Anyone taken an E70 with Run-Flat tyres on the beach?
 

I have a 2008 E70 with Run-Flat Tyres (due to 7 seat version), and was thinking of taking the X5 onto the beach. However, letting the pressure down on the 255/55R18 RFTs will not change the profile of the tyre.

So does anyone have experience driving on the beach with RFTs? Are you likely to get stuck driving through some of the softer sand, e.g. beach entrance?

I wouldn't do it. The contact patch on EMT's won't spread when you let the pressure out, the X will just sink.

So does anyone have experience driving on the beach with RFTs? Are you likely to get stuck driving through some of the softer sand, e.g. beach entrance?[/QUOTE]


Hi Dave,

Watrob who is a member on this site and drives up to the sunshine coast every week, he also does a hell of a of driving on the beach in his X5. Send him a PM because he has the experience of doing what your asking. I have been on the beach on Stradbroke island in mine but I didn't need to let the tires down as I was driving on firm sand whilst the tide was out. I think you would only have problems in the deep ruts and powdery stuff.

Do a search ... I remember a while ago .. someone posted a video from youtube, and there was an x on the beach with 20" that had stuck for good:nanana:

Here's the video

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...uck-beach.html

I have driven on Mexican beaches on my runflats and as long as I keep moving I am all right. The x5 does not hesitate.

Thanks all for your replies. Sounds like it's possible to drive on the firmer sand, and maybe a short distance on softer sand, e.g. the entry to the beach. I'll also send the question to Watrob.

If I take the X5 onto the beach, I'll also take along a tow row .... just in case. I'm sure the first comment I get is "just let the air out of your tires", followed by the question "what is a run-flat tyre?"

Hi dave:

I take my X5 to brigantine beach in NJ all the time, at the begining I was i letting air out to 20lbs, driving it in manual mode and keeping it in 1st and pressing the DSC button once. Now i don't even let the air out, but I have mastered the skills of driving off road.

I suggest that on your first attempt lower your tire pressure. Trust me I have seen jeep cherokees stuck while i was driving by no problems at all. The sand was dry, deep and 5% of the true 4x4 got stuck, not me.

Now a days I don't even lower the pressure, I just drive it like I stole it in 1st gear with DSC off. But again now I am more carefull not to brake suddenly, not to make sharp turns, i try to follow other vehicle tracks, and approach an elevation in a diagonal fashion. Try it its a lot of fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Run flats don't get you the same air-down benefits of normal tyres on sand.