I have almost completed two weeks in my new MC with 17"Crown wheels and Run Flat Tyres.

How long does it take to get used to the dreadful road noise from these tyres?

For a modern car this noise is completely unacceptable unless the car comes with Ear Defenders.

To crown it all, pardon the pun, I have been informed by a friend who has Run Flat Tyres on his BMW Series One that if you get a puncture the tyre has to be replaced. In his case he has INSURANCE against this eventuality.

I would be interested to have this tyre replacement confirmed.:confused:

Runflats may be repaired, the manufacturers warn against it and there are many situations (as with regular tyre repair), it just wouldn't be safe. The main difference is the sidewall is run on, and therefore potentially damaged or weakened when they're flat.

Tyre insurance isn't a bad idea.

Noise should improve a little with tyre wear, but don't expect miracles.

Can you choose not to have runflats on a new MINI, or is everyone stuck with them now?

I am noticing not only the reduced comfort on my summer runflats as opposed to my winter conventional tyres, but also a reduced fuel economy.....and slower acceleration too. As soon as they are worn out, I know I will be changing!

Ian

Runflats may be repaired, the manufacturers warn against it

It is MINI who advise against it, not the tyre manufacturer. I phoned Goodyear and their technical guy said they tell owners of Vauxhall vehicles that they can be repaired like any other tyre. MINI/BMW though, ask Goodyear to advise their owners to replace the tyre :angry:

Tyre insurance??!! Is there nothing you can't insure these days!

Didn't know you could insure tyres but I'm interested to know more as I had a right mare with runflats on my 2003 Cooper. Had to have 2 new tyres in the space of a couple of months due to punctures.

Where is the best place to go for this and what is a reasonable price?

Tyre insurance??!! Is there nothing you can't insure these days!

Didn't know you could insure tyres but I'm interested to know more as I had a right mare with runflats on my 2003 Cooper. Had to have 2 new tyres in the space of a couple of months due to punctures.

Where is the best place to go for this and what is a reasonable price?

In the U.S., it is usually sold by the dealer, at time of delivery. I usually don't buy add-ons like this, but my MA convinced me to get it. My policy in the the U.S. was $500.00 for 36 months. It covers tyres & wheels.

One week after delivery, I ran over a house key, which put a nice hole in the tread of my right rear Dunlop runflat. It was replaced with a new tyre, by the dealer, at no cost. Has I not had the insurance, the cost to me would have been $450.00 usd.

Until I get rid of these dreaded runflats, at least I won't have to pay for replacements. This whole runflat concept makes no economic sense to me, as well as being not very ecologically friendly....flat tyre, throw it away.

I had a flat last week and was advised against repairing the R/F by 3 different tyre centres, also told that MINI alloys will not accept non R/F tyres, is this true? Never heard of this though.

I'd better take the non R/F federal tyres off my s spokes that I've been running for the last year then:D
I was given this rubbish line at a tyre fitters and no matter how much i persisted they still said it couldn't be done.

The *you can't have non-runflats on a MINI* is utter rubbish.... Our R56 coop has them on now, now problems at all, some tyre fitters just spout the party line from BWM/MINI, you can usually find someone to put them on for you!

As for not repairing runflats, I've not seen many people get round that yet!

Runflats are repairable. Mini dealerships won't do it because the tires are a cash cow for them. They're making over 300% profit on each tire.
I just replaced the rubber on my R53 last month with Continental Contipro Contact SSR's for $108/tire (from The Tire Rack - Your performance experts for tires and wheels (http://www.tirerack.com) ). I had them mounted/balanced at Walmart for $7.50 each --- that includes lifetime tire rotation.

If you flatten a runflat, go to an independant tire shop and put on a patch. Granted, not all holes will be repairable... It's not a bad idea to have a tire or two in the closet at home (just in case).

I had the dealer remove the 17" wheels from my R56 and put on 16" so that both my cars can wear the same rubber. Keeping it simple.

Last week, I replaced the dreaded runflats with 4 Dunlop Sport SP Maxx tyres (205/45/17).

Now, I actually enjoy driving the MCS. Gone is the torque steer, trammeling, and hopping over bumps. The ride quality is also improved greatly. I highly recommend changing over to non-runflat tyres.

I now love my MCS !