Slight bulge in runflats

[DavidLScott]

I have found two very small bulges in the outside sidewalls of BOTH of the front runflats on my BMW 130i M Sport.
I have never knowingly kerbed them (I'm a paranoid 1ft from the kerb parker) so the only source of the damage I can think of is an impact one in a pot hole (also not aware of this happening) and to both tyres??.

Bearing in mind how thick the sidewalls are on these tyres:
a) can you give me an idea of why it might have happened - they are only visible on close inspection, not from 3 feet away.
b) is it safe to carry on using them or should I just bin otherwise perfectly usable tyres.

I've already replaced 3 on my wife's Mini after punctures and never used to have these problems in probably 300,000+ miles on normal tyres.

I appreciate the arguments for changing to normal tryes but I do like the peace of mind with runflats and I understand Rescue companies will refuse to come out to punctures if no spare wheel available (ie, replacing runflats and/or removing a spare and carrying a foam can).

Thanks
David

[HellDiver]

Pics?

[DavidLScott]

Not til later this afternoon as it's having a service at the moment.

[DavidLScott]

Pic shows that it is a really small bulge on the 'D' but it is there and the dealer has also commented on it (after I had seen it). Both sides are the same and don't know how old the tyres are as car is a '55 and I've only had it just over a year.

[DavidLScott]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Thanks for reply.

There's loads of tread left.
I haven't got a clue who fitted them as they were on the car when I bought it from Broad Oak in Ashford, Kent but I will ask if they fitted them - I've done about 8k on them.

Your dead right about the money - £340 for a pair fully fitted with etyres as they come to my house so worth whatever cost - I'm fed up with b****y runflats but my wife likes the peace of mind as the first puncture she had in her Mini was when I was away for a few days and she didn't have to worry about sorting anything out but could just carry on driving (carefully).

[DavidLScott]

Thnaks hora - I've just emailed the dealer and will see what they say first (almost certainly nothing and a big disclaimer).

Then on to Good Year.

Do you reckon they're safe to use for normal driving at the moment?

[DavidLScott]

Thanks again.
Just had a reply from dealer - they fitted new rears but the fronts were fine.
They think it is a good chance there is a fault with the tyre rather than damage and to get in touch with Goodyear.
Apparently they are pretty good with their customer service but i would need to get two new ones fitted and have them sent back by the fitters.

Their initial thought was that they were safe to use but to get a tyre expert to look at them (but not someone who wants to sell you one though!!).
To be honest, if it wasn't for me happening to notice them when checking the tyre pressures I might not have noticed it as the bulges are so small.

[DavidLScott]

Just spoken to Goodyear.
The tyres have a 5 year defect warranty, whcih obviously wouldn't cover impact damage but they have said to get them replaced and send them back under complaint and they will invistigate and act accordingly.

Not that I expect any refund but at least they are showing willing so customer service so far is way better than expected.

He did reckon I should be able to hit a brick and have no sign of damage but get a opuncture from a hawthorn needle (been there and had that twice).

I will report back.