What's wrong with run flat tires?

[indifferenze]

Hello,

I'm new member on board and a new BMW owner. My 328 only has about 1.5k miles, and there's already a puncture to my left rear tire - doh. BMW says they don't cover tires and that they can't patch run-flat tires because the way it is designed. My dealer actually suggests that I buy NEW tire, at a price of $445. I think it's quite ridiculous, so I have to ask the experts online:

Is this true???? Punctured run-flat tires can't be patched and that I need to get a new one??

Thanks in advance!

[civic34]

I believe that is correct...you can't patch run flats. However, that price seems awful high for a replacement tire. Does that include mount and balance? Maybe try www.tirerack.com for better pricing.

[AF]

I had mine plugged ... I know they lose their speed rating but I'm not going to be driving 130 for hours at a time so I don't really think it matters ... plus I have never had a bad experience with a plug in all my years ..

[link]

back in October, I had a puncture on my driver side rear tire. The hole was too close to the sidewall, so it had to be replaced. Not two weeks later, I got a screw in the brand new tire I just put in. Needless to say, I had it plugged since it was right in the middle of the tire tread. No problems since then.

By the way, I got my tire at a local Firestone/Bridgestone, for ~$300 installed. The dealer wanted $480 :yikes:

[civic34]

You've got to watch those dealers..most of them probably mark up the tires/wheels at least 20%. The sad part is that alot of people probably do not know any better and just go with what the dealership tells them.