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Originally Posted by lapeter
I currently have a 2005 4.8is. In the winter I install my 18 inch winter tires with Factory BMW wheels. Will I be able to buy run flat snow tires and put them on my currrent 18" wheels??? Can I then install a sensor? Since I will not have a spare, I can't use my current winter tires.
TIA
Al
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Well, I had guessed that you were talking about an E70 using your old winter wheels, but now you have confirmed it, good
Yes, you should be able to install your old 18" wheels. We don't know the offsets yet, but it a good bet that they will fit, pending confirmation when the vehicle is actually out.
You will be able to buy 18" runflat snows for those wheels. Many runflats work on standard wheels. Some runflats use a wheel with an additional hump to help keep the bead seated (the E70 has these). Some runflats use proprietary wheels, so let's leave those out of the discussion. BMW is referring to the E70 as having 4th generation runflats, which relate to the Bridgestone design with a stiff sidewall (and no support ring). It is safe to say that there are some runflats out now that will work, and there will be more out next year. No idea on price or performance. Early adopters may have to pay the price. It is still very much a moving target, but lots of things are or will be possible.
Yes, you can then install the sensors in standard wheels. They attach to the back of each valve stem. They are specific to the vehicle or brand of vehicle (radio frequency).
If you go with RFT snows, the theory is you don't need a spare. If you go with standard snows, not a bad idea since you already have them, you won't have a spare, but you have quite a few options. As MD mentions above, you can use cans of goop, a portable air compressor, an AAA card, a cell phone, etc. My last flat tire was in 1998, 6 or 7 vehicles back, so I am not too worried myself. Also, if you don't have the 3rd row seat, you can carry a space-saver spare in the under-floor compartment. BMW Australia has announced that that will be a standard feature on all their 5 passenger E70s, which is what tells us it is possible, ie it fits.
Cheers
Jeff