Just been informed that replacing run flats with standard tyres will void my insurance...
Discussion
ksActually that's a thing I've wondered about for a long time and the tyre fitter might have a point. If BMW claim to fit the runflats as a safety feature (avoids blow-outs etc)and you change to ordinary tyres, is it not akin to removing the seat belts or air bags? It might sound far-fetched but insurance companies can use technicalities when they don't want to pay out.
Locknut said:
Actually that's a thing I've wondered about for a long time and the tyre fitter might have a point. If BMW claim to fit the runflats as a safety feature (avoids blow-outs etc)and you change to ordinary tyres, is it not akin to removing the seat belts or air bags? It might sound far-fetched but insurance companies can use technicalities when they don't want to pay out.
Most models in the BMW range can be specced with non RFTs when new so replacing them would not be out of spec any more than fitting non 'star' marked tyres, which hardly anyone ever does.It's one thing for a tyre fitter to try to use this as a sales aid, but has anyone ever seen an actual case where the insurance company has disapproved of fitting non RFTs? I think not.
Fitting run flats means no spare wheel, no spare wheel saves manufacturing costs, it also saves on room which consumers like so in a roundabout way we could be to blame for it. Now i'm not an insurance company but if BMW offer 2 tyre options then surely its up to the consumer which he/she opts for, from an insurance company standpoint so long as they are the correct speed and load rating then i wouldn't think it would be an issue.
If it worries you then check with your insurer, if they say 'not bothered, go ahead' then write to your local paper, thats life, watchdog and your MP and tell them tyre fitters need to be read the riot act or get out of the trade
If it worries you then check with your insurer, if they say 'not bothered, go ahead' then write to your local paper, thats life, watchdog and your MP and tell them tyre fitters need to be read the riot act or get out of the trade
Efbe said:
Nigel Worc's said:
I checked when changing from metric wheels to imperial wheels on an E34.
My insureres told me that as long as I fit something that was an option when new, then they don't need to be advised.
iirc you can change to anything as long as it's the same tyre size/ratingMy insureres told me that as long as I fit something that was an option when new, then they don't need to be advised.
The actual "rules."
1) Non run flats fit on runflat rims. The other way around doesn't work.
2) If the load and speed rating are correct, the tyres are fine.
3) RFTs are the biggest con to come out of the car industry in years. They ruin the ride, they don't give progressive handling, they are rubbish. 3rd gen are still rubbish.
4) BMWs are not "tuned" for RFTs - they just got bribe money from the manufacturers to fit them (this isn't true but I do wonder why on Earth BMW decided it was a good idea to ruin most of their modern cars with them).
5) Non runflats have been standard on Alpinas and M cars forever.
6) Most models now offer RFTs as a no cost extra. Has BMW finally learned it's lesson?
1) Non run flats fit on runflat rims. The other way around doesn't work.
2) If the load and speed rating are correct, the tyres are fine.
3) RFTs are the biggest con to come out of the car industry in years. They ruin the ride, they don't give progressive handling, they are rubbish. 3rd gen are still rubbish.
4) BMWs are not "tuned" for RFTs - they just got bribe money from the manufacturers to fit them (this isn't true but I do wonder why on Earth BMW decided it was a good idea to ruin most of their modern cars with them).
5) Non runflats have been standard on Alpinas and M cars forever.
6) Most models now offer RFTs as a no cost extra. Has BMW finally learned it's lesson?
Run flats are a must to me as most journeys are long distances on motorways with a full load including two bouncy dogs, changing a tyre on a hard shoulder is a complete mare in those circumstances, add in rain and trucks whizzing by 3 ft away and I'm prepared to tolerate impaired ride characteristics and greater expense all day long 
...plus run flats seem better able to cope with hitting potholes at speed
...plus run flats seem better able to cope with hitting potholes at speed
2.5pi said:
Run flats are a must to me as most journeys are long distances on motorways with a full load including two bouncy dogs, changing a tyre on a hard shoulder is a complete mare in those circumstances, add in rain and trucks whizzing by 3 ft away and I'm prepared to tolerate impaired ride characteristics and greater expense all day long
...plus run flats seem better able to cope with hitting potholes at speed
They certainly aren't more resistant to potholes in my experience. Had to replace quite a few because of them developing lumps in the sidewall. Don't miss RFTs at all...plus run flats seem better able to cope with hitting potholes at speed
2.5pi said:
Run flats are a must to me as most journeys are long distances on motorways with a full load including two bouncy dogs, changing a tyre on a hard shoulder is a complete mare in those circumstances, add in rain and trucks whizzing by 3 ft away and I'm prepared to tolerate impaired ride characteristics and greater expense all day long
...plus run flats seem better able to cope with hitting potholes at speed
Okay then let's see how your thinking holds up to this situation....plus run flats seem better able to cope with hitting potholes at speed
You get a low pressure warning on a long journey with the kids and dogs on a Saturday afternoon You now have to drive at 50mph max and shouldn't drive more than 100 miles. You are still 100 miles from home. You have to stay overnight and get the tyre sorted ASAP - except it's Sunday. No problem, Kwik Fit is open nearby. Except they have to order Run Flats in the next day. But they can't find any stock.
Meanwhile if you had non Run Flats, every tyre dealer around has plenty in stock and you'd be well away.
RFTs are both a false economy, ruin the ride and handling and are basically, useless.
Vladimir said:
2.5pi said:
Run flats are a must to me as most journeys are long distances on motorways with a full load including two bouncy dogs, changing a tyre on a hard shoulder is a complete mare in those circumstances, add in rain and trucks whizzing by 3 ft away and I'm prepared to tolerate impaired ride characteristics and greater expense all day long
...plus run flats seem better able to cope with hitting potholes at speed
Okay then let's see how your thinking holds up to this situation....plus run flats seem better able to cope with hitting potholes at speed
You get a low pressure warning on a long journey with the kids and dogs on a Saturday afternoon You now have to drive at 50mph max and shouldn't drive more than 100 miles. You are still 100 miles from home. You have to stay overnight and get the tyre sorted ASAP - except it's Sunday. No problem, Kwik Fit is open nearby. Except they have to order Run Flats in the next day. But they can't find any stock.
Meanwhile if you had non Run Flats, every tyre dealer around has plenty in stock and you'd be well away.
RFTs are both a false economy, ruin the ride and handling and are basically, useless.
..and just to be extra safe you can specify full size spare
Vladimir said:
4) BMWs are not "tuned" for RFTs - they just got bribe money from the manufacturers to fit them (this isn't true but I do wonder why on Earth BMW decided it was a good idea to ruin most of their modern cars with them).
I oftened wondered how BMW would achieve that.Softer suspension to counteract the stiff sidewall to improve ride comfort?
Stiffer suspension to counteract the increased weight of the tyres?
Which is it? Neither I guess because the ride on my X5 was massively improved by ditching run flats.
I later discovered that the new tyres weigh 6kg less per tyre. Unsprung weight is the no.1 enemy of ride and handling. I can't understand how BMW have allowed their cars to be hobbled like this.
LeoSayer said:
I oftened wondered how BMW would achieve that.
Softer suspension to counteract the stiff sidewall to improve ride comfort?
Stiffer suspension to counteract the increased weight of the tyres?
Which is it? Neither I guess because the ride on my X5 was massively improved by ditching run flats.
I later discovered that the new tyres weigh 6kg less per tyre. Unsprung weight is the no.1 enemy of ride and handling. I can't understand how BMW have allowed their cars to be hobbled like this.
Completely agree. Which is partly why, although not "cool", I run 17s on non RFTs. The rears are over 10kgs lighter per wheel than a 19 on RFTs (non RFTs ate very hard to get in 19" 255/30 which you need)! Softer suspension to counteract the stiff sidewall to improve ride comfort?
Stiffer suspension to counteract the increased weight of the tyres?
Which is it? Neither I guess because the ride on my X5 was massively improved by ditching run flats.
I later discovered that the new tyres weigh 6kg less per tyre. Unsprung weight is the no.1 enemy of ride and handling. I can't understand how BMW have allowed their cars to be hobbled like this.
But most just want their BMW to look gangsta ;-)
Anyway, ditch run flats and your BMW will ride and handle as it should do. Very well.
mintblue said:
Do runflats ruin the ride that much? I bought my E61 535d in December and would say the ride isn't that bad, well not compared to my old Megane 225 anyway.
Perhaps a set of decent 'normal' tires will be the order of the day when it comes to renewal time.
They tramline, they crash over bumps, they make the limit if grip almost impossible to judge. And they weigh too much. Other than that they're great ;-)Perhaps a set of decent 'normal' tires will be the order of the day when it comes to renewal time.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff