I-Drive says flat tire.

So does this mean I should take it in to BMW or should I just have a tire shop do it? I just checked the pressure and it's at 2psi.

Originally Posted by jostalli

So does this mean I should take it in to BMW or should I just have a tire shop do it? I just checked the pressure and it's at 2psi.

isnt 2 pounds per square inch a bit low? i don't think i would drive it if it is that low, those tires are like $500 a piece.
Hint: push on the tire and see if it is soft and compare it to the other tires on the car, also look for sidewall bubble.

Originally Posted by jostalli

So does this mean I should take it in to BMW or should I just have a tire shop do it? I just checked the pressure and it's at 2psi.

Dude....2psi means flaaaaaaaat. How far are you from a Discount Tire (they are great in my area - but may have to order the tire). Call first and make sure they have the tire.

Do you have the tire warranty?

No, I don't have tire warranty. The tire looks slightly low but definitely doesn't look flat. The pressure gauge says 2psi. The car drives normal. I guess the run flats are working. It's the driver rear tire.

Originally Posted by jostalli

So does this mean I should take it in to BMW or should I just have a tire shop do it? I just checked the pressure and it's at 2psi.

are you sure thats 2 psi?, take another look and try another guage

Originally Posted by jostalli

So does this mean I should take it in to BMW or should I just have a tire shop do it? I just checked the pressure and it's at 2psi.

I take mine to the dealer, but I have tire warranty. You should be careful because even though the run flats do work, it still doesn't prevent rim damage. That has happened to me, so not only did the tire have to be replaced, but the rims too. And those rims aren't cheap.

You get to drive 150 miles at a max of 50 mph, per the warning I just got yesterday. Took it in immediately...the tire pressure was 20 pounds. They pulled the nail out and patched it and I am rolling again for Twenty dollars. Two pounds is negligible and if you have driven very far or fast, I would strongly recommend that you buy a new tire. You should take it to a good tire shop and have it looked at. It isn't worth your life to risk a tire that may be "chancy" for lack of a better word. The tires are expensive, but cheaper than funerals. That's my .02

Originally Posted by SmoothCruise

I take mine to the dealer, but I have tire warranty. You should be careful because even though the run flats do work, it still doesn't prevent rim damage. That has happened to me, so not only did the tire have to be replaced, but the rims too. And those rims aren't cheap.

Your rim was covered, right? Hope so.

Originally Posted by credit777

Your rim was covered, right? Hope so.

Yes, rims were covered with insurance, but the first time they were damaged, the insurance didn't cover it because it was 'my fault'. However subsequent damage to my rims were covered by insurance.

Originally Posted by SmoothCruise

Yes, rims were covered with insurance, but the first time they were damaged, the insurance didn't cover it because it was 'my fault'. However subsequent damage to my rims were covered by insurance.

Usually I opt out for "tire" insurance - but I went ahead and got it this time since the run-flats can be difficult to repair. I'll start looking for nails in about 18K miles .

Well, gents it was the ol' nail in the tire. Tire place down the street patched it up for $30.

Originally Posted by jostalli

Well, gents it was the ol' nail in the tire. Tire place down the street patched it up for $30.

What do you do to patch it up? Please enlighten me. I thought you had to pretty much get rid of your tire? Is patching up safe? Effective (meaning, will you have to repatch later?)

Originally Posted by jostalli

The tire looks slightly low but definitely doesn't look flat.

A runflat will never look flat.

They plugged the hole. I asked if that was the "best idea" and they assured me they perform this same procedure on run flats with great success. The service manager even whizzed through the I-Drive to reset the pressure monitor in a half second.

Originally Posted by jostalli

They plugged the hole. I asked if that was the "best idea" and they assured me they perform this same procedure on run flats with great success. The service manager even whizzed through the I-Drive to reset the pressure monitor in a half second.

Unless you are certain how much (or little, actually) damage your tire has received it is a bad idea simply to patch it and think everything is normal. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. The whole point of a run flat is to maintain its shape for 50 to 150 miles, depending on load and speed. It does this by sacrificing its integrity over a lengthy period of time. So, if you caught the flat the instant it occurred, and never drove on the tire with 2 ppsi, well then you're okay. If you drove on the tire for 20 to 30 miles, its integrity is compromised and as it continues to bear weight it will deteriorate and eventually fail completely.

So, before patching the tire the tire guy should have been asking you some questions. Did he? Did he carefully inspect the interior of the tire and check its flexion? What did he find?

Whatever happened, good luck, but I think you may need to see a run flat specialist.

2 psi = flat = take care of the problem immediately.... run flats are supposed to be rated for up to 50 miles (with the factor of safety), so it may look ok, but its flat. I'd say go to the dealer.

Originally Posted by jostalli

They plugged the hole. I asked if that was the "best idea" and they assured me they perform this same procedure on run flats with great success. The service manager even whizzed through the I-Drive to reset the pressure monitor in a half second.

Who is "they" as in "they plugged the hole"? If its a dedicated tire shop I'm sure you're ok. I once punctured a very new 19" low profile tire and took to Discount Tire (luuuuv those guys) to get it patched. They wouldn't do it because the nail ruined the tire. I complained (and cried)...but they wouldn't budge. I was told that by law they can't patch a tire if they believe the integrety is compromised.

Now if it was some dude at a garage....

It was Goodyear Tire on Ventura in Encino.

Originally Posted by jostalli

It was Goodyear Tire on Ventura in Encino.

Good to know when the tire blows - they will not be "judgment proof."

WOW! I get my tires "patched" for $10 all the time!