I have seen a few posts asking what do you do if you ditch the runflat tyres. Had everything out tonight so thought I may as well take some pictures and post.
First things first, if you are changing from runflat tyres (in the UK at least) you need to inform your insurance company, it will likely cost you nothing but needs to be done.
Tyre Sealant
A tyre sealant can be used to perform a temporary repair. Suitable for low speed and, I believe, limited distance.
Holts
You can buy something like Holts Tyreweld from Halfords, Tesco offer at very good prices some times as well. The cans aren't too big so I carried two.
Fits nicely away in the battery box, that's two cans in there (if you haven't done a custom exhaust mod).
Out of interest I checked the Holts web site, of Tyreweld it states:
Here's the TV ad which shows it in action:
[youtube]<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bN1YQGKCvDg&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bN1YQGKCvDg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>[/youtube]
BMW
A similar solution is the BMW mobility kit, as supplied with the M. The mobility kit is a small compressor, powered by the cigar lighter, and an inline bottle of tyre sealant. In the picture below you can see the instructions.
I bought mine from eBay - I think it is usually supplied in a bag. Again, it fits nicely in the battery compartment.
Could only find an animated example of the M kit:
[youtube]<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2dKhC4i1KnI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2dKhC4i1KnI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>[/youtube]
Already having the Tyreweld I bought the mobility kit as it allows me to use the compressor without the sealant to top up a tyre in the event of a slow puncture. You can buy them on eBay.
While I don't know what the BMW claims are for being able to remove the sealant and repair a tyre, there do seem to be mixed reviews of the Tyreweld system. However, this is often where a user has been told by a tyre fitter that the sealant cannot be removed and the tyre repaired. Wouldn't like to say whether these are the same tyre fitters that claim not to be able to fit non-runflats to runflat ready rim :roll: .Just be aware of the risks to your tyre.
UPDATE: The canister of tyre sealant from BMW does have a finite lifespan. tjlazer has been quoted £20 to replace his, I just checked the part number: RealOEM M-Mobility system - part 2, this is listing at £31 on Cooper BMW Parts, so worth shopping it around.
Space Saver Spare Wheel
Although not supplied with one, you can pick up a BMW space saver spare for reasonable money. If you are willing to wait these can be had for as little as £20 - £30.
Note: If you have an Si or have the 330 brake upgrade, you will need a 17" space saver rim, the 16" will not clear the brakes.
The 17" rims are rarer and more expensive. I actually found that buying a new 17" rim from Soper Lincoln and an unused Volvo space saver from eBay was the cheaper option. The Volvo tyre is the same size, just had it swapped over.
If you are buying a space saver you will also need a jack and wrench. Again the 3 series jack (e46 for certain, do not know about other incarnations) fits perfectly - the white block on the top of the jack (in picture below) fits perfectly into the rubber Z4 jacking mount.
This is my spare wheel kit: BMW 17" Spacer with tyre from a Volvo, 3 series jack, wrench and locking nut key.
I have also purchased a wheel cover and jack case (£20) - link at the bottom to DaveG's thread on that one, including supplier details.
A couple of pictures to show how much room is in the boot. There is space to store a few items in the wheel.
Mix and Match
I use both the BMW mobility kit and spare wheel. Locally I just use the mobility kit. When I start venturing further afield I take the spare with me. CJ made a good point, it is worth having a spare wheel, even if at home. Something to get you to a repair centre if your tyre is too badly damaged to seal, otherwise you could be looking at a trip on a low rider.
If you fancy the wheel cover, this is the thread for you: Space Saver Wheel Cover
Hope that helps someone :wink:
Yank search term: Tires
First things first, if you are changing from runflat tyres (in the UK at least) you need to inform your insurance company, it will likely cost you nothing but needs to be done.
Tyre Sealant
A tyre sealant can be used to perform a temporary repair. Suitable for low speed and, I believe, limited distance.
Holts
You can buy something like Holts Tyreweld from Halfords, Tesco offer at very good prices some times as well. The cans aren't too big so I carried two.
Fits nicely away in the battery box, that's two cans in there (if you haven't done a custom exhaust mod).
Out of interest I checked the Holts web site, of Tyreweld it states:
- Seals and inflates punctured tyres instantly.
- Water based latex formula does not damage tyre.
- Formula can be washed out using warm water prior to tyre repair.
- Eliminates the need for immediate tyre change.
- Approved by National Tyre Distributors association.
- Unique controllable valve.
Here's the TV ad which shows it in action:
[youtube]<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bN1YQGKCvDg&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bN1YQGKCvDg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>[/youtube]
BMW
A similar solution is the BMW mobility kit, as supplied with the M. The mobility kit is a small compressor, powered by the cigar lighter, and an inline bottle of tyre sealant. In the picture below you can see the instructions.
I bought mine from eBay - I think it is usually supplied in a bag. Again, it fits nicely in the battery compartment.
Could only find an animated example of the M kit:
[youtube]<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2dKhC4i1KnI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2dKhC4i1KnI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>[/youtube]
Already having the Tyreweld I bought the mobility kit as it allows me to use the compressor without the sealant to top up a tyre in the event of a slow puncture. You can buy them on eBay.
While I don't know what the BMW claims are for being able to remove the sealant and repair a tyre, there do seem to be mixed reviews of the Tyreweld system. However, this is often where a user has been told by a tyre fitter that the sealant cannot be removed and the tyre repaired. Wouldn't like to say whether these are the same tyre fitters that claim not to be able to fit non-runflats to runflat ready rim :roll: .Just be aware of the risks to your tyre.
UPDATE: The canister of tyre sealant from BMW does have a finite lifespan. tjlazer has been quoted £20 to replace his, I just checked the part number: RealOEM M-Mobility system - part 2, this is listing at £31 on Cooper BMW Parts, so worth shopping it around.
Space Saver Spare Wheel
Although not supplied with one, you can pick up a BMW space saver spare for reasonable money. If you are willing to wait these can be had for as little as £20 - £30.
Note: If you have an Si or have the 330 brake upgrade, you will need a 17" space saver rim, the 16" will not clear the brakes.
The 17" rims are rarer and more expensive. I actually found that buying a new 17" rim from Soper Lincoln and an unused Volvo space saver from eBay was the cheaper option. The Volvo tyre is the same size, just had it swapped over.
If you are buying a space saver you will also need a jack and wrench. Again the 3 series jack (e46 for certain, do not know about other incarnations) fits perfectly - the white block on the top of the jack (in picture below) fits perfectly into the rubber Z4 jacking mount.
This is my spare wheel kit: BMW 17" Spacer with tyre from a Volvo, 3 series jack, wrench and locking nut key.
I have also purchased a wheel cover and jack case (£20) - link at the bottom to DaveG's thread on that one, including supplier details.
A couple of pictures to show how much room is in the boot. There is space to store a few items in the wheel.
Mix and Match
I use both the BMW mobility kit and spare wheel. Locally I just use the mobility kit. When I start venturing further afield I take the spare with me. CJ made a good point, it is worth having a spare wheel, even if at home. Something to get you to a repair centre if your tyre is too badly damaged to seal, otherwise you could be looking at a trip on a low rider.
If you fancy the wheel cover, this is the thread for you: Space Saver Wheel Cover
Hope that helps someone :wink:
Yank search term: Tires
