I'm grateful my X3 doesn't have runflats. They ruin the ride and handling.
And no, changing a tire on these vehicles isn't more difficult than any other car - I do it twice a year when swapping summer/winter wheels.

 

Stans, are you kidding me? Not having run-flats is a plus! That is the reason why many, many folks here deep six the run-flats and get standard tires to drastically improve their ride! Didn't you see that on this site? 🤔 Forcing folks to have run-flats on a new car that they will buy was a mistake that BMW finally realized and did something about. My hat's off to them.

 

BMW is quietly dropping run-flats with each new platform: U11 X1, G60 5 Series, and now the G45 X3.

The G01 X3 initially offered non-run-flats as a option, but that was dropped with the LCI (mid-life update). The G20 330i also offered them, but dropped them with the LCI.

The challenge now for BMW will be to figure out where to put a spare tire on their PHEVs and EVs. "No spare means no deal" is my motto going forward.

I was hoping the "LCI2" 2025 330i would bring back non-run-flat tires as an option, but that's not the case. When I go to pick up my 2025 330i next year, I'll have four Michelin PS A/S 4s in the back of Frau Putzer's X3 to be put on as part of new car prep.

The non-run-flat all-season tires on Frau Putzer's X3 have 59k miles on them and are fine. I've never heard of anybody doing that with run-flats.

 

Yeah, I don't see this as a negative. I do think customers should get a choice between runflats and go-flats (and spare tires). If wireless phone charging is an option on new bimmers, why can't there be options for tires? 🤔

 

I think the ”guy at BMW” displayed common sense.

 

Years ago, we went to a BMW NA event where we drove BMWs and car from competitors (M-B, Jaguar, Lexus, Porsche). I grabbed a BMW NA Bubba and dragged him over to a M-B E Class and showed him the spare tire under the trunk floor. I then showed him the aftermarket spare tire hogging up the trunk in my F10 535i. I told him my next car will have a spare tire under the flat floor of the uncluttered trunk. I'll never forget his response "Yeah, but how often do you get a flat tire?" I asked for his business card so I can send him a picture of my next car and its spare tire stored under the trunk floor.

The event was held at BMWoB (BMW of Bubbaville) I have them do all my tire work, and I just happened to have a tire/wheel off my Chevy Cobalt in for a remounting (they'd put it on backwards). They'd finished it and it was leaning against the wall by the Service Department's entrance. I pointed the tire/wheel out to the BMW NA Bubba, and told him "This week." I was lying about it being a puncture, but it worked better for making my point.

We balked at buying an E84 X1, F25 X3, and leasing a F15 X5 40e because of their lack of spare tires and spare tire holes under the cargo area trunk.

 

Thank you all for replying. I have owned 32 BMWS since 1975. I do not disagree that in general run flats suck. However, 95% of the people buying X vehicles are not lookin for high speed handling, traction or braking. The SUV is a just a means of getting from point A to point B and have cargo space or a third row. The best suggestion was to make it an option
BMW had the opportunity to change thevX1,2,5,6 and 7 for 2025 but did not. The only reason I can think of is the redesigned body allowed them to put in a spare without reducing cargo space as in previous X3 models.
I can tell you if you get X5 or X6 with all season tires and Adaptive Suspension it rides as smooth as a new 5 series with its non run flats. Another contributing factor for all BMW tires is their standard equipment tires are usually ranked near the bottom of their class according to Tire Rack.
Also it depends on the roads in your state. There is a bid difference between roads in the North to roads in Florida as far a pot holes etc.
When you are younger, it’s no problem to change a tire. Senior citizens wouid have to call AAA ot BMW Road side service. That can often take two hours. It is not a position you want to find yourself at night in this environment. So all the more reason for making it optional. I laugh at people who buy true M versions of SUVs. It is strictly some type of image issue because your not going to track days and dragging cars from a stoplight is fun for a while until a Tesla blows you away.
So my opinion remains the same. SUVs are not sports cars. They are a functional means of transportation. If you want a six cylinder instead of a four that’s fine. It took umpteen years to get BMW to increase the standard horsepower in the X5,6 and 7. Haveing the same engine as a three series was dumb. I own a 2024 x5 and it’s more thanquick enough. 0-60 about 4.6 is plenty quick I once owned a 1985 Porsche 911 and it’s 9-60 time was around 6.1.

Another crazy thing for the new X3 is the bright blue V shapes trim on the doors and the U shaped trim around the center console According to BMW, this color is not changeable. you get vanilla trim in non M sport version. I’ve seen pictures that differ but you can’t build one differently.

 

Thank you all for replying. I have owned 32 BMWS since 1975. I do not disagree that in general run flats suck. However, 95% of the people buying X vehicles are not lookin for high speed handling, traction or braking. The SUV is a just a means of getting from point A to point B and have cargo space or a third row. The best suggestion was to make it an option
BMW had the opportunity to change thevX1,2,5,6 and 7 for 2025 but did not. The only reason I can think of is the redesigned body allowed them to put in a spare without reducing cargo space as in previous X3 models.
I can tell you if you get X5 or X6 with all season tires and Adaptive Suspension it rides as smooth as a new 5 series with its non run flats. Another contributing factor for all BMW tires is their standard equipment tires are usually ranked near the bottom of their class according to Tire Rack.
Also it depends on the roads in your state. There is a bid difference between roads in the North to roads in Florida as far a pot holes etc.
When you are younger, it’s no problem to change a tire. Senior citizens wouid have to call AAA ot BMW Road side service. That can often take two hours. It is not a position you want to find yourself at night in this environment. So all the more reason for making it optional. I laugh at people who buy true M versions of SUVs. It is strictly some type of image issue because your not going to track days and dragging cars from a stoplight is fun for a while until a Tesla blows you away.
So my opinion remains the same. SUVs are not sports cars. They are a functional means of transportation. If you want a six cylinder instead of a four that’s fine. It took umpteen years to get BMW to increase the standard horsepower in the X5,6 and 7. Haveing the same engine as a three series was dumb. I own a 2024 x5 and it’s more thanquick enough. 0-60 about 4.6 is plenty quick I once owned a 1985 Porsche 911 and it’s 9-60 time was around 6.1.

Another crazy thing for the new X3 is the bright blue V shapes trim on the doors and the U shaped trim around the center console According to BMW, this color is not changeable. you get vanilla trim in non M sport version. I’ve seen pictures that differ but you can’t build one differently.

AAA (the contractor for BMW Roadside Service) now has dedicated tire changes. They show up in a van, SUV, or pick-up truck, install your spare tire, put the flat tire in a plastic bag in your trunk, and you're on your way to your original destination in about 30 minutes.

If you didn't drive on your run-flat tire when it was completely deflated, you can spend $25 to $50 getting the punctured tire repaired instead of spending $400 for a new tire. Oh, make that $800 because "you have to replace tires two at a time." Yeah, right.

I'm officially a senior citizen. I can still change a tire. Frau Putzer would never change a tire. She'd call AAA.

I've caught almost all of my 20+ punctures in the driveway. I've only had to change a tire away from home twice, and one of those was a blowout from a rubber valve stem breaking.

I drove Frau Putzer's X3 xdrive30i twice today, 11 miles and 18 miles. I have another 23-mile trip this afternoon. My MPG for the day will be in the low 30s.

 

They only fix tires if the puncture is within 1” of the avenger. Anything near the outer edges will not get fixed in Florida. Center of tire

Discount Tire fixes flats for free to include RFTs. Even if you didn’t buy the tire from them. As long as it’s fixable.
I don’t run RFTs on my Z4 but wife insists on them for her X3.

Never heard of BMW OF BUNBAVILLE🙀 another reason to stay away is they only offer staggered tires on the new X3 so forget about rotating tires. As bad as they are with testing and recalls, Mercedes and Audi are worse. If it wasn’t for the free maintenance and the deals I get I would have dumped them long ago. They have the same corporate mentality as Apple

 

Stan, it's not Bunbaville but Bubbaville and it's a joke bubba! That Putz does have a sense of humor. And, you can get non-staggered tires on the 2025 Bimmer X3 30, at least according to the BYO quote I got on line. On the M50, they are staggered. My wife and I have not seen it in the flesh yet and when we do, we'll take a look at it, drive it and ask some questions. We're in the market to replace our 19 X3 because my lovely wife loves the color red! What we don't do for our wonderful gals!

 

Fine! @Stans, you win. Let's boycott BMW (and Mercedes, Audi)

 

With a brisk headwind coming home, the X3 only got 29.1 MPG today. On the third trip, to the dentist, I was at 35 MPG pulling into the parking lot. But with the headwind, late-afternoon traffic, and a stop by Starbucks, I was down to 27 MPG for that trip by the time we got home.

 

Here's the pricing guide for the 2025 (G45) X3 I found on the Interwebs. Yep, no square set-up on the M50. No run-flats either.

I use the back door Comfort Access to unlock the door on the other side for Frau Putzer. Frau Putzer has her X3 programmed to not unlock the other doors with the driver's door Comfort Access.

 

Man Putz, you've been busy! I have to get you a hobby. And don't tell me that this is your hobby! Thanks for the pricing guide. I'll check it compared to the BYO quote I did on the car we want to buy in red of course.

I did the comparison and the pricing guide comes out to be $200 less what I got on BYO. Just about even steven! Just thought you'd like to know.

 

I won't drive a car without run flats. My 2024 C8 Z51 handles great with run flats. They should give customers a choice.

 

Well, that's what makes the world go around! I'm glad that your car handles well to your satisfaction. But you know the opinion of many, many folks here on the subject of run flats. We've changed both of our cars to non-run flats and the difference in the ride is amazing.

 

“When you are younger, it’s no problem to change a tire. Senior citizens wouid have to call AAA ot BMW Road side service”

I’m 77, and do all of my tire rotations and servicing (‘24 X3, ‘19 330i & ‘22 Ridgeline). The 1st 2 have RFTs 😢 but the last sets of RFTs they’ll have. I don’t yet foresee a time when I can’t change a tire; but when/if I do, I’ll have a sealer and compressor for that occasion (already have but have never used).

HATE RFTs!

 

Had a flat tire the other day. The BMW SOS Roadside Assistance is/was terrible. Don't count on it in an emergency!

 

I'd be worried about those "squeal like a pig, boy" guys from the movie Deliverance showing up before BMW Roadside Assistance. Or worse, those "squeal like a pig, boy" guys from the movie Deliverance ARE BMW Roadside Assistance.

 

That's one reason why I've kept my AAA membership. Had them change a flat in my drive a few months back and actually was able to get a free battery and install a couple months ago. Regarding run flats, I swapped out the Alenzas on my 30i due to bad ride quality but I have no issues with the Michelin Latitude Sport run flats on my M40....good wear so far and ride and handling quality is very acceptable.

 

I had three punctures on my 535i in 10.8 years and 98k miles (52k, 63k, and 83k miles). All three were slow leaks, with the nail or screw staying embedded until I discovered them. I caught two in my driveway, one about five miles from my house (u-stor-it garage). I installed the spare, and took the flat tire/wheel in for a proper repair or replacement using a level-less tire machine that doesn't scratch the wheel.

I check and adjust my tire pressures every two or three weeks. I do this when the car is completely cooled down and before sunlight hits any of the tires. I set the pressures to be exactly the same for both tires on an alxe. If they're different the next time I check, I go looking for that embedded nail or screw and always find one.

I caught all three of my punctures before I got a TPMS warning.