Run flat vs non run flat trunk space

arian19 · 08-31-2015, 05:26 PM

I was wondering if I should get run flat when I order 2016 328i. I am under the impression that run flats don’t come with a spare. I am also assuming that the non-run flat tires come with a spare.

So how much extra space is in the trunk?

It would be nice to have a photo comparison between a run flat trunk vs a regular tire trunk, anyone want to take a photo of there trunk?

How hard would it be to switch between run flat and non-run flat, since the trunk is not built to handle a spare.

Also inversely so, if switching from non-run flat to run flat is there any computer mechanisms that are required for run flat tires to function properly?

COKen · 08-31-2015, 06:37 PM

I'm not sure you can get non-run flats with your new car. There is no spare in any case. You would need to purchase one yourself and just put it in the trunk leaving very little room. I don't have run flats on either of my BMWs and have never had an issue with a flat tire (M Roadster has over 100K). I do carry a plug kit and air compressor (never needed to use either).

arian19 · 08-31-2015, 07:20 PM

I believe the 18" Light Alloy V-spoke Style 398 Orbit Grey option comes with Non-Run Flat Tires.

So does that mean if I order that option, it won't come with a spare...

EJL · 08-31-2015, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arian19

I believe the 18" Light Alloy V-spoke Style 398 Orbit Grey option comes with Non-Run Flat Tires.

So does that mean if I order that option, it won't come with a spare...

I have that option, it comes with a tire inflation kit.

Michael Schott · 09-01-2015, 07:42 AM

To clarify, you have to order the Track Package to get the go flat tires and as EJL says, it comes with the inflation kit. Otherwise you will get RFT's.

RoundelM3 · 09-01-2015, 08:53 AM

Other thing to consider is that you have to get a jack to go with the spare, whether it's space-saver or not. I've put non-runflats on all of my cars that came with runflats originally. I've not had any flats yet, but I do have the "M-Mobility Kit" in the trunk. Aside from that, I also have an AAA membership, which will get you a flatbed tow to the nearest tire repair facility.

Consider also that, when deflated, runflats are good for 50 miles at moderate speeds. When you get to a repair facility, you're going to buy a new tire, because the runflat is no longer safe and nobody wants the liability of repairing one. If your tread is 50% or more worn on the other tire on the other side of the same axle, you're going to buy two. You don't want one new and one worn tire on the same axle due to safety and handling/traction concerns.

RM7 · 09-01-2015, 09:31 AM

For the most part, a can of fixaflat will solve anything that a runflat would be able to handle, modern tires are extremely tough. And if it's catastrophic enough that it doesn't, most likely a runflat wouldn't work anyway and you'd need a tow. The shredded tires you see on the highway are big rig retreads 99.9% of the time, guys that just let their tires go crazy-bald or have crazy catastrophic failures. The rubber on the inside of tires is pretty gummy so most penetrating objects tend to seal around themselves fairly well, you lose air, but not at a rate that prevents you from getting somewhere reasonably close.

BimmerBoomer · 09-01-2015, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roundel335

When you get to a repair facility, you're going to buy a new tire, because the runflat is no longer safe and nobody wants the liability of repairing one.

Not really. I've had run-flats repaired twice now by the local tire shop, no problem. The last tire I had to replace was a Michelin PSS on my M3, and the critical damage was done getting to a safe place to pull over.

awyongcarl · 09-01-2015, 10:34 AM

Just driven my 320d M Sport for 3000km and notice the tire tread (Pirelli Cinturato P7) has been considerably worn, bit and pieces falls off and it looks like I just tracked the car or something. Is this suppose to happen? I know I drove the car to a mountain pass spiritedly but that was only once! I didn't know P7 gets worn down so fast.

Anyway, already planning what tire to switch to when this is worn out. Looks like my option is pretty limited..With the price of P7 I could easily get the Mich PSS for the same size and cheaper which I am very keen on trying but it is not RFT..

RoundelM3 · 09-01-2015, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimmerBoomer

Not really. I've had run-flats repaired twice now by the local tire shop, no problem. The last tire I had to replace was a Michelin PSS on my M3, and the critical damage was done getting to a safe place to pull over.

Really...you had a runflat "repaired", as in a plug put in the tire, and then continued to drive on it, despite the manufacturer warning that they are only safe to drive for a maximum of 50 miles after a complete loss of pressure? I don't know how things are in Canada from a legal standpoint, but no shop I've ever visited will "repair" a runflat tire. In fact, many don't have the proper equipment to mount/dismount runflats. I got rid of mine at 14K miles because I just couldn't stand them any more.

fusion0389 · 09-01-2015, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arian19

I was wondering if I should get run flat when I order 2016 328i. I am under the impression that run flats don’t come with a spare. I am also assuming that the non-run flat tires come with a spare.

So how much extra space is in the trunk?

It would be nice to have a photo comparison between a run flat trunk vs a regular tire trunk, anyone want to take a photo of there trunk?

How hard would it be to switch between run flat and non-run flat, since the trunk is not built to handle a spare.

Also inversely so, if switching from non-run flat to run flat is there any computer mechanisms that are required for run flat tires to function properly?

I dont think any of the cars come with a spare, regardless of tire type. From what I understand its just a tire inflation kit. Not hard to switch since there is no spare. Lastly, no computer stuff to deal with. Runflats have very stiff sidewalls that allow you to drive for 50 miles. Its essentially the sidewalls holding up that corner of the car when its flat. I have runflats on my 2016 328 because i got a killer deal, however next time around im definitely ditching them for some MPSS (Michelin Pilot Super Sports) or something similar.

Michael Schott · 09-01-2015, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roundel335

Really...you had a runflat "repaired", as in a plug put in the tire, and then continued to drive on it, despite the manufacturer warning that they are only safe to drive for a maximum of 50 miles after a complete loss of pressure? I don't know how things are in Canada from a legal standpoint, but no shop I've ever visited will "repair" a runflat tire. In fact, many don't have the proper equipment to mount/dismount runflats. I got rid of mine at 14K miles because I just couldn't stand them any more.

This is not at all my experience. I had an RFT fixed. I doubt they had to remove it from the wheel as they plugged it but I don't think a tire shop needs special tools for RFT or if they do, most have this equipment. I've used 2 tire shops to remove RFT's and it was not an issue for them. In fact just yesterday I had new go flats mounted and kept 2 of the RFT tires to be refitted at lease end.

fg9ze · 09-01-2015, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

This is not at all my experience. I had an RFT fixed. I doubt they had to remove it from the wheel as they plugged it but I don't think a tire shop needs special tools for RFT or if they do, most have this equipment. I've used 2 tire shops to remove RFT's and it was not an issue for them. In fact just yesterday I had new go flats mounted and kept 2 of the RFT tires to be refitted at lease end.

+1. I brought my car to a tire shop recently because I thought the front right tire had a leak. Fortunately, the tire was fine but the guy did say that RFTs can be repaired if need be. As long as it's done correctly, he said a repaired RFT will work fine.

Billfitz · 09-01-2015, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fg9ze

+1. I brought my car to a tire shop recently because I thought the front right tire had a leak. Fortunately, the tire was fine but the guy did say that RFTs can be repaired if need be. As long as it's done correctly, he said a repaired RFT will work fine.

+1. RFTs can be repaired just like any other tire. The issue with them is if they suffer invisible sidewall damage, which can happen if they lose too much air and/or are run too far after losing air pressure. If that happens then they might eventually fail after the puncture is repaired. Manufacturers, always wary of potential lawsuits, won't tell you that it's OK to repair them in the event that they do fail after being repaired. Shops may say that they can't be repaired because they'd rather sell you a tire than fix one.
This doesn't crop up with non-RFTs, as when they go flat and one continues to drive on them they suffer sidewall damage that's anything but invisible.
The 50 mile caveat is how far you can expect to drive on one that's fully deflated before it totally shreds. Rest assured if you drive it 50 miles, or even 5 miles when fully deflated, it will be toast.
I keep a tire repair kit and pump on board, along with a jack and wrench, so that if I get a puncture I can fix it immediately, before sidewall damage occurs.

flags · 09-01-2015, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

This is not at all my experience. I had an RFT fixed. I doubt they had to remove it from the wheel as they plugged it but I don't think a tire shop needs special tools for RFT or if they do, most have this equipment. I've used 2 tire shops to remove RFT's and it was not an issue for them. In fact just yesterday I had new go flats mounted and kept 2 of the RFT tires to be refitted at lease end.

Another +1. I had a screw in my run flat recently. A local tire shop did not have the right equipment to remove a run flat, but referred me to another local that that did. Called them up and they stated they would do it. Before I got to that shop, I was at my local Costco. They did it within an hour for $11 bucks. Plug and patch. They stated it is not a problem to repair a RFT up to 2-3 times, depending on location/severity of the puncture.

BimmerBoomer · 09-01-2015, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roundel335

Really...you had a runflat "repaired", as in a plug put in the tire, and then continued to drive on it, despite the manufacturer warning that they are only safe to drive for a maximum of 50 miles after a complete loss of pressure? I don't know how things are in Canada from a legal standpoint, but no shop I've ever visited will "repair" a runflat tire. In fact, many don't have the proper equipment to mount/dismount runflats. I got rid of mine at 14K miles because I just couldn't stand them any more.

Well if you have run-flats it's a good idea to use a tire shop that has the equipment and knows how to repair them. And obviously no one should expect to repair one after driving 50 miles on a deflated tire.

BavarianFanatic · 09-02-2015, 02:29 PM

For a complete spare with jack, etc. it's tough to beat the package Bimmerzone puts together:

http://www.bimmerzone.com/BMW_Perfor...0-328-KIT.html

As far as repairing a RFT - I had a dealer patch a tire that had a puncture from a large bolt last winter. I've put well over 5K miles on it since with zero issues.

As stated, run on flat tires CAN be repaired, but the correct procedure is to use a patch plug, not just a standard external plug. It also can't be too close to the edge of the tread (true of all tires). The concept of a 50 mile range on a flat tire is more of a rule of thumb than anything else. If the tire has overheated the interior of the carcass will disintegrate and the tire will be full of rubber dust or small marbles. If that hasn't happened, regardless of miles driven, there's no need to replace the tire.

08-31-2015, 05:26 PM	#1
arian19 Private 31 Rep 56 Posts Drives: 2016 328i Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Run flat vs non run flat trunk space I was wondering if I should get run flat when I order 2016 328i. I am under the impression that run flats don’t come with a spare. I am also assuming that the non-run flat tires come with a spare. So how much extra space is in the trunk? It would be nice to have a photo comparison between a run flat trunk vs a regular tire trunk, anyone want to take a photo of there trunk? How hard would it be to switch between run flat and non-run flat, since the trunk is not built to handle a spare. Also inversely so, if switching from non-run flat to run flat is there any computer mechanisms that are required for run flat tires to function properly?
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08-31-2015, 06:37 PM	#2
COKen Lieutenant Colonel 983 Rep 1,562 Posts Drives: M Rster / Z4 M40i / X5 M50i Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	I'm not sure you can get non-run flats with your new car. There is no spare in any case. You would need to purchase one yourself and just put it in the trunk leaving very little room. I don't have run flats on either of my BMWs and have never had an issue with a flat tire (M Roadster has over 100K). I do carry a plug kit and air compressor (never needed to use either). __________________ 2002 M Roadster, Steel Gray Metailic, Gray Nappa Leather, HT, TC Kline DA Shocks & Camber Plates, w/H&R Springs, Stromung Exhaust, SSR Type C. Looking for new home. 2022 Z4 M40i, Misano Blue Metallic, Driver Asst Pkg, Prem Pkg 2023 X5 M50i, Phytonic Blue, Black Extended Merion Leather, Driving Asst Pro Pkg, Park Asst Pkg, Exec Pkg, Climate Comfort Pkg.
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08-31-2015, 07:20 PM	#3
arian19 Private 31 Rep 56 Posts Drives: 2016 328i Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: California iTrader: (0)	I believe the 18" Light Alloy V-spoke Style 398 Orbit Grey option comes with Non-Run Flat Tires. So does that mean if I order that option, it won't come with a spare...
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09-01-2015, 07:42 AM	#5
Michael Schott Colonel 343 Rep 2,118 Posts Drives: 2017 VW GTI Sport Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Farmington Hills, MI iTrader: (0)	To clarify, you have to order the Track Package to get the go flat tires and as EJL says, it comes with the inflation kit. Otherwise you will get RFT's.
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09-01-2015, 08:53 AM	#6
RoundelM3 Major General 1843 Rep 6,993 Posts Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clayton, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 [9.83] 2015 BMW M3 [6.50]	Other thing to consider is that you have to get a jack to go with the spare, whether it's space-saver or not. I've put non-runflats on all of my cars that came with runflats originally. I've not had any flats yet, but I do have the "M-Mobility Kit" in the trunk. Aside from that, I also have an AAA membership, which will get you a flatbed tow to the nearest tire repair facility. Consider also that, when deflated, runflats are good for 50 miles at moderate speeds. When you get to a repair facility, you're going to buy a new tire, because the runflat is no longer safe and nobody wants the liability of repairing one. If your tread is 50% or more worn on the other tire on the other side of the same axle, you're going to buy two. You don't want one new and one worn tire on the same axle due to safety and handling/traction concerns. __________________ 2015 F80 ///M3 Sedan 7DCT Tanzanite, 2022 X3 sDrive30i 8AT Brooklyn Grey
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09-01-2015, 09:31 AM	#7
RM7 Brigadier General 2905 Rep 3,493 Posts Drives: Camaro SS 1LE Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alaska iTrader: (0)	For the most part, a can of fixaflat will solve anything that a runflat would be able to handle, modern tires are extremely tough. And if it's catastrophic enough that it doesn't, most likely a runflat wouldn't work anyway and you'd need a tow. The shredded tires you see on the highway are big rig retreads 99.9% of the time, guys that just let their tires go crazy-bald or have crazy catastrophic failures. The rubber on the inside of tires is pretty gummy so most penetrating objects tend to seal around themselves fairly well, you lose air, but not at a rate that prevents you from getting somewhere reasonably close.
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09-01-2015, 10:34 AM	#9
awyongcarl Private 16 Rep 72 Posts Drives: F30 320d M Sport Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Malaysia iTrader: (0)	Just driven my 320d M Sport for 3000km and notice the tire tread (Pirelli Cinturato P7) has been considerably worn, bit and pieces falls off and it looks like I just tracked the car or something. Is this suppose to happen? I know I drove the car to a mountain pass spiritedly but that was only once! I didn't know P7 gets worn down so fast. Anyway, already planning what tire to switch to when this is worn out. Looks like my option is pretty limited..With the price of P7 I could easily get the Mich PSS for the same size and cheaper which I am very keen on trying but it is not RFT..
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09-02-2015, 02:29 PM	#17
BavarianFanatic Too much is never enough 655 Rep 3,079 Posts Drives: Too Many Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: SE PA iTrader: (0)	For a complete spare with jack, etc. it's tough to beat the package Bimmerzone puts together: http://www.bimmerzone.com/BMW_Perfor...0-328-KIT.html As far as repairing a RFT - I had a dealer patch a tire that had a puncture from a large bolt last winter. I've put well over 5K miles on it since with zero issues. As stated, run on flat tires CAN be repaired, but the correct procedure is to use a patch plug, not just a standard external plug. It also can't be too close to the edge of the tread (true of all tires). The concept of a 50 mile range on a flat tire is more of a rule of thumb than anything else. If the tire has overheated the interior of the carcass will disintegrate and the tire will be full of rubber dust or small marbles. If that hasn't happened, regardless of miles driven, there's no need to replace the tire.
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