Can I Use Regular Tires Instead Of Run-Flats?

[StepSeven]

I have to replace the run flat tires on my 2006 330i. Is it okay to use regular tires instead of the run flats? And if so, is there anything special I have to do?

[wyldbil]

Yes and no. In that order.

[Goon]

YEs you can use regular tyres (or tires). I suggest you do it anyway.

[mad4p8ntball]

if you got the money get the run flats, but if not regular tires will do.

[bmwparamedic]

get this (http://www.bmw.com.gr/services/direct/security-7s.php?en=true)

[GuinnessDraught]

The only downside to not using runflats is that most cars that come with runflats from the factory don't have a spare tire. So if you use regular tires without putting a spare in the trunk and you get a flat you're out of luck.

However, regular tires ride and perform much better than runflats.

[StepSeven]

The only downside to not using runflats is that most cars that come with runflats from the factory don't have a spare tire. So if you use regular tires without putting a spare in the trunk and you get a flat you're out of luck.

However, regular tires ride and perform much better than runflats.

I thought about the whole spare tire thing ... and I figured that if I went with regular tires, I could simply get a couple of cans of tire sealent w/air and keep them in the trunk. Wouldn't that work just as well as a full size spare?

[cwarner]

Why doesn't BMW go the route that Porsche does with it's spare. In a 911 that a friend of mine has there is a deflated spare with an air compressor. I know BMW is trying to get weight out of the car, but these run-flats are very expensive and seem to have performance issues. I am not sure I would want to buy a new BMW where I would be dropping $1600 every 15,000 miles for new tires.

I had one case where fix-a-flat would not have solved things. A piece of debris on the road was kicked up by a car in front of me and even after avoiding it going into the front of the car I hit it with the rear tire and it took a huge chunk of the sidewall off. There was a hole 2 inches in diameter through the sidewall. Doubt a run flat could still operate with that damage either.

[atl530i]

Get the regular tires and get a spare off eBay or something for it. I've heard good and bad thngs about run flats. Mainly performance issues.

[Daved]

I had one case where fix-a-flat would not have solved things. A piece of debris on the road was kicked up by a car in front of me and even after avoiding it going into the front of the car I hit it with the rear tire and it took a huge chunk of the sidewall off. There was a hole 2 inches in diameter through the sidewall. Doubt a run flat could still operate with that damage either.
+1 Also if you hit a big pothole and you screw your rim up (crack it or bend it out of shape badly), there's nothing a run flat tire can do.

I have had 2 flats in my life and more than 10 bent/cracked rims.

[JBOT328i]

My freinds Audi has a full sized spar with the tire deflated and comes with a compressor to fill it up. So get ragular tires and a spar.

[TONYAJOHNSON]

I Wanted To Know That Also. I Have A 328xi Coupe 2007 And I Do Not Want To Deal With A Run Flat Tire Disaster, I've Arranged To Have All Four Tires Changed To High Performance (regular) Tires. I Was Told To Look Around For A Used Spare Mini. I Heard Mercedes Benz Has The Deflated One's Also. I'd Rather Take My Chance Than Keep Paying For A New Tire With The Run Flat's.

[Jim@tirerack]

You can run with regular tires no problem. If you car has a TPMS valve stem I would no use fix a flat as it will ruin the sensor. Here is a link to what I would recommend. If I can help let me know.

http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/conticomfortkit/index.jsp