A growing number of new BMW vehicles are delivered from the factory equipped with run-flat tires. While many owners enjoy the peace of mind that comes with tires that can allow you to drive an extra 50-100 miles when flat, other owners prefer regular tires. So, can a BMW use regular tires if it came with run-flat tires?
If you’re looking for the quick and easy response to that question, the answer is: “Yes, you can use regular tires on your run-flat-equipped BMW.” Of course, there are benefits and drawbacks of regular tires as well as run-flat tires, and we want to help you make the decision that best suits your needs. One cautious bit of advice, though, if you’re considering changing your BMW’s run-flat tires to regular tires, you must do so on all four tires because of the handling and performance differences between the types of tires.
Why switch from run-flat tires to regular tires on a BMW
As a way to reduce overall weight of new BMWs, they no longer come with spare tires. Some models, especially performance-based M vehicles, come with BMW Mobility Kits in place of a spare tire. Most other models come equipped with run-flat tires. Also known as zero-pressure tires, these mean you have the assurance that nothing other than a complete tire failure will prevent you from getting to your destination or a service shop, even if you’re on an out-of-town road trip. There are positive and negative aspects of run-flat tires, however.
Positives of Run-Flat Tires
- No side-of-road tire changes
- More storage space
- Lower vehicle weight
- Safety
Negatives of Run-Flat Tires
- Higher price
- Less comfort
- Limited availability
- Decreased performance/handling
Don’t get us wrong, run-flat tires have come a long way, but they still tend to be more expensive, harder to find in emergency situations, and they simply don’t offer the same ride comfort or performance capabilities as regular tires.
Modern BMWs that come with run-flat tires have their suspensions tuned to minimize the negative effects ofthose tires, but talk to any BMW driver who’s compared their car before and after making the switch, and regular tires are almost always the clear winner. As with run-flat tires, there are positives and negatives to regular tires on your BMW, too.
Positives of Regular Tires
- More options
- Lower prices
- Improved handling
- More responsiveness
- Smoother ride
Negatives of Regular Tires
- Potential to go flat
- Need for a spare tire or repair kit
- Possibility of road-side tire change
- Need to save/replace run-flat tires if leased
Considerations when switching from run-flat to regular tires on a BMW
Switching from run-flat to regular tires on your BMW is a simple enough procedure on its own, but there are other things to think about. The main consideration is that you’ll no longer have the ability to drive long distances on a leaking or full flat tire. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to be prepared for the inevitable flat tire.
BMW offers their factor Mobility Kit that can be purchased directly from your local BMW dealer or through online vendors. It’s a fine kit that comes with BMWs that are delivered with regular tires from the factory. However, the price is higher than other options, so don’t feel like you have to have the BMW-specific mobility kit.
A regular tire repair kit is inexpensive and smart to have available in your BMW at all times, and a can of something like Fix-a-Flat plus an air compressor are a must. Tire repair kits with the necessary tire-repair product and a compressor are generally less expensive than the BMW-branded option. Just be sure to find one that includes a water-based tire-repair product that’s labeled as TPMS-safe, so you don’t damage your in-wheel tire pressure sensors.
If you have a new or certified pre-owned BMW that still has provided service, there’s also the BMW Assist program that can be used for tire emergencies among other things. If not, a AAA membership or something similar is always good insurance. There’s also the option of purchasing a temporary spare tire to keep in your trunk, but that will add weight and take away from storage space.
NOTE: If you switch from run-flat tires to regular tires on a leased BMW, be sure to keep the original tires if they’re in good shape. Your BMW will need to be returned exactly as it was equipped, so you don’t want to be stuck purchasing brand-new run-flat tires at lease-end if you don’t have to.
If you need assistance choosing replacement tires from your BMW’s run-flat tires that will be the right choice for your location and driving needs, contact Zohr online or call/text us. We’ll be happy to help you and answer any questions regarding tires for your vehicle. Plus, since we are mobile tire service experts, we’ll even deliver them directly to you and install them at your home or office.
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