No runflats does NOT mean No roadside assistance

[friedfood]

THIS IS THE ANSWER FROM MINI USA, Added to the first post, to avoid confusion....

Quote: Originally Posted by mmalc

I thought I'd try to find out the actual facts regarding Roadside Assistance and removal of run-flats in the USA.

I got a reply from MINI Customer Relations and Services:


Thanks for your patience. I have an answer for you, and I think it will be good news for you and your fellow (United States) motorers.

There are no exclusions for coverage under the MINI Roadside Assistance policy for vehicles either with or without run-flat tires. No matter which type shoes your baby wears, we'll honor the MINI Roadside Assistance policy in the event of a blowout.

Unfortunately, I can't speak on behalf of MINI of Canada. They go through a different provider, Sykes, for their MINI Roadside Assistance, but you can check with them directly by calling 1-866-378-6464, choosing option 1 for English, then option 1 again for MINI Roadside Assistance.

There you are! Hopefully that helps to clear up any confusing floating around the mini2.com boards. Let me know if we can help you in any other way, and please keep enjoying your MINI!


So, my apologies to anyone I've misled on this. It does appear that there are different rules in different countries (and even on different days in different countries! ). Nevertheless, I intend to keep my run-flats, for the other reasons previously stated...

And many thanks to the customer service representative from MINI USA for the kind response.

A buddy of mine and a fellow Mini owner just told me that according to the Mini dealer, if he puts on non runflat tires then he will not be able to call RA (roadside assistance)!? They were also going to make him sign a paper stating that the runflates were removed.

To me, this makes no sense, if you have runflats, then you wouldn't be calling RA for a flat tire (unless sidewall damage or damages wheel of course.) Does BMW have the right to deny this? I am going to be putting on Toyo G02+ for the winter, and ditching the runflats next spring in any case. I am not changing this at the dealer, but at my friends performance shop in Montreal.

Also, I can get a good deal on Toyo, Khumo, yokohama and Pirelli tires, so anyone who has some insight as the best model of the above brands for a cooper s 16" would be appreciated.

[faster,Tobias!]

I work at a dealership, and that is the first I have ever heard of that. Runflats or not you get the 24/7 RA. I don't know why the dealer would say that, unless he doesn't get to sell the non-runflats and is thus po'd.
As for tires, I would recommend the TireRack website (www.tirerack.com). It seems to present an unbiased opinion on all the tires, and also carries reviews from those that have the tires fitted.

[lpitt]

No he's right.

It's not the dealer it's the roadside assist.

One of my mates changed his tyres over and got a puncture. In the AA and RAC small print it states that the car MUST have a suitable spare tyre or fixing kit at the time of the puncture or they will not retrieve it.

[Olly.]

The AA & RAC may say it but surely MINI assistance would come out?

They do provide the car without a spare tyre after all?

[Lohen]

Quote: Originally Posted by friedfood

A buddy of mine and a fellow Mini owner just told me that according to the Mini dealer, if he puts on non runflat tires then he will not be able to call RA (roadside assistance)!? They were also going to make him sign a paper stating that the runflates were removed.

To me, this makes no sense, if you have runflats, then you wouldn't be calling RA for a flat tire (unless sidewall damage or damages wheel of course.) Does BMW have the right to deny this? I am going to be putting on Toyo G02+ for the winter, and ditching the runflats next spring in any case. I am not changing this at the dealer, but at my friends performance shop in Montreal.

Also, I can get a good deal on Toyo, Khumo, yokohama and Pirelli tires, so anyone who has some insight as the best model of the above brands for a cooper s 16" would be appreciated.

Intersting,

Here in the UK i got retreived twice (by the same guy, who laughed when he saw me the second time) and my Cooper S is heavily modifed with non standard tyres and the guy totally didnt care. Unless you have different Terms and conditions in Canada i dont get them.

Andrey

[Lohen]

Quote: Originally Posted by lpitt

No he's right.

It's not the dealer it's the roadside assist.

One of my mates changed his tyres over and got a puncture. In the AA and RAC small print it states that the car MUST have a suitable spare tyre or fixing kit at the time of the puncture or they will not retrieve it.

What about the stadard Cooper S?

It has no spare tyre and doesnt come with a repair kit. What happens then? Would they still refuse you?

Andrey

[friedfood]

I am going to call RA in Canada tomorrow and ask. It does not mak e sense to me.

[friedfood]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lohen

What about the stadard Cooper S?

It has no spare tyre and doesnt come with a repair kit. What happens then? Would they still refuse you?

Andrey

It does come with runflats. That's how they get away with no spare or repair kit.

[Moskito]

I took my runflats and S-Lites off right when I got the car and added on some nice aftermarket wheels with Yoko ES tires. My MA here knew about that and never said anything about not being able to get assistance because of it, she actually even offered to buy the originals from me.
As for flat prevention, I carry not even an emergency spare kit on board as I only have had 1 flat in about 22 years of driving. :-)
Herbert

[REHW]

I carry a can of tyre weld and a small compressor in the back of my car as a back up and i would recommend this to all drivers or minis with non runflat tyres. Hope to never use it but it will save me time in the event of a puncture anyway.

[Lohen]

Quote: Originally Posted by friedfood

It does come with runflats. That's how they get away with no spare or repair kit.

Yeah mine came with runflats as well, but what I meant was -

Would the AA or RAC still refuse to tow a Cooper S which has no repair kit or spare from the dealer?? I normally carry a can of tyre weld anyway but i was just curious what they would mave to say?

Andrey

[rentagas]

Run flats are not totally immune from being shredded!

[faster,Tobias!]

Since my earlier post MINI Canada have advised us that cars with runflats fitted OEM and then switched for non-runflats are no longer eligible for the 24/7 Roadside Assistance. Guess it's time to carry the inflater and can o' goopy stuff.

[mini dragon]

Mini Canada told me the same; OEM runflats on the car; always on the car otherwise if you call for 24/7 service; they'll come and help you, but they wouldn't cover the cost if you hane non-RF's, You will get invoiced. Therefore you should be prepared for all situations, Mini Roadside Assistance, CAA Roadside Assistance, Tire Insurance policy, compact spare for the MC, Tire repair kits, strong husky passenger, cell phone, Visa Card and cash.

[SteveM3]

Quote: Originally Posted by mini dragon

Mini Canada told me the same; OEM runflats on the car; always on the car otherwise if you call for 24/7 service; they'll come and help you, but they wouldn't cover the cost if you hane non-RF's, You will get invoiced. Therefore you should be prepared for all situations, Mini Roadside Assistance, CAA Roadside Assistance, Tire Insurance policy, compact spare for the MC, Tire repair kits, strong husky passenger, cell phone, Visa Card and cash.

No prayer mat?