Not happy with the X5, is it the RFT?

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by Alan Smithee

No different than a non-RFT. If either is damaged by running too long without air, replacement is necessary. The difference is that a RFT can go 50 miles farther.

I've never had Discount Tire look up the manufacturers recommendation on repairing a non-run flat tire. When I inquired about the RFT they ask for the brand and model and looked it up in their system before even asking me about travel distance or inspecting the tire. If the manufacturer recommends a replacement they won't even bother inquiring about the distance or inspecting the tire. They'll only replace it.

[Alan Smithee]

Originally Posted by sunny5280

I've never had Discount Tire look up the manufacturers recommendation on repairing a non-run flat tire. When I inquired about the RFT they ask for the brand and model and looked it up in their system before even asking me about travel distance or inspecting the tire. If the manufacturer recommends a replacement they won't even bother inquiring about the distance or inspecting the tire. They'll only replace it.

Not surprising, as they are in the business of selling tires.

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by Alan Smithee

Not surprising, as they are in the business of selling tires.

Which doesn't explain why they'll repair a non-RFT or RFT if the manufacturer states it's OK to do so.

[GoVols!]

Originally Posted by Alan Smithee

Run-flats definitely can be patched. The tire shops' concern is that a run-flat tire, which is good for 50 miles, may have been run flat for 50 miles, and therefore its useful life is finished.

From the Bridgestone website:

Is it possible to repair a Run-Flat tire that has been punctured?

It depends on how far and at what speed the car was driven after the puncture was sustained. Repair is possible only if deemed so by the tire sales store. Preconditions include a puncture of less than 6mm for both side-reinforced type and support-ring type Run-Flat tires, plus minimal damage to the support ring in case of the latter. However, it is strongly recommended that the tire is replaced as its durability will have been weakened after being repaired.

That's all well and good, but the shops I talked to refuse to fix them out of liability risk. Heck, my tire never even lost air pressure. No TPM warnings, etc. I would have never known the nail was there if I hadnt seen it as I was cleaning the wheels.

[GoVols!]

Originally Posted by GoVols!

That's all well and good, but the shops I talked to refuse to fix them out of liability risk. Heck, my tire never even lost air pressure. No TPM warnings, etc. I would have never known the nail was there if I hadnt seen it as I was cleaning the wheels.

Bottom line is - What good is the technical ability to be repaired if you can't find anyone willing to do the repair? Not like I can take a screwdriver to the rims like you usetacould to change a tire.......

[Alan Smithee]

Can't help you, fellas. All I am doing is pointing out that a RFT can be repaired if otherwise undamaged, just like a non-RFT. The most highly respected tire store in this area patched one for me, no questions asked, but the tire did not lose air. Bridgestone backs that up. Dunlop's website doesn't say they can't be. Those are the only two I looked up. I am not aware that other OEM X5 run-flats use a different design, so they should be repairable as well. The legal exposure is whether the tech doing the job is competent enough to look for signs of deterioration; apparently some manufacturers and shops are willing to take that risk, and others are not. Again, same as a non-RFT.

In my experience, big chains like Discount Tire will not repair a non-RFT either. It has always been a cash transaction directly with the tech and no paperwork.

[jeep]

I find my X5 ride to be just right. Does your 09 have Adaptive Drive (easily identifiable if you have a switch to select "Sport" on the center console next to the gear shift), all M3s have Adaptive Drive, that could be the difference. One of my colleagues had an E70 without Sports Pkg (no Adaptive Drive) and his truck rode harsher than mine.

[QUOTE=GoVols!;861204]

Originally Posted by Run-flats can be patched just like non-RFTs.QUOTE

Not according to the 10 tire shops I called trying to get a patch when I got a nail in one of mine. The nail was in the dead center of the tread, not the sidewall. It may be possible, but a reputable tire shop will not do so.

"Luckily" I only had about 8k on the X when this happened so I just replaced that one tire. Non-RFT's will be going on shortly when the factory's wear out. RFT's are a rip-off that serve no practical purpose if you are anywhere outside of a city with many tire shop options.

It's a scam initiated by the dealers and perpetuated by tire shops. My tire shop repaired my 19" Bridgestone RFTs free of charge (he was probably banking on future business which he got from me). Go to a non-reputed shop if you have to, there is no difference in patching regular vs RFTs. Sidewalls cannot be patched for either. Michellin's have a different RFT (centrally supported) design, so their story might be different.

[Jim E.]

Originally Posted by jeep

I find my X5 ride to be just right. Does your 09 have Adaptive Drive (easily identifiable if you have a switch to select "Sport" on the center console next to the gear shift), all M3s have Adaptive Drive, that could be the difference. One of my colleagues had an E70 without Sports Pkg (no Adaptive Drive) and his truck rode harsher than mine.

when did BMW add ARS to the M3?

[jeep]

Originally Posted by Jim E.

when did BMW add ARS to the M3?

Not sure what you mean by ARS but Adaptive Drive has always been there as standard feature in the current generation M3.

[djarvik]

I have fixed RFTs on my GS350 many times. In fact, all four where patched. No issues at all. It is only a question of how long you have to drive on the tire before fixing it. Most of my flats where local, but one time I had to cross a bridge and the tunnel to get to Brooklyn and fix it at my shop of choosing (I pretty much gave up on the tire and decided to go all the way home). The tire was done. Needed a new one.