re-inflating run flats after flat tyre

mav5125 · 05-11-2013, 08:38 AM

Had a flat the other day and like so many others, didn't notice it until the warning light came on and by then it was too late. I was on the highway. Anyway travelled about 10km and reinflated.

On the side of the tyre wall it says not to re-inflate after run flat has been in operation. It also says not to repair it. But i still have lots of life left on mine.

Anyone else, with experience on either re-inflating and/or plugging a RFT?

thanks for any comments.

mav.

BMWZ4RIDER · 05-11-2013, 02:46 PM

I too run OEM RFT tires and would be interested in this info.

Yeggman · 05-11-2013, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mav5125

But i still have lots of life left on mine.

Maybe you have lots of tread left on your tires, but according to BMW, you cannot repair RFT.

But!! Some tire manufactures advise that their RFT can be repaired. So, I would refer to the tire manufacturer's web site and see if they discuss repairing in their FAQ section.

Tire Rack is also a great resource for info on tires.

samiti · 05-11-2013, 02:56 PM

I had a puncure in my RFT and drove about 20 km with flat (under 80 km/h of course). I had it repaired/plugged in local tyre shop and it lasted about 6 months (about 6000 km)- then it started to leak air very slow - like i had to refill it every 2 days or so. Then I had them replaced by new non RFT - all four of them although front would last for another 20000 km.

BuckarooVT90 · 05-11-2013, 04:01 PM

on my 1er with RFTs - less than 1 year old (less than 12k miles)... had a nail in the rear tire and a slow leak... my local BMW service center would not repair it... only replace... so I bought two Non-RFT off tire rack and had it dropped shipped to them to mount and balance and the price for both was the same price as they wanted for one OEM.

InsanePineapple · 05-11-2013, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuckarooVT90

on my 1er with RFTs - less than 1 year old (less than 12k miles)... had a nail in the rear tire and a slow leak... my local BMW service center would not repair it... only replace... so I bought two Non-RFT off tire rack and had it dropped shipped to them to mount and balance and the price for both was the same price as they wanted for one OEM.

You are running two RFT and two non-RFT?

Mayhem · 05-11-2013, 05:47 PM

Have not had to deal with this issue on the Z4 yet, but I had several flats repaired on the runflats on my Corvette. One time, I had to drive 30 miles to a dealer to have it repaired. That tire lasted another 3 or 4 years of regular driving, and was only replaced when all four tires were replaced due to wear.

mav5125 · 05-11-2013, 06:07 PM

Sounds like from the feedback so far that I can repair it and it will last a while longer.

BuckarooVT90 · 05-11-2013, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morfinx

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuckarooVT90

on my 1er with RFTs - less than 1 year old (less than 12k miles)... had a nail in the rear tire and a slow leak... my local BMW service center would not repair it... only replace... so I bought two Non-RFT off tire rack and had it dropped shipped to them to mount and balance and the price for both was the same price as they wanted for one OEM.

You are running two RFT and two non-RFT?

Yep I ran the OEM RFT's up front and non RFT's on the rear... Then I traded my 135i in for my Z

teagueAMX · 05-12-2013, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mav5125

Sounds like from the feedback so far that I can repair it and it will last a while longer.

It sort of depends on where the leak is located within the tire.

If it's within the tread area typically the hole can be plugged or patched without issues. If it's on the shoulder or sidewall then it is questionable, although if the leak is very small and the tire wall isn't gouged it shouldn't prove to be a problem, although in my experience shops here in the states typically won't touch it.

The significant factors are curves and high speed driving. A disruption to the inner plies makes the behavior of performance tires highly questionable as the speed of the vehicle increases, or high lateral forces of curves. If you cruse around and don't put a lot of stress on your tires, then repairing likely won't be an issue. On the other hand if you drive at the limits (curves, speed) then it's better to replace the tire and avoid the liability that could accompany a blowout. You're the only person that can answer this question.

samiti · 05-12-2013, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuckarooVT90

Yep I ran the OEM RFT's up front and non RFT's on the rear... Then I traded my 135i in for my Z

Very bad idea. I tried that once and car was undrivable. Corners and above 100 km/h - DSC was turning on regularly. Car was very unstable.

ManiacGT · 05-12-2013, 02:06 AM

The issue here is not the repair but the damage done to the sidewalls. When running run flat at low pressure the car is supported on the sidewalls, these ultimately cut through the tyre and it will disintegrate. You may not see the damage but it will be damaged and one day the tyre will just give out if you simply re inflate and use it again. That, is why BMW say do not inflate again.

mav5125 · 05-12-2013, 02:18 AM

Well boys. It turns out that there was no nail in the tyre.
Cracked 296 rims !!!!!

F&^%k !!!!!! Not again.

Does anyone know if there is anywhere in the US where I can get the 296 19" inch rims? I'm pretty sure they will be cheaper than here in oz.

Maybe I should just call up a bmw dealership in LA or San Fran or something.

BuckarooVT90 · 05-12-2013, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samiti

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuckarooVT90

Yep I ran the OEM RFT's up front and non RFT's on the rear... Then I traded my 135i in for my Z

Very bad idea. I tried that once and car was undrivable. Corners and above 100 km/h - DSC was turning on regularly. Car was very unstable.

Drove mine for a year... Had zero issues in corners or above highway speeds.

Mr. ///M3 RD · 05-12-2013, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mav5125

Well boys. It turns out that there was no nail in the tyre.
Cracked 296 rims !!!!!

F&^%k !!!!!! Not again.

Does anyone know if there is anywhere in the US where I can get the 296 19" inch rims? I'm pretty sure they will be cheaper than here in oz.

Maybe I should just call up a bmw dealership in LA or San Fran or something.

I have a 19" OEM 296 rear wheel in my garage it also has a crack ... I use it as a garden hose holder ... most expensive one I might add on my street

You don't want that one

However, I made a search for you since some time back I saw an add for 296 wheels ... go here and see if he can ship you one ----> Click to Open the Thread on this forum

Also check with this fellow ----> Click to open the Thread also on this forum

Good luck ...

ManiacGT · 05-12-2013, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mav5125

Well boys. It turns out that there was no nail in the tyre.
Cracked 296 rims !!!!!

F&^%k !!!!!! Not again.

Does anyone know if there is anywhere in the US where I can get the 296 19" inch rims? I'm pretty sure they will be cheaper than here in oz.

Maybe I should just call up a bmw dealership in LA or San Fran or something.

I take it this happened on replacement wheels? Were they the modified type?

I replaced mine with 313s whether they're any better time will tell. The 296s are stored and will go back on the car when I sell it...

rezok · 05-12-2013, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mav5125

Well boys. It turns out that there was no nail in the tyre.
Cracked 296 rims !!!!!

F&^%k !!!!!! Not again.

Does anyone know if there is anywhere in the US where I can get the 296 19" inch rims? I'm pretty sure they will be cheaper than here in oz.

Maybe I should just call up a bmw dealership in LA or San Fran or something.

I'm also in OZ...and also copped my first cracked (left rear) 296...decided on replacing all 4 with replica 313s...they look good and will be $250 to replace if they ever need it.

Ill get the 296 repaired/replaced on day and put it back on the car to sell as original. Not great, but a reasonable workaround. I certainly wasn't up for spending $800 on a new rim which would crack again...

InsanePineapple · 05-12-2013, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. ///M3 RD

I have a 19" OEM 296 rear wheel in my garage it also has a crack ... I use it as a garden hose holder ... most expensive one I might add on my street

You don't want that one

However, I made a search for you since some time back I saw an add for 296 wheels ... go here and see if he can ship you one ----> Click to Open the Thread on this forum

Also check with this fellow ----> Click to open the Thread also on this forum

Good luck ...

That's awesome

What's the pillow thing?

Mr. ///M3 RD · 05-12-2013, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morfinx

That's awesome

What's the pillow thing?

It is the pouch for my ///M3 car cover from BMW

HenryHank · 05-22-2013, 10:46 PM

Just last week I had a small screw in the middle of the tread. Had to drive about 2.5 miles with about 20 psi. Filled up, drove 6 more miles.. had it plugged like any normal tire, and it's been fine ever since.

But if I had to drive >40 miles on a totally flat (0 psi) tire, I would not re-inflate.

My g/f's 2009 330i convertible had a total RFT sidewall blowout a few months after she bought the car from a BMW dealer. We assume it was because the previous owner did drive on the RFT flat for a while and then re-inflated, leaving the sidewall very weak. Luckily it happened on local roads and not the highway.

SgtGigglebox · 05-22-2013, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mav5125

Well boys. It turns out that there was no nail in the tyre.
Cracked 296 rims !!!!!

F&^%k !!!!!! Not again.

Does anyone know if there is anywhere in the US where I can get the 296 19" inch rims? I'm pretty sure they will be cheaper than here in oz.

Maybe I should just call up a bmw dealership in LA or San Fran or something.

That's pretty sucky man

Obviously, its not terribly relevant anymore, but if it was only a puncture, Teague hit it on the head... just comes down to where the hole is.

nicknaz · 05-23-2013, 01:51 AM

Sorry to hear about the cracked 296 wheel.

I've plugged a RFT (in my driveway with a $7 kit from local parts store...) that had a nail in the middle of the tread and used it for over 20k miles with no issues. I drive hard enough that the edge of the tire is feathered.

That said,I agree with the others and I wouldn't plug if the tire was driven with no air or if damage is within an inch of the edge of the tread block. Not worth the risk to drive on a tire with weakened sidewall.

05-11-2013, 08:38 AM	#1
mav5125 Private First Class 36 Rep 133 Posts Drives: E89 Z4 35i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	re-inflating run flats after flat tyre Had a flat the other day and like so many others, didn't notice it until the warning light came on and by then it was too late. I was on the highway. Anyway travelled about 10km and reinflated. On the side of the tyre wall it says not to re-inflate after run flat has been in operation. It also says not to repair it. But i still have lots of life left on mine. Anyone else, with experience on either re-inflating and/or plugging a RFT? thanks for any comments. mav.
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05-11-2013, 02:46 PM	#2
BMWZ4RIDER BMWZ4Rider 69 Rep 801 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW Z4 35i Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Cape Cod, MA iTrader: (0)	I too run OEM RFT tires and would be interested in this info. __________________ 2009 BMW Z4 35i/SMG/DCT/Premium,Cold, Sound PK/Com Acc/Ash/PDC/Wind Deflector/Smoked Reflectors/Red Calipers/Cl Mask/M Series Grill/6000K LED's/De-Badged/M Pedals/CF Mirrors-Engine Cover/Stubby/20% Tint/H8 LED's/LCI Side Markers/Sniper Sprint Spoiler/VMR V710/H&R Sport Springs/KN.
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05-11-2013, 02:56 PM	#4
samiti Enlisted Member 0 Rep 30 Posts Drives: BMW Z4 E89 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Somewhere on the road iTrader: (0)	I had a puncure in my RFT and drove about 20 km with flat (under 80 km/h of course). I had it repaired/plugged in local tyre shop and it lasted about 6 months (about 6000 km)- then it started to leak air very slow - like i had to refill it every 2 days or so. Then I had them replaced by new non RFT - all four of them although front would last for another 20000 km.
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05-11-2013, 04:01 PM	#5
BuckarooVT90 Private First Class 10 Rep 189 Posts Drives: '13 Z4 sDrive35i DCT Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 Z4 M40i [8.00]	on my 1er with RFTs - less than 1 year old (less than 12k miles)... had a nail in the rear tire and a slow leak... my local BMW service center would not repair it... only replace... so I bought two Non-RFT off tire rack and had it dropped shipped to them to mount and balance and the price for both was the same price as they wanted for one OEM.
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05-11-2013, 05:47 PM	#7
Mayhem Second Lieutenant 22 Rep 252 Posts Drives: 2012 Z4 sDrive35is Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Hollywood iTrader: (0)	Have not had to deal with this issue on the Z4 yet, but I had several flats repaired on the runflats on my Corvette. One time, I had to drive 30 miles to a dealer to have it repaired. That tire lasted another 3 or 4 years of regular driving, and was only replaced when all four tires were replaced due to wear.
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05-11-2013, 06:07 PM	#8
mav5125 Private First Class 36 Rep 133 Posts Drives: E89 Z4 35i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	Sounds like from the feedback so far that I can repair it and it will last a while longer.
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05-12-2013, 02:06 AM	#12
ManiacGT Major 85 Rep 1,448 Posts Drives: Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Manchester, UK iTrader: (0)	The issue here is not the repair but the damage done to the sidewalls. When running run flat at low pressure the car is supported on the sidewalls, these ultimately cut through the tyre and it will disintegrate. You may not see the damage but it will be damaged and one day the tyre will just give out if you simply re inflate and use it again. That, is why BMW say do not inflate again.
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05-12-2013, 02:18 AM	#13
mav5125 Private First Class 36 Rep 133 Posts Drives: E89 Z4 35i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	Well boys. It turns out that there was no nail in the tyre. Cracked 296 rims !!!!! F&^%k !!!!!! Not again. Does anyone know if there is anywhere in the US where I can get the 296 19" inch rims? I'm pretty sure they will be cheaper than here in oz. Maybe I should just call up a bmw dealership in LA or San Fran or something.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-22-2013, 10:46 PM	#20
HenryHank Private 12 Rep 96 Posts Drives: E89 Z4, e39 M5 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	Just last week I had a small screw in the middle of the tread. Had to drive about 2.5 miles with about 20 psi. Filled up, drove 6 more miles.. had it plugged like any normal tire, and it's been fine ever since. But if I had to drive >40 miles on a totally flat (0 psi) tire, I would not re-inflate. My g/f's 2009 330i convertible had a total RFT sidewall blowout a few months after she bought the car from a BMW dealer. We assume it was because the previous owner did drive on the RFT flat for a while and then re-inflated, leaving the sidewall very weak. Luckily it happened on local roads and not the highway.
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05-23-2013, 01:51 AM	#22
nicknaz Lieutenant General 3187 Rep 10,509 Posts Drives: C6Z Join Date: May 2008 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	Sorry to hear about the cracked 296 wheel. I've plugged a RFT (in my driveway with a $7 kit from local parts store...) that had a nail in the middle of the tread and used it for over 20k miles with no issues. I drive hard enough that the edge of the tire is feathered. That said,I agree with the others and I wouldn't plug if the tire was driven with no air or if damage is within an inch of the edge of the tread block. Not worth the risk to drive on a tire with weakened sidewall.
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