Exactly. And all this so that there can be a 3rd row seat.

I would consider removing them, going to non-RFTs, and carrying a repair kit like the M has. Goop and a compressor, in a nice carry bag with a roundel.

Exactly!:) What is wrong with using those kits?:thumbup: Why RFT?:confused: Am I missing something?
RFTs have way tooooooooooo many negatives! The major one for me is not having choices (tire & rim), specially at those sizes on a dare I say SUV! I am not just talking about brand but also types. Also, of course cost for two(?) new tires and FEDEX air delivery(?) every time there is a puncture.:rofl:
Does any one know whether one can use non-RFTs on these rims without any kind of draw back?

You may also get the repair kit with the RFT. My friend's M3 had RFT plus the repair kit.

Just curious...can RFT be patched at a tire joint if you get a nail puncture, etc?

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.

Usually if you haven't driven on it, ie it went down while parked, then yes. If you drove on it (as it was designed for) then the tire can exhibit cracks on the inside of the casing from flexing. If the cracks are there, it isn't safe to fix. It also doesn't still have its speed rating. No doubt some tire shops will fix them, but the SOP is to buy a new tire, and to buy two tires if the other tire on that axle is worn past a certain tread depth. $$$.

I have been driving a Sienna minivan with RFTs for just over 3 years. We are about to replace our second set of tires at 44,000 miles. The first set of 4 tires ran us over $1k at 21,000 miles. A new set will run $700.

The tires are Bridgestone B380s. They suck! But they are better than the Dunlops that were the other OEM pick. People were lucky to get 15k miles out of the that tire.

Toyota has since had to settle a Class Action on these tires, which resulted in them sending us a check for our inital out of pocket tire replacement costs. But it isn't just the money or the horrible and uneven tread wear. These tires are hard to get, and your average tire shop doesn't know how to deal with RFTs and tire pressure monitoring systems. $tealers mark up these costs because they have you by the balls. Tire Rack cannot keep the tires in stock, and when they do have them, they are VERY expensive.

I have hated every minute of the RFTs and would be VERY wary of ever owning another car with them. Just read through the reviews othe Bridgestone B380s on Tire Rack. You will see one disgusted customer review after another. Don't even bother with the forums at SiennaClub.org. It is too depressing. :(

Yes, RFTs CAN be patched as long as the patch is in the middle of the treads, say, for a nail.

Run Flats
 

Seems like the practical solution is to wait until they need replacement and convert to standard tires and carry a repair kit. Those that opt for larger wheels and have snow in winter have to have a winter tire option.
Seems odd for a SAV to worry about being off the beaten path as if you get a tire problem you are pretty much screwed. I get run flats for a sports car but a SAV or SUV seems odd. I will see have the dealer explains it.

If Im not mistaken, for the e90's, BMW offered a RF protection plan thingy for the life of the warranty for a lot less than most thought...I think it's like 500 bucks or something..:dunno:...They came out and replaced them, or you could go to the nearest place that had them and BMW would take care of it...One flat, and it would be paid for...

If "by off the beaten path" you mean down a backroad or on a trail, then runflats are actually an advantage. You can always drive home, because they are designed to run flat.

If you mean in a rural area, away from tire stores, then I agree. However, that is why you have BMW Roadside service, they will pick up the car and haul it to a dealer for you.