What is the best solution?
Runflat Bridgestone R19
Front drivers right @ 4/32
Front passenger right @ 7/32 (tire replace 5 months ago)
Backs both @ 5-6/32.
BMW told to me rotate, alignment and buy 1 tire for the right driver side.
What about regular tires instead of run flats?
Discount and a BMW genius said that the AWD will eventually be damaged from the differences in tires. So, now I need to buy 4 new tires?
What do I do?
Thank you,
Definitely need a new front right. Normally on awd they all need to be in pretty close tolerance, ut if bmw told you different, I’d at least check my manual. If it were me I’d get four new standard and forget the run flat, but you’d need a spare.
Who ever sold you the 1 tire should have told you that you need to replace all 4 then
+1
My new car has run-flat Bridgestones, and I plan to replace them in a couple of years with “regular” Michelins. I have purchased a spare tire kit from an aftermarket company which features excellent quality products.
Here is an example of what they have available for the OP’s vehicle:
You had your bmw towed to dealer to fix run flat tire “issue”? Can’t you drive with a run flat? Nail leads to low pressure? Ok. You seem cautious. I’d suggest all new tires.
The tire companies suggest that you drive only 50 miles on a run-flat if it has lost its inflation pressure. I’m pretty sure that you could drive a bit further than 50 miles, but there is probably also a possibility of causing damage to the AWD system, due to the condition of the “flat” run-flat.
As a follow on, the run flat is supposed to get you to a safe place to pull off and address the flat tire. Your X3 has AWD and even the diameter difference between you 4/32 tire and the 7/32 tire can cause undue stress on the AWD system. The run flat tire when deflated has a considerably smaller diameter and that is why you need to stop ASAP. As I said in your duplicate post, I’d replace all 4 tires soon and rotate tires front to back at every oil change.
Run-flat tires officially aren’t supposed to be repaired. However, if you don’t drive on the tire while it’s low, some places will bend the rules and repair the tire, as this is just as safe as repairing any other tire.
My initial reaction is that you shouldn’t cut corners on possible damage and safety here, given that money shouldn’t be too tight if you’re driving a BMW. If you’re sticking with run-flat tires, I’d get four new tires and actually also switch to the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season, which is rated a bit higher and which appears to be your only other choice. If you do switch to regular tires, you can find tires that are rated much higher, though.
As for an alignment, I always do that with new tires, although some people here will argue against that.
If rft lets you continue to drive to repair shop then it has served its purpose. Or drive to your destination. I can’t speak for what conversation is like when you tell dealer your tire pressure light is on. I assume they would ask if you can get car to dealer. If you say you don’t want to continue to drive then a next step is involved,
Thanks, the dealership towed it because the run flat had nothing left. and i would be driving on rim. the did not want damage to car
thank you. I was wondering about Pirreli. and if keep run flats would like something better rated to avoid another flat like before
thank you, I will replace all tires, rotate and align. sorry for the duplicate post. newbie
@Joy4now Go to the Discount Tire ( or America Tire their other name ) and see what fits your vehicle . That way you can see prices and rating . Most dealers have competitive tire prices and it might be best to have the dealer do the alignment.
Hi Bing,
Now, my next decision run flats or Michelins. I was checking the Michelins. Which I prefer from past with my other cars just because I like the rider or something? And was wondering about how to find the spare kit (thnks for that info big help) Leaning towards Michelins. I am just a little spooked about AWD technicalities. Will the Michelins be ok on the AWD too? thanks, need help with these decisions.
Yes, Discount seems to be pretty good. talked to them. and they seem honest too.
thanks for helping/confirmation
Of course they will. No matter what tires you buy, just make sure the new ones have the same (or better) load rating as your present tires. And, you should probably get the same (or better) speed rating.
Friend had nails in 2 rft tires. Got new non-rft Michelins for $1100 and got a nail in 1 month. He has 2020 suv. Had 30k miles. Nail don’t care what type of tire you have
so true. LOL
You are making the right decision on buying new tires, no matter which tire you go with.
However about alignments. The factory has much better alignment equipment than any dealer or independent mechanic shop. As long as it doesn’t get knocked out of alignment, the factory alignment is the best. If your vehicle drove true (it might not have due to the different size tires) or at least close to true because of the different size tires and the tires wore nice an evenly and lasted about as long as you expected for your driving style, then I would NOT get an alignment. I would not even allow someone to “just check”.
In the future, especially if you do some “spirited” driving, visually check your tires on a regular basis, like every time you gas up. Just look at them to monitor if the inflation looks good and the treads are wearing flat and even. Actually check the air pressure with a good gauge one a month or so (every other month for me). If you see any unusual wear or if the vehicle starts to pull or feel unstable, then get the air pressure checked or alignment checked if the air pressure is good.
Edit, for AWD, do have the tires rotated per the maintenance schedule to keep the tires at the same tread depth.