Tyres: runflats, regulars, X drive and BMW recommendations

[sapphireblack]

So whats the reality here? I've read a few posts about non runflats being 'dangerous' to the X drive system, i even recently had my local main dealer tell me that if one run-flat tyre was irreparably damaged I'd have to replace all four

This got me thinking, or wondering more likely, that scaremongering by certain parties who may benefit directly or even indirectly have their own agenda with such statements. I'm not an engineer and i can see that extremes, as is often the case in life let alone motor vehicles, is likely to be bad. However, i am also very aware that BMW and others do all that they can to protect their network of 'stealers', who lets be honest arent mechanics, they're fitters at best albeit very expensive ones at circa £200 an hour, with computers basically telling them simply what to replace, as opposed to attempting to repair. This is where specialists are usually great and better informed, they open stuff and have a look, not just unbolt, discard and replace. They learn like old school mechanics who fixed things becsuse they could and wanted/needed too!

Anyway, back on subject who, if anyone, has factual knowledge on whether non runflats are truly bad for the X drive aystem?

[X5Sport]

Given that BMW offer (albeit ‘*’ marked) non-RFT tyres for these cars, that should answer that question and put that myth into the bin.

But, and there always is one, if the tread depth one any wheel is 3mm or more different then the risk of there being a problem goes up. I have just had a puncture on my X6 fixed (RFT Bridgestone) but if it had not been fixable I would have needed to replace all four due to the wear difference.

The tyre fitter I have used for 20 years has never given me bad advice, and even he cannot understand why the manufacturers of a number of premium brands have gone to such poor designs. The electronic control systems are designed for handling rather than coping with transmission loads.

I need new winter tyres but because so many suppliers got burned a couple of years back, finding the right sizes is proving a challenge and that’s also for the correct ‘*’ rubber! His advice was to stick with the correct approved tyres on any xDrive equipped cars, and if under a BMW Warranty never consider anything else or BMW will walk away.

A relative of his exceeded a service distance by a few 10s of miles, suffered a turbo failure under warranty and BMW refused to cover it leaving him with a £5k bill!

[sapphireblack]

I didn't know that BMW approved non runflats existed, good to learn that at least. I did and do wonder about the X drive system. Clever perhaps but the E53 was simpler and perhaps better for it. The X system seems fragile in comparison.

I do believe in BMW dealer maintenance albeit it comes at significant costs. My E53 cost a small fortune to maintain at Cooper BMW over the many years of ownership, but several times that saved me from some ridiculous bills as they fought my corner citing full service history by them. BMW UK coughed up all or large parts when under pressure on at least two occasions. Add back many many hours of technicians time though and ownership is still undeniably costly.

Would i buy into another brand, probably not other than possibly Subaru, who i hold in high regard from ownership experience, my wife still has one, they dont tho make a large SUV for the UK but i think the US gets such a vehicle now.

Anyway i still like my BMs.... most of the time.