Nail in tyre

I checked this with my local dealership. Williams Manchester.

They assured me no warranties would be void, I can put on any tyre I wish, but of course they strongly recommend run flats.

**edit: in an effort to find BMW UK level assurance, I've just emailed customer services. I'll update the thread with the outcome for reference.
 
Bugger... not what the dealership stated:

>>>
Dear Mr

Thank you for your online enquiry dated November 20, 2011, regarding a change of tyres for your BMW.

I must firstly advise that we would not expressly recommend replacing the tyres on your vehicle with non Run-flat versions. This is due to the fact that all BMW vehicles supplied from build specification with Run-flats have their suspension set up to accommodate the particular characteristics of these tyres. As such, should an issue arise due to the fitment of tyres which are not approved for the vehicle, a subsequent warranty claim would not be supported. However, your vehicle's BMW Dealership Warranty would still be honoured for any manufacturing defects not caused by the non-standard items.

I trust that this information is of some assistance; however, if you require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me again.

Yours sincerely

BMW UK
Francis Page
Customer Information Executive
<<<

So basically, if there was a suspension issue, they could blame the non run flats if they wanted to... :headbang:
 
My last BMW that had normal tyres was 323Ci (E46). Why would people still think going back to non-RFT if the cars are now designed to use RFT?

I have no problems with ride comfort and handling in BMW with RFT.
 
I had to replace my run flat after getting a nail puncture, under 2000 miles on the clock. I could have cried
 
So, question - what's the benefit of inflating with nitrogen rather than good old fashioned air ? And what do you do when the tyres need topped up - just use air ? Just interested - is it a 19" / e89 specific requirement ?
 
Bing said:
So, question - what's the benefit of inflating with nitrogen rather than good old fashioned air ? And what do you do when the tyres need topped up - just use air ? Just interested - is it a 19" / e89 specific requirement ?
Click to expand...

Nitrogen for aircraft and F1 tyres
•Planes fly at heights where temperatures may be as low as -40C. Moisture in the tyres can freeze causing vibration and balance problems when landing. Pure nitrogen is dry so eliminates this problem. Using dried compressed air could achieve the same thing.
•In motor sport the smallest fraction of a second can make the difference between winning and losing. Filling with nitrogen can reduce pressure variation caused by changes in temperature.

Nitrogen in car tyres

For passenger car tyres the main claims seem to be:
•Less corrosion – because unlike air there's no moisture in pure nitrogen
•Slower rate of pressure loss – nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen molecules (which make up 21% of compressed air)

Air loss can occur through the inner liner of the tyre as well through the valve, punctures, or failure of the seal between tyre and wheel rim. Pure nitrogen might leak more slowly through the liner, but you would still have to check tyre condition and pressure regularly.

Corrosion of the tyre from using normal compressed air is unlikely anyway because only the outer tread band of a car tyre contains steel – the amount of moisture reaching it from the inside is minimal.
 
I knew about nitrogen in aircraft tyres as I used to fly, but the rest is news to me so I have learnt something today - thanks ksher :thumbsup:
 
ksher said:
Nitrogen in car tyres

For passenger car tyres the main claims seem to be:

•Less corrosion – because unlike air there's no moisture in pure nitrogen
•Slower rate of pressure loss – nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen molecules (which make up 21% of compressed air)
Click to expand...

•Less corrosion – because unlike air there's no moisture in pure nitrogen - misnomer, oxygen has to be present for corrosion to occur not moisture per se, N2 for the most part is inert, it readily displaces oxygen and thus inhibits corrosion
•Slower rate of pressure loss – nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen molecules (which make up 21% of compressed air) - N2 accounts for just under 80% of air so this is a little false

Nitrogen in road car tyres offers absolutely no significant advantages over air, except they can charge you for it and get away with it
 
I just copied the info. from AA website. :P

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/safety/filling-tyres-with-nitrogen.html
 
ksher said:
I just copied the info. from AA website. :P

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/safety/filling-tyres-with-nitrogen.html
Click to expand...

I think the AA took some scientific liberty with the first point to make it 'public friendly' - it's about corrosion, and whilst some people may not be able to define 'inert', they understand that moisture can cause corrosion... :roll:

As for the slightly inaccurate percentage sars - I am always reassured by pedantic engineers :D
 
In 20+ years of driving pre-Z4, I've only ever had two punctures. In 1 year of Z4 driving, I've had two punctures, doing the same journeys as before.

That could just be unfortunate, but it's statistically a bit odd. Also (maybe just my perception, but...) there seems more talk of punctures on this forum than in other car forums I've used.

So I've been wondering... are the run-flat tyres more susceptible to punctures? (That is, a nail or whatever that wouldn't trouble a normal tyre, causes a puncture in a run-flat)?

And/or - what's the likelihood that malicious people would deliberately put a nail under the tyre of a "nice" car while it's parked? (Although I haven't had that problem with previous nice cars)
 
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