Run Flat Tires
 

I am looking to buy new summer tires for my '08 3.0i w/sport pkg in Spring, would like to know which RFT has the best all around performance( ride, control, wear etc); Bridgestone, Continental, Michelin or Pirelli.

check out and see if you like the nitto nt-05's. they're not run flats but cheaper alternative than some on your list and a really good performance tire.

Interesting, I saw "Run Flat Tires" in the title and my mind completed the phrase with "suck" :)

Go for non runflats, better for your suspension, ride, and chicks dig them. Everything is true except for that last part.

Looks like some of you don't realize that you need RFTs on X5s with third row since there is no spare.

The RFT vs non-RFT debate has literally pages of threads on the topic...
but, 'no spare' is not the deciding factor on whether to run non-RFTs or not, imo.

If you have 3rd row and no space for a spare - yes it is.

There's always AAA or any other similar services if you choose to pass on run flats.

I don't happen to have a whole day to blow sitting in the middle of nowhere waiting for a tow truck. You folks make it sound like RFTs make the truck ride like you're on a snowmobile. RFTs are fine and definitely serve a purpose.

We bought the BMW mobility kit for our 3 series when we ditched the run flats. Plus we have road side assistance with our auto insurance as well. Knock on wood, but in 5 years no problems yet.

For me, the run flats were the first thing to go on my X5. I looked specifically for an X5 with the spare tire (and got it) but honestly if I didn't have it I'd still have dumped the RFT's.

I also got an email today from getbmwparts.com for the OEM BMW E70/71 X5 & X6 Series Emergency Wheel/Tire Set - $335. I know hauling it around is a pain, maybe needed for longer trips out of town, but it's an option to consider.

getBMWparts.com powered by Tischer BMW - Your #1 Source for all OEM BMW Parts/Accessories!

Yep, had a 328i vert, got rid of the run-craps and tossed some fixaflat in the trunk, if that did not work it was roadside assistance time!

So to the third row drivers I say go for it, be risky with a flat situation and not with your suspension.

To those who think RFTs are OK and like them, super.

I have an M5- with the mobility kit.

After getting stranded 110 miles from home for 2 days, I swore never again. I now carry a full size front wheel in the trunk, jack, lug wrench. It has saved me 4 times. What would be a many hour, to overnight delay (with potentially needing to buy an new unmnatched tire at retail) is now a 20 minute pause.

That being said, my 2010 and 2012 has 255/50-19 Michelins and seems to ride just fine. But I have the spare too...

Will be tossing my run flats immediately after winter.

I read your post with excellent reading comprehension, the first time; my point is one does not have to use RFTs, with no spare, but one may choose to do so.

Not arguing the merits of RFTs vs non-RFTs in terms of handling, etc., but I run our Vette with non-RFTs. It's a choice I make and I don't give it a 2nd thought, even on a 2 month, 13,000 mile road trip, we made this past summer, I did not wring my hands. You can choose RFTs or not, regardless of your "no space". It is up to each, to decide...

Just going to add my opinion here as I see so many negative comments on RFTs.

I have RFTs on summer and winter wheels. They don't bother me at all and I see no reason to change.

As mentioned, it's all a personal decision. I, personally, would still get RFTs even if they sounded like huge tread tires on a monster truck. Just for the piece of mind that my wife doesn't need to get out of the truck on a highway with two boys in the back seat is worth the drawbacks alone.

@ pokemon,

Do you have many RFT staggered tire choices for summer? I thought it was only the O.E. "Dunlop SP Sport Maxx DSST" and the "Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport"? I'd be interested in hearing if you find out about any others.

If I could choose a tire, it would be the Michelin Latitude Diamaris but I don't think that they have RFT options.

One more opinion.
Looks like I will be keeping my 06 3.0 X5, and will be driving it till BMW makes room for a spare and the option of NON RUN FLATS. So, I guess I'll see 500,000 miles or more.
BMW's other DIM BULB IDEA is NO DIPSTICK...sorry BMW you have screwed up BIG TIME

Daka, better restore some of your faith, the five seater has a skinny spare and I found the dipstick 'hidden' under there 'don't touch unless you are mechanic' area of the under bonnet. Eg where the brake master cylinder is.

Well, good to know...it only tells me that the sales people don't have a clue..When I asked they "checked with the manager" and said no spare available, ( I didn't say 2 or 3 seat) and Oh No, you dont need a dipstick, it has a warning light...

Where is engine oil dip stick located for the 3.0 engine and do you have the picture?

Attachment 52604

Attachment 52605

Attachment 52606

Attachment 52607

Just went to double check is quite easy to see once you know where you are looking. Be aware this is for a right hand drive vehicle so there is a possibility dip stick is located on opposite side to this. Dip stick is located on RHS of engine (as you are facing it) between the air intake and the plastic air intake cover. Easier to access if you remove top plastic engine cover.

1. Grip both sides at the front corners and lift (you will hear click as cover comes free)

2. Repeat in the centre. Gip both side in the centre and lift.....

3. Once these are free pull the cover towards you and the rear clips will release.

Dip stick is then easily removed. (you will notice it is black so that it is hard to see not like other vehicles where they bright yellow which will incourage you to check the oil! A good thing to know so that you can check that the stealers have changed the oil. Photo's attached.

It is not the engine for '08 E70 with the 3.0 inline six. Thanks anyway.