Help, Run Flat questions...

[camerri]

2005 530i 18" Dunlop Run Flats

Driving on the freeway last night and the Flat Tire Monitor comes up saying I have a flat. So I pull over and notice that one of my back tires is really low (15-20 psi). But I can't see any obvious tire damage. So I filled it up and it seems to be holding so far at 44 psi. I have never driven on run flats before and I have a couple of questions after searching to no avail.

How can I tell if the tire is actually damaged if I don't see anything obvious? Does a run flat tire hold air after it is damaged? Does a run flat tire "look flat" if it is?

I have seen in other posts that once a run flat gets too low you have to replace it, even if there is no damage to the tire. Is this true? Sounds expensive.

I appreciate your help guys, I just need to know whether I should be concerned or not. I'm thinking if it holds pressure it should be fine. But what do I know... :dunno:

[mhs525]

God I hate run flats, this $hit will drive you nuts...

Run flats use an extra strong sidewall to provide "run flat" capability. When you drive on a "flat" run flat you use up that side wall strength, they don't last indefinitley without air.

If you did not drive far on the tire when it was low you should be fine. You didn't use up the run flat capability. If there is no tire damage your only risk is less "run flat" range if it loses pressure again.

Damn I hope this makes sense...

[kakalika]

:thumbdwn::thumbdwn::thumbdwn: to Run flats.

[FastMarkA]

Probably the first thing I'm going to do when my car arrives is pull the run-flats. Good concept, but horribly executed.

[w5lx]

I love the TV advertisement BMW has on run-flats. A guy driving down the highway hits some wood with nails in it which penetrate his run-flat tire. He looks so happy that he can continues down the road without a flat tire. What he doesn't tell you is:
1. You can drive only about 50 miles on that tire after it is damaged.
2. Then you have to go to a tire dealer and pay about $300+ to have a new tire installed.

I recently had 2 tires on one side damaged by a pot-hole in the freeway. When I got home I had bubbles on both left sidewalls. The wheels were fine. I took the car to the dealer and had both tires replaced (mounted, balanced, and whatever else they do to them). Total Bill: A bit over $900......for 2 tires. The Good News: I had wheel and tire insurance. The replacement tires were free.

[LoneStar5]

I love the TV advertisement BMW has on run-flats. A guy driving down the highway hits some wood with nails in it which penetrate his run-flat tire. He looks so happy that he can continues down the road without a flat tire. What he doesn't tell you is:
1. You can drive only about 50 miles on that tire after it is damaged.
2. Then you have to go to a tire dealer and pay about $300+ to have a new tire installed.

I recently had 2 tires on one side damaged by a pot-hole in the freeway. When I got home I had bubbles on both left sidewalls. The wheels were fine. I took the car to the dealer and had both tires replaced (mounted, balanced, and whatever else they do to them). Total Bill: A bit over $900......for 2 tires. The Good News: I had wheel and tire insurance. The replacement tires were free.
Are you talking about the Bridgestone commercial? The guy is driving an E60.

[Sweet530i]

I agree, run flats are a great concept. I personally think they should have remained a concept. I have an 05 530i and I replaced all 4 tires with non runflats (new Yokohama S. drive) and let me tell you -I LOVE these tires. But to answer your question, you can't tell if the tire is damaged unless you take it in and have it looked at. They do NOT look flat so you won't be able to tell from looking at it. Run flats are very expensive and unless you travel to bad neighborhoods at 4am or are prone to blow outs, it's not worth it. My dad taught me (his only girl) how to change a tire when I learned how to drive, so I'm a little biased and don't mind getting dirty. There are other posts about run flats on this site. Read them and do your own research to come up with what's best for you.

[skylolow]

Only thing you should do with Run Flat Tires is exactly what it say to do.......RUN and just keep running away from them.