replacing them every there and then coz they are so sensetive to road potholes. last week I bought one and I have to replace it today coz it got slashed I hate run flat tyres !! (report)
Anonymous (7/21): The only problem I've had with runflat tires is listening to crybabies complaints about them. Yes I had to replace a $405 tire when a nail went through it. I called BMW they had the tire the next day. I drove on it to and from work 30 miles on the flat at 50 mph or less and stopped in at lunch the next day to have tire put on. If I had a non runflat I would have been stranded. My rim ($527 more) might have been damaged by having to drive momentarily on the flat to a safe place the tow truck could have picked me up at. Also I would have had to arrange other transportation to work. My tires were worn out on my Z4si sport package car at 17000 miles and I paid $1700 (Michelin PS2 runflats, fabulous compaired to the Bridgestones) for a new set gladly for the insurance. I paid $48620 for this car and with the best warranty on the planet from BMW, tires are about the only thing they dont cover. So save the money you dont spend on brakes and oil changes and buy some tires. Oh by the way, I don't know who has trouble understanding that 'high performance tires' wear out fast, but when my says "ooh turn here" I can. That is what I bought a BMW for. (report)
Anonymous (7/30): This is ridiculous. I've leased cars for years, probably my 7th car and never had to pay for anything during the lease due to being under warranty and never had any extra wear and tear items at the end. Until now. I've had my car a little over a year and a half. Almost 16,000 miles and I've been hearing a loud noise which seemed like the wheels. Take it in and they tell me I need 4 new tires! At 16k? are you kidding me? a year and a half into a lease and I owe? They said there's a deal where they pay for 2 and I pay for 2. That stinks of them knowing about the problem. I will NOT be purchasing another bmw when my lease is up. (report)
cheesyrider (10/5): Incredibly noisy at highway speeds and no retribution from dealership. Can't wait to change them. Bluetooth hands free completely useless due to road noise. Thanks BMW. (report)
Anonymous (10/6): I have a 2004 Toyota Sienna XLE. At first the concept and convenience of runflat tires was a great convenience, but now they're becoming a bit of a nuisance. Case in point, I just took my van to the dealership because the left front tire is making a noise like it is rubbing against something. The mechanic said there is nothing wrong, but the way runflats wear means that the walls go slack and cause that rubbing noise. I'm about to have a normal tire put on, because I'm tired of the noise and the cost of replacing a runflat. At $280/tire they're not cheap, and they take hours to install versus an hour for a regular tire. (report)
lynnegullion (11/20): i just had 4 flats with my run flats in 1 month! i can't believe this! BRIDGESTONE! every replacement is $700+taxes and installation etc. what gives with this BMW issue. making a bad name for BMW. should i buy a Mercedes? has anyone else had this problem? (report)
Anonymous (11/21): I have a 2008 335xi sport. I hoped runflats would solve the issue of potholes cutting the sidewall and denting the rims. They're a bit better but you're screwed in other ways. I recently hit the raised edge of fresh pavement on a local freeway that was not marked properly on a dark night. Dropped my car at the dealer where I had purchased BMW Canada road hazard insurance. 2 weeks later not even looked at yet due to dealer not willing to tie up a hoist as they put in 8 separate claims for each tire and wheel, one after the other as not allowed all at once. I suggesed they spend $50.00 on some axle stands which they did. Each individual claim was approved until the last one, at which time they made the dealer ship all 4 tires and wheels 2200 miles (I couldn't make this up if I tried) for them to view although they already had photos. Then 7 weeks later they turn down my claim and I have to wait another week for my wheels to come back. 2 full months lost. I intend to sue the Dealer, BMW and the road hazard administrator 'TreadLife' for 2 months lease payments on this car. Still waiting for legal opinion on the claim itself. Meanwhile I lost valuable time in trying to get the City to cover my $5800.00 loss for poor hazard warning signage. A prior flat (simple nail) took a week to replace the tire and I had to buy a matching second tire myself. Tire would have been repairable had the Dealer not said to keep using it for a few days until they could get me in. I love the car but will never buy anoher BMW in my life due to RF tires. Currently investigating wheel mounted runflat systems (currently checking out 'Rod Gard') to use with regular tires and will uses semi-liquid leak repair system inside tire as well to reduce occurences of flats (ie: "Rhino Tire'). Please post any experiences with these alternative products that can possibly create a tolerable run flat experience. Bonus of rim mounted systems is they protect the rim from dents. (report)
tc1005 (11/25): 2008 Toyota Sienna on Dunlop RFT's. At 6 months old, one of the tires went flat. According to the owner's manual, I should have been able to drive up to 55mph for up to 100 miles. I only got about 20 miles at 40mph before the tire disintegrated and left me, my wife, and 3 children stranded on the side of the highway at 1:00am. I wrote the problem off as a fluke and replaced it with another RFT. About 6 months later, tire pressure indicator comes on. I checked the pressure and all tires had appropriate pressure. Then, the indicator went off. So, my wife takes the van to pick up one of our children at school. She called me 15 minutes later to tell me the tire was completely flat and she had to pull over. Since the tire did not disintegrate this time, I was able to inspect it. I found the most odd wear pattern on the inside of the tire where the sidewall meets the tread. The wear mark is about 20 inches long with about a 4 inch tear in the middle. To me, this indicates a defect. Toyota says no. I did get 40,000 miles which I hear is good and attributable to the fact that I religiously rotated them every 5,000 miles. Which leads me to another point. Why was this trouble not spotted on my last (or last few) rotations? I have yet to contact Toyota. Here's to praying they do the right thing so I don't have to bring them to court. (report)
DOL (12/7): I own a BMW 745 Li with DSC/DTC and have had to replace the RFT tires twice within 25,000 miles (three sets of tires worn) Now the tires need replacement again due to extreme wear on the outer side of all four of the tires.The wear creates a loud roar which makes this very expensive "luxury" sedan sound louder and ride rougher than my Ford F250 Super Duty pick up truck! These tires are too expensive to keep replacing. I do not use the car often enough to explain the unusual wear. Does anyone know if replacing the run-flats with regular tires will solve the problem of the unusual wear and loud noise this is causing, or if it is just a less expensive replacement and I will continue to have the wear/noise issue with regular tires as well? I thought I was investing in a well-designed vehicle that would have a comfortable ride! The smooth ride lasted only 8,000(+-)miles. Not only is this tire replacement costly and inconvenient but it is also has a huge impact on the environment. I hear BMW is blaming Bridgestone and Bridgestone is blaming BMW! I cannot understand how they are getting away with this!!! (report)
sqdwrd1 (12/11): I just had a flat and no one in area carries my tire and I live in NYC area, imagine if I was in the middle of nowhere...it will take 5 days to get one, the distributer only had 3 in the entire country...what a scam. I'm replacing them tomorrow with regular tires. (report)
Anonymous (12/12): yes, the nail in the tire is a big problem and you call any store they tell you that the tire has to be replaced, the tire costs about $ 300/- replacing tire every time the nail goes in is outrageous and insane,there got to be better way. No spear tire in the car either. (report)
Anonymous (12/30): I had a 325i, 2006 with run flat tires. I had a blowout and replaced the one tire... Afterward horrible sound. Replaced all four and after 15,000 miles on new tires horrible sound.... I bought non run flats, have had for over 20,000 miles, and they are perfect. I bought an air pump with fix a flat.... (report)
sgriffin1944 (1/8): I lease a 528xI BMW with Continental RSC tires. This my 2nd Beemer and maybe my last. My tires are leaking air and I have had to put in air 4 times within the last few months. The car only has 4700 miles. Took the car into the dealer today, they checked them out, put some more air in and said there is nothing wrong with these tires. They said I need to check my tire pressure twice a month and if the pressure is down, put more in. I think this is BS. I did not realize when I purchased a car with high performance tires that I would be caring for my tires as though I were running in the Indy 500. I think BMW needs to put in pitstops for their cars all over the country in the event one is on a long roadtrip and needs air. Some of the other complaints I have been reading about on this site are making me nervous. It appears I should go out and replace these tires before I have a rollover. I've never had to plunge money into a leased vehicle before and this is making me sick. (report)
captainaudio (1/12): They made my BMW 335i with Sport PAckiage undrivable in NYC. I replaced them when the car was 3 weeks old. (report)
Anonymous (2/1): My husband I purchased an '06 Nissan Quest nearly a year ago. I went and had our breaks done and while there.. they told me that my tires were getting bad and needed to be replaced. That's simple, so I thought. I called them back the following week to have them to order my tire size or to find me a diff size (more commons size) that would be cheaper! Then, the problem's started. It's been 3wks and still no tires! The tire and brake place I was going to couldn't get us a diff size tire, cause our "rims" are only made for that size run flat tire! It didn't stop there...the man I was dealing with on tires couldn't even order the tires bc he wasn't "specially certified" to put them on. Apparently, you have to go to school specifically for that tire. So, we searched around and found someone certified, but they couldn't order the tires bc Michelin had put them back into production. So, if someone didn't have them in stock already they couldn't be ordered! What?? 3wks have went by and still nobody has them in stock bc of it being such an odd size (bc nobody wants them that has had them)...not even the "National Tire & Battery" has them in stock! So, before you by a "Honda" or "Nissan" check the tires and make sure that they're not "Run Flats" cause if they are and you want the car..make them change them to diff rims and a more common size tire. These tires are not worth the hassle. Mine are gonna cost me $300 a piece, and they're loud, and annoying to search for and to search for someone to put them on, and if they're not done right..they can actually explode of the rim! Nobody told me this when we bought our van. Please do your research on these tires..they really are not worth it! (report)
Anonymous (2/1): Response to (7/21): If you had a non run flat tire you wouldn't have had to wait a day to get a new one for the one that had a nail in it..you still would've been able to drive to work the next day, bc you would've had a spare tire to drive on! I've never had to have a tow truck come pick me up over a nail in the tire... These people are not crying over their tires wearing faster, and they're not crying over the "fact" of how difficult it is to get RTF when you need them..they're staight up Pissed Off and trying to get something done about them. We want them to improve these things or quit selling them to ppl. Would you call the ppl that were complaining about they're brakes in the toyota "crybabies" no, bc 20 ppl lost their lives, and there were hundreds of related accidents. It shouldn't come down to that to get someting done! So, stick to your I love/hate my tires and stop cutting down the ppl that have real complaints. If you don't like hearing about them then stop reading them! It's that simple! (report)
Anonymous (2/12): I have a 2008 Toyota Sienna and had to replace the RFTs 1n 14 months (12,000) miles. They wear horribly and the dealership, Spitzer Toyota, wanted $1200 to replace them! I had to go to Goodyear and they replaced all four for $349. Although that wasn't bad, I'm confined to these garbage tires and they need replaced again. I have never had a vehicle that needed tires this often. Who wants to replace tires every 12-14 thousand miles? With no spare and no other options I will get rid of the van soon. Toyota and these tires suck! (report)
mikepow75 (2/18): Replaced by Bridgestone Potenza Runflats on my 2006 BMW 325i after only 6000 miles because they were bald!! Next set (Pirelli RFT) is only 3 months old and is also worn. I'm switching to non-RFT and getting AAA. Most people only get one flat tire in 2-3 years so I don't see the benefit in having overpriced RFT's that wear out in 2 seconds. (report)
longfellow (3/1): Have still got my runflats on the mini but put Ultraseal( the genuing stuff from the UltrasealGB lot)Belt & braces. Saves wrecking an expensive tyre just for the sake of it. Hit lots of pot holes & all seems to be fine still & no punctures ! (report)
HighlyPissed (3/6): In the past 18 months, I have replaced all four of my runlfats. They may be good tires, but they can not handle the wear and tear of everyday city driving. After discovering that I needed a new tire or ttires, finding a carrier of the runflats have been quite difficult. It usually takes a few days to await delivery of a tire dierctly to me, or to a specific carrier. No one ever has them in stock. Therefore, when I'm traveling long distance, the stress of having a flat can be overwhelming. If I were to get a flat during traveiling, who would I turn to to replace my tire? Would I have to wait a few days for a delivery? Therefore, I do not have a desire to ride around with runflats any longer. (report)
Anonymous (3/9): yes...the tire indicator has come on three times in as many weeks. The dealership dealt with it, but I am thinking about getting this insurance policy...anyone heard of it? (report)
Anonymous (3/14): HAD flat in states had the insurance(Canadian company) BUT they didnt have the tire had to overnight it on BMW wouldnt pay for hotel and food says tire malfunction not a mechanical breakdowm Had to pay dealet in us and recoup from insurance company in Canada was not told they would require replaced tire BIG Hazzle after paying $1000 for tire insurance (report)
BrianJesselBMW (3/19): Do not buy a BMW 323i. I bought one from Brian jessel BMW in Vancouver and have replaced 4 tires in 2 years. Run Flat tires are SHIT, they are noisy and expensive to replace $400-$500 each. I will also never buy another BMW from Brian Jessel, these dealers need to grab some balls and stand up to BMW and demand some course of actiont that is satisfactory to their customers....besides selling a tire warranty program. (report)
Anonymous (4/7): The bottom line is that it is just a joke to say that these tires are repairable. Our dealer wouldn't, the "authorized repair center" Firestone dealer we took ours to for repair quietly admitted they would not repair no matter what. Lets face it the only ones getting repaired are the ones that go flat on the dealer's lot a waiting sale. Without full disclosure of non-repair in the BMW driver owners manual they are facing class action at some point. (report)
dsurdyka (4/15): Left rear Continental 19"rim on a 2010 550i runflat failed no obvious damage/wear at 8000 miles last week. Cost 500$ to replace . Now right rear out with obvious sidewall damage in two locations. No warranty. No major road hazard encountered. No punctures. (report)
Anonymous (4/17): Yes 2 flats one at 10k 2nd at 20k (report)
Defn28 (4/27): I have run flats and they never last more than 1 year and they are Bridgestone as recommended by BMW. I've had my car since brand new 07 reg(BMW M3 sport coupe)now i need to replace the tyres for a third time. It's so expensive, there has to be an alternative. (report)
newguy (5/14): Very noisy, unpleasant ride with the run flats. I just changed from my winters to summers on my 2006 330i sport package and the handling/noise is more than annoying. RF's are a nightmare. My winter tires aren't run flats and I had no issues. The only problem is if you get a flat you're screwed. Don't be scared to use regular tires though, they work just fine for a RF intended vehicle. I will try and get through this summer with these damn things and then I'll be buying some regulars. BMW should be stepping up to the plate and admitting they've made a VAST mistake in requiring fun flats on newer models. (report)
Pablo (6/19): Hi, I drive BMW 328XI 2008 and have Bridgestone Turanza EL42 tires on it. I am very disapointed about the noise and vibrations coming from the tires on highway speed. I reported the problem to my dealership and they advised me to replace the tires for over than $1,000. I am going to force them to replace the tires on their cost as they sell the cars equipped with defective parts. (report)
Anonymous (6/29): I have Goodyear run-flats on my 2009 GL320 Benz. Ride is harsh and choppy due to stiff side walls. ONLY option is this tire at $450 each. I have 20K miles on them and they are gone. Switching to regular tires and carying plug kit and CO2. Plus AAA is something really bad happens. My ride should improve. Biggest issue is getting tire shops to repair flats. I have had 1 nail and 2 screws. Bad luck on my side. No one will touch these tires with a 10 foot pole. They tell me to go to Benz. I wish I had atleast had another option for RFT's other than Goodyear. The other brands won't fit my car. (report)
chas (7/9): I was looking to purchase a set of front tires for my 2008 Corvette and while researching I found that there is more complains than anything else with the RF tires. I has been driving my car for 38,000 miles with the same Goodyear tires from factory and so far no problem at all except that I found that my car is noisy and I atribute it to be a Chevy; but by reading about other drivers experiences I can tell with honesty that BMW owners have a combination of poor car suspension desing together with a tire that is not suitable for the car. Rise your voice guys and have BMW to come with a solution. (report)
Anonymous (7/24): Having experience with RF tires on two vehicles, Lexus and BMW I switched to regular tires on both and ended the problem. In June a new 7 series arrived. I scrapped the Goodyear run flats with 118 miles on them. Yes, I said one hundred eighteen! I will not tolerate them. (report)
mllimberg (7/27): I hate RFT's. I will never buy a car with RFT's again. I just turned in a BMW 328i I loved ,except it had RFT's and no room for a spare. They are noisey, rough riding, ware out way too fast, no one carries replacments, so road trips are out of the question. Yes, I could go to BMW, but dealers close at night. I drive alot. I can't wait until a dealer opens on Monday. I can't put on a spare and drive since BMW does not have room for a spare. I can't wait to buy another BMW, but I won't unitl they make RFT's options only. Bad idea. Never buy a car with RFT's, you too will hate the experience. (report)
Anonymous (7/29): I hated my run-flats - just hitting a simple small pothole was enough to compress my spin and rattle all my bones. It's like driving a dump truck. I had a puncture this week, and rather than pay the $367.00 CDN to replace, I had them all taken off and new repairable tires installed. A lovely smooth ride into work today - guess I won't need to buy a spine stabilizer after all. (report)

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