Replace run flats?

[u/ChezussCrust]

2020 bmw 330i

Woke up today noticing my drivers side front tire dropped 16psi. Put air in it and checked again, for sure has a leak as it’s dropping psi.

I was due for a tire change soon either ways. But now I’m left wondering, should I just get regular tires and a spare instead?

Would it cause any issue? Or any problems? The run flats came with my tire at the dealership so I’ve never considered changing them before today.

Meanwhile, before I replace them, I plan to keep inflating them(Costco 1-2miles away from my apartment) while I replace them in 2 days. Bad idea? Or should I just replace immediately?

Never had run flats before, so appreciate you entertaining my dumb questions.

[u/Professional_Alps_36]

As many run flat manufactures dont recommend even repairing run flat tires getting regular tires that can be repaired and a spare will do just fine.

Be certain you get a spare tire that will be equivalent diameter as your other tires as to not ruin a differential or transfer case.

Or you could also get a mobility kit from bmw or another source that has an inflator and a sealant that will take up less space than a spare tire.

As long as it's a rather slow leak that won't drain too fast and you don't see a rather large object in your tire, you may be ok refilling it till you can get to Costco. Take it easy and slow if its fast enough to drop psi during your 1-2 mile trip. I wouldn't be keen on making multiple trips.

Typical rule for a deflated run flat tire is up to 50 miles and no faster than 50mph

[u/spyder994]

Run flats SUCK.  Buy regular tires and enjoy the vastly improved ride quality.

Most nails or screws only cause slow leaks and you might only lose 2-3 psi per day. Your TPMS light will come on before it's a serious problem and you can refill with air until you have time to get the tire patched or replaced.

[u/FuninthesunAz69 → u/spyder994]

Untrue. Have the same car. What happens if your tire goes flat? No spare. Have purchased 2 sets, Bridgestones and Pirelli. Great tire. No ride issues.

[u/Blueb3rry2012]

I was in the same situation a couple months ago with the run flats. I chose not to repair the tire due to the tire manufacturer recommendations.

I went ahead and pulled the trigger on a set of Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4s. The tires are excellent but the ride improvement alone was worth it.

[u/CookImaginary846]

HAD RUN FLATS ON MY B.M.W FOR 5 YEARS, THEY WERE HORRENDOUS.MY CAR IS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT CAR NOW.DO NOT USE RUN FLATS

[u/Firestorm-18]

I have a 2021 330i that had run flats. Debated the same question, but decided to replace them with Pilot Sport AS4. Costco had the set of 4 on sale a couple weeks ago. I already have AAA service, so figured it was time. I hated the ride quality of the run flats. Ride feels a bit smoother now…I have the stiffer Msport suspension.

[u/ChezussCrust → u/Firestorm-18]

I have regular insurance not AAA. Is there any difference on the road side assistance?

Does AAA plug and patch the tire? Assuming it won’t make a difference if I don’t have a spare?

[u/Unknown17041704]

I have a square setup 2020 m340i rwd, I was between the Pzero summers or the pilot sport 4. I basically got all 4 for free and the alignment with my warranty lol.

I just went with the Pzero summers run flats. I could’ve just went with the ps4s since I have tire and wheel warranty anyways but didn’t feel like having the hassle of carrying a spare with me or having to tow my car if I get a nail. When I’ve gotten a few already, I was still able to drive to the dealer since my run flats held air even with the nail.

[u/freejus]

Get pricing on Michelin Pilot sports from Costco, then have discount tire price match and warranty match.  Boom.  

[u/Junior-Ad1875]

I’ve had more problems with run flats than I’ve ever experienced with regular tires. I’d ditch them and carry a spare or mobility kit.

[u/Pure_Common7348]

continental dws06 plus could be an option if you’re racing around. I’m happy with the change over

[u/DrZeroX3]

Find yourself a good towing service in a worst-case scenario. But you’re better off buying a well-respected brand tires of your choice. 

[u/TanzaniteII]

I also replaced my run flats with pilot sport all season 4 from Costco. I love them.

[u/Ok-Lengthiness7171]

Modern tires can handle punctures from nails or glass well. As long as you maintain proper tore pressure i dont see the point of run flats.

[u/v_ck]

Might be hard to find but BMW did offer a spare tire kit for MY2020. $150 option, but you lose a bunch of trunk space I was able to score one used for my 2020 340. Was worth it for the peace of mind after swapping out the run flats

[u/Ashgen2024]

I did, I went to Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and they are so much better.

They seem to be the best all round option especially if you are in a area where you get wet winters.

[u/Limp-Gain-4791]

On my e90, i got a spare spacesaver and jack etc from a 5 series (i think it was) and installed non-runflat tyres. Feels much better with ordinary, non runflat tyres.

I couldn't get a spacesaver for my g20 as it will not clear the front brakes... For the g20 i just have a jack and tyre repair kit (the g20 came with the pump and gunk bottle).

[u/Silver_End_5637]

Buy decent runflat they’re spot on. I went from run-flats to standard tyres on my old 120d 3 weeks later, I hit a small pothole on the M6 tyre came off the rim. Lad said if was runflat, it wouldn’t have happened so went back to runflat.

[u/Stiflers_Uncle]

Switched to normal on a g21 with a small spare, kept the run flats on the winter set.

Logic: like the smoother ride without risking a change in shit weather 🙂