Non Run Flat Guidelines

Avtar · Post by **Avtar** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 10:31 am

I am planning to come of the run flats, probably during the winter whilst i have the winter tyres on. I understand that tyres now have symbols that indicate that they are approved by the vehicle manufacturer (e.g. * for BMW), also the load ratings are lower for non run flats.

Dose anybody have views or experience of how important, required these are in terms of warranty impact or is this all just a load of 'hooey' and make no difference at all?

Thanks

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 2:03 pm

BMW warned me that if I fitted non-approved tyres then they could choose to 'disallow' claims under the vehicle warranty. They did not elaborate other than to say it could affect the paintwork, bodywork and transmission side.

My insurers told me that they would permit the use of any tyres that met the suppliers approval and were available as OEM equipment. For my E71 that meant fitting runflats as Winter tyres too. I have the Pirelli Snow & Ice for Winter.

When queried, BMW told me that the vehicle type approval was based upon certain equipment combinations and these were available as OEM options. My insurer (Aviva) told me that they would only cover 'approved' combinations for Summer & Winter wheels/tyres that were the same as those offered by BMW. I did not have to buy from BMW, simply use the same equipment that BMW offered to customers. If I chose a non-OEM selection then they would charge me as the vehicle was therefore a non-standard risk.

I checked Realoem to see what was options BMW had as available and then bought elsewhere. Saved a small fortune.

Homologation and type approvals are becoming an issue, and a good way of manufacturers and insurers to walk away.

Avtar · Post by **Avtar** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 2:44 pm

Tell me if i am getting this right but essentially since non run flats were never an option for the E70 does that mean that there is in essence no option but to stay on run flats for warranty purposes? BTW I also have Run Flat Pirelli Ice & Snow as my winter tyres.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 9:44 pm

All I can offer is the message I got, which was to stick to RFT or they could 'choose' to walk away. Whether in reality they would have a leg to stand on if they did 'choose' to be difficult I don't know. Having a Â£64k car and a bad experience with a different dealer I chose not to chance it.

Having the same thoughts about tyres for our imminent arrival (mini) but with that I do have a choice as there is a steel wheel with non-RFT @Â£600 a set or and alloy with RFT option @Â£1800 a set. No brainer there, helped by the BMW choice of winter alloys being...erm...hideous.

Have a look at Realoem and see if in fact there is a non-RFT option on yours. All the choices are in the 'Wheels' section, with winter sets at the bottom. There might be, and if so, you may be covered

. The X6 does not have a non-RFT option so I am stuck.

JimmySpeed · Post by **JimmySpeed** » Thu Oct 06, 2011 10:30 am

Why not keep the runflats handy and so if you ever need warranty work just stick em back on?

Avtar · Post by **Avtar** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 4:05 pm

[quote=""mobilejo""]Why not keep the runflats handy and so if you ever need warranty work just stick em back on?[/quote]

Storing a second set of wheels is one thing but then also a spare set of rubber would be just pushing my luck with the missus. I took the option to extend my warranty and am planning to call them and check.

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 4:30 pm

I really don't think the dealer would turn around and not warranty work just because you did not have rft's on.

It would always have to be proven that the use non rf tyres was the direct cause of an issue for them not to cover it. So for example if a wheel cracked they may use the tyres you're running on as a direct cause. Having said that the cause of BMW alloys cracking was actually as a direct result if the use of rft's.

I'm running an aFe induction kit and some aftermarket ICE but they still warrantied my alternator, battery and heater matrix.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 4:46 pm

I completely agree, but in the light of the current economic conditions it might not be the Dealer that says no, it might be BMW GB. They've been playing 'Bad Cop' recently and I would not want to give the ******* any leverage to reject anything. I do agree that it would be a bit harsh, but still technically a correct decision.

Asking them might be the best thing. If they're not bothered then you're home free

Avtar · Post by **Avtar** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 4:51 pm

Will update as soon as i have spoken to them

Avtar · Post by **Avtar** » Thu Oct 27, 2011 9:41 am

Spoke to the warranty company yesterday and they had absolutely no clue and advised me to speak to my local dealer. So I contacted my local dealer (Berry Chiswick) who then said that they would consult with their Warranty Manager and a Senior Technicians and come back to me.

Sure enough a couple of hours later I was advised that there should be no issues with replacing the run flats with alternate BMW approved non run flats of the same size and specification. The only potential issue that they foresaw with the warranty were any issues that related to, for example, wheel damage (e.g. driving with a puncture for a prolonged period) or something that was specifically attributable to non run flats, and apart from that they do not perceive any issues.

I then asked if they would supply and fit the tyres to which they advised yes. I understand that BMW would be more costly in terms of supply and fit of tyres but feel that this would provide me some additional cover if/when issues did arise I would always have the position that you did supply and fit these tyres.....

Now the only question that remains is how much of a ride difference will there be between the run flats and non run flats?

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Thu Oct 27, 2011 10:42 am

To be honest I can't say I have ever noticed much difference. I changed my old E53 from Michelin Diamaris to Bridgestone RFTs and it felt pretty much the same. The only really noticeable thing was when I got a front puncture with the RFT the car drove fine but the steering felt slightly heavier.

Low profile tyres such as the 19" std fit on the E53 have pretty stiff sidewalls anyway, and RFT tyres are just thicker/stiffer so they dont collapse on pressure loss. Hence not noticing any real difference. Add sport suspension into the mix and, well let's just say that British roads aren't the smoothest anyway. I prefer the stiffer ride offered by sports susp and that may mask any changes.

At least you got a positive answer and a pragmatic solution from your Dealer too

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 3:47 pm

Glad they came back with a sensible answer and confirms what I have been told in the past.

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