Spare tire options with Run Flats?

[z2g]

For those with Run Flats and the third row, has anyone here decided to go with conventional tires and added on a spare tire? If so, did you buy a compact spare tire? And, where did you store it if you have the third row?

[RedRockin]

Many threads on this already here, xbimmers.com and bimmerfest.com use the search and type in "spare tire". I'd help you but search results links sometimes don't work when posted in threads.

In brief, some do switch to non-RFs but usually for reasons like they prefer the ride/quality/performance. With 3rd row, not many spare stow options - other than the obvious. Many are using fill-a-flat type options. BMW makes a "mobility kit" with filler and compressor that uses latex. The BMW kit can be pricey (around $180) and the same basic kit (without the fancier case and gloves) can be purchased as the Conti Comfort Kit from Tirerack.com (another latex product) for about $80. Latex has been reported to damage TPMS. Slime makes two different types which both use a water soluble filler which is supposed to wash out without damage to TPMS (but TPMS will likely not function properly until washed out). the Slime "Safety" kits use a one step process where the filler gets pumped in with the air while their other kits are 2 step (remove valve core, put in filler, replace valve core and pump in air). here are some links:
Amazon.com: Slime Powerspair - 48 Piece Kit Tire Repair Kit: Automotive

Amazon.com: Slime 70005 Safety Spair Flat Tire Repair System: Automotive

Amazon.com: Slime 50051 Safety Spair Roadside Emergency Essential Kit: Automotive
From Slime web site:

My vehicle has a TPMS device; can I use SLiME?

TPMS STATEMENT OF COMPATIBILITY

As leaders in the tire care and repair industry, Accessories Marketing, Incorporated (AMI), the manufacturers of SLiME Tire Sealant wish to address the mandate set forth in the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act, passed in the fall of 2000. In response to this mandate, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) established the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard that requires the installation of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) to all vehicles by September 1, 2007.

From our findings, and after significant dialog with the leading manufacturers of TPMS devices, SLiME Tire Sealant will not damage TPMS devices. We understand TPMS manufacturers have conducted extensive testing to ensure their sensors remain operational after exposure to any chemical fluids that might come into contact with the sensors. This includes after market products, such as SLiME Tire Sealant. AMI has also conducted independent testing, which supports and verifies SLiME Tire Sealant’s compatibility with TPMS devices.

Currently, there are two types of TPMS devices available: Direct and Indirect. SLiME Tire Sealant’s TPMS formulation is compatible with all TPMS systems. However, it is important to note that once installed, Slime Tire Sealant may come in contact with the sensor in a way that renders the sensor TEMPORARILY inoperable until it is properly cleaned, inspected and re-installed by a tire care professional.

Because SLiME is a water soluble flat repair treatment, it is easily removed from the tire with water. At the time the affected tire is inspected by a tire care professional, they should clean the sealant from the tire, prepare the area and repair with a Rubber Manufacturer’s Association (RMA) approved patch/plug. The TPMS device should also be cleaned off with water to remove any sealant which may have come into contact with the device. Do not use any fine objects to ream and clean the small pressure sensor opening as it may damage the electronics. After the repaired tire is replaced and inflated the TPMS system will resume operating as normal.

Please note that SLiME is recommended as a REPAIR for all Over the Road (OTR) applications.

Tire Rack : Continental
From the web site:

Use of this product on direct TPMS vehicles could also result in damage to the tire pressure sensor inside the wheel. Please contact your sales specialist at Tire Rack for more information.

Amazon.com: BMW Genuine Mobility Kit - Tire Repair Kit: Automotive

[z2g]

Originally Posted by RedRockin

Many threads on this already here, xbimmers.com and bimmerfest.com use the search and type in "spare tire". I'd help you but search results links sometimes don't work when posted in threads.

In brief, some do switch to non-RFs but usually for reasons like they prefer the ride/quality/performance. With 3rd row, not many spare stow options - other than the obvious. Many are using fill-a-flat type options. BMW makes a "mobility kit" with filler and compressor that uses latex. The BMW kit can be pricey (around $180) and the same basic kit (without the fancier case and gloves) can be purchased as the Conti Comfort Kit from Tirerack.com (another latex product) for about $80. Latex has been reported to damage TPMS. Slime makes two different types which both use a water soluble filler which is supposed to wash out without damage to TPMS (but TPMS will likely not function properly until washed out). the Slime "Safety" kits use a one step process where the filler gets pumped in with the air while their other kits are 2 step (remove valve core, put in filler, replace valve core and pump in air). here are some links:
Amazon.com: Slime Powerspair - 48 Piece Kit Tire Repair Kit: Automotive

Amazon.com: Slime 70005 Safety Spair Flat Tire Repair System: Automotive

Amazon.com: Slime 50051 Safety Spair Roadside Emergency Essential Kit: Automotive
From Slime web site:

Tire Rack : Continental
From the web site:

Amazon.com: BMW Genuine Mobility Kit - Tire Repair Kit: Automotive

Thanks for all the info. I have read about the repair kits here and on bimmerfest. I was just curious whether anyone actually bought compact spare instead.

For me, I just bought a portable air compressor. I figure most flats are due to a nail or something, which can take a lot of time to deflate. So, if I get a flat, I figure I can just pump up the tire and rush to the nearest tire repair place to patch it. But, I was wondering if there's a more traditional approach with your basic spare tire.

But, I'll definitely get a bottle of Slime. That's sounds like a good option.

[RedRockin]

None that I am aware of. I bought the BMW spare after delivery and got a fair price. but, i do not have a 3rd row so it fits perfectly in the storage (where it would go if ordered originally) just w/o the bracket - fits perfectly so no biggie. It is bigger than the little mini(s) and still has the same mileage/speed limitations. Looks almost like a full size - just narrower. Doubt a mini would even work. And, as you already realize - storage is an issue.

RFs have their place but if you drive on them (flat), even a few miles, they will likely be unrepairable. Some post having them plugged but that is likely after a very brief drive. They are expensive to replace and the ride is way less than the better non-RFs. Clearly, a compromise either way.

[Armand]

Originally Posted by z2g

For me, I just bought a portable air compressor. I figure most flats are due to a nail or something, which can take a lot of time to deflate. ...

This exact situation happened to me. Remember you will get a TPMS warning if you have a slow leak so there is no risk of damaging the RF tire unknowingly. I added some air using my car battery powered pump and drove to the dealer where they discovered a big bolt in one of the rear tires. It took two days to fix it. I added air one more time as a precaution since I was driving the car in the mean time. Before this experience, I was a bit uneasy with the RFT choice but now I am very comfortable with it. I can't think of a situation where I would prefer one of those dinky spares. A better option might be to carry around an unmounted full-size tire. The disadvantages of that are obvious.

[Ag4.8]

I replaced my Dunlop RFT with Conti's just a few months ago. I have the third row so there in no room for a spare. I got a Compressor and sealant kit. Fits in the small storge tray in the floor behind the third row. I believe on the M3 and M5 there is no spare and they come with the BMW kit (read this somewhere on this forum).

[Patlintwo]

Originally Posted by Ag4.8

I replaced my Dunlop RFT with Conti's just a few months ago. I have the third row so there in no room for a spare. I got a Compressor and sealant kit. Fits in the small storge tray in the floor behind the third row. I believe on the M3 and M5 there is no spare and they come with the BMW kit (read this somewhere on this forum).

Yes, I can confirm that E9x M3 has no spare, but comes with tire sealant and a compressor.

I will do the same thing you did in swapping out my X5's RFTS.

[StumpyPete]

I keep a spare in the garage. It's pretty rare for me to be more than 50 Miles from home, and both punctures I've had have happened within limping distance. My philosophy is that if I am further away from home then BMW assist can deal with it. Thankfully in the UK, your never more than about 30 miles from a dealer.

[LI-X5]

dealer gave us an opt with car for $150 for a spare w all the fixins we took it !!