See post #8, above.

The BMW description of the rim in the press release is the same as for the Z4, it isn't a standard rim but rather has a hump to hold the bead in place when deflated. It is a common mod on a Z4 to put standard tires on. I haven't done it yet, don't like throwing away 4 tires with 12,000 km and lots of tread left, but if I keep that car the replacements will not be RFTs.

My bet is that it will be possible to change to standard tires, but there will be no place to carry a spare or a flat tire without folding down at least one row of seats.

EDIT: perusing other (Non-USA) press releases, I see that at least in Australia, BMW has decided that an emergency spare (read space-saver temporary) will be included with all five-passenger E70s. That is good news for some of us, and also tells those not lucky enough to be in Australia that a space-saver tire fits under the floor where the 3rd row seat would have gone.

__________________
2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue