[Rookie66]

4 years with F11 17" rims with no problem fitting Dunlop Wintersport 3D runflats via Kwik-fit "tyre hotel" service. Great tyres.

New F10 (520dM) this smmer & assuming I could do the same.

Struggling to see any 19" (275/35 R & 245/40 F) run-flat winter options.

Anybody know whether such exotica exists? If not - best alternatives?

Ideally runflats & using same rims.

Thanks in advance!

[njc]

Try Tyreleader.

[njc]

It is probably a lot cheaper to buy a square set up including Tyres and Alloys on 18" - I believe taking Runflats on and off rims isn't recommended as it can damage the reinforced sidewall.

[morellomax]

Agreed - I wouldn't try to change tyres over on a set of 19s, and a set of 18s or 17s for winter will be better in every way - more comfortable, cheaper, less chance of rim damage from potholes, etc etc. Less risk of aquaplaning as well, where tyres are slightly narrower.

[Rookie66]

Thanks both.

But didn't have any problems with four winter-tyre/summer-tyre changeovers on last car (albeit with 17" rims....but don't see how 19" would change that?).

Surely new wheels AND tyres would be more expensive than just tyres?

Cheers

[gspannu]

Originally Posted by Rookie66

Thanks both.

But didn't have any problems with four winter-tyre/summer-tyre changeovers on last car (albeit with 17" rims....but don't see how 19" would change that?).

Surely new wheels AND tyres would be more expensive than just tyres?

Cheers

You are increasing your chances of damaging the rim each time you remove/ put on tyres - thats the only risk.

[morellomax]

It's much harder to remove and refit 19" tyres than 17" tyres, especially RFTs, because of the lack of play in the sidewall.

A set of 17s or 18s (rims plus winter tyres) on ebay shouldn't cost much more than a set of 19" winter tyres on its own, and you'll have something of greater value to sell on in a few years' time.

Just an example: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-F10-5-...-/252133921899

HTH, IMHO, RSVP etc etc !

[morellomax]

Actually, scrap that advice for now. Do you have the full tyre pressure sensor system i.e. readout of actual individual pressures on screen ? If you do, then any rims for winter tyres will also need the sensors and that bumps up the price and reduces the available options on ebay.

[njc]

Originally Posted by morellomax

Actually, scrap that advice for now. Do you have the full tyre pressure sensor system i.e. readout of actual individual pressures on screen ? If you do, then any rims for winter tyres will also need the sensors and that bumps up the price and reduces the available options on ebay.

Or if you were content to live with the warning sign on the dash for the duration of the winters being fitted then for me it would be the most cost effective way of booting your car in winters.

[morellomax]

Originally Posted by njc

Or if you were content to live with the warning sign on the dash for the duration of the winters being fitted then for me it would be the most cost effective way of booting your car in winters.

Might be an insurance and MOT fail though ?

[IanS100]

You say you're struggling to find tyres and ask for the best alternative, but reject it, if you can't find winter tyres to fit your 19" wheels, a set up winter wheels will be your 'only' alternative.

17" or 18" wheels & tpms can be purchased for about £600 or less new, and you will make quite a saving with the cost of much cheaper tyres. Factor in a residual value for your winter setup and the overall long term cost will be negligible.

If you do manage to find 19" winter rubber they will probably be very expensive, and damage one of the wheels or tyres while being swapped over, which is very real possibility with RFT tyres, or clip a kerb in the snow etc and a cheap winter set will start looking very attractive.

Have a look at these: http://www.mrwinterwheels.co.uk/17-b...-tyres-xr.html
They also come in 18" if you prefer, I and many other forum members have gone for these, they're a good wheel at a reasonable price, look similar to OE M Sport wheels, and they have the recess for the tpms, what's not to like?

[Rookie66]

Bit harsh saying I "rejected" advice.

I was just sharing my experience of 4 years with no problems & asking if anybody knew of a tyre that would fit?

Have found some now (thank you) & they are expensive (£450 each!) ..... non run-flats are actually more.

Just weighing up choice now between having them (company car) or leaving it.

Personal choice again - but I like the OEM look & the way the car looks with 19s.

Cheers

[morellomax]

£450 each - wow...

I do agree about the looks, F10 does look just right on the MSport pack 19s or similar, but I'm not willing to go through that kind of pain to keep my looks !

[njc]

Originally Posted by Rookie66

Bit harsh saying I "rejected" advice.

I was just sharing my experience of 4 years with no problems & asking if anybody knew of a tyre that would fit?

Have found some now (thank you) & they are expensive (£450 each!) ..... non run-flats are actually more.

Just weighing up choice now between having them (company car) or leaving it.

Personal choice again - but I like the OEM look & the way the car looks with 19s.

Cheers

£450 ouch....I'm sure you could of got a set of OEM 18" alloys and tyres for that price.

[Balster]

I was told by a BMW indy that non RFT's are non standard parts and would invalidate the insurance. I've read similar posts (and responses) on here.

[gspannu]

Originally Posted by Balster

I was told by a BMW indy that non RFT's are non standard parts and would invalidate the insurance. I've read similar posts (and responses) on here.

Not really, You only need to inform your car insurer about the same. BMW does sell these cars with non-RFT tyres, so the parts are technically not non-standard.

Some insurance companies may be slightly more difficult to convince than others, but eventually they will come around. Also since these tyres being sold in the UK are EU compliant, the insurance cannot really fight it.

Some insurance companies even have an issue with 'Winter Tyres' (regardless of RFT or not). The fact that you are changing tyres seems to get these insurance companies into believing that the car has 'been modified'. Speak to the insurance company - -and usually they should come around...

[Rookie66]

Down to £320 now & they're RFTs.

Just need to store my summer ones myself rather than use Kwik-fit's "tyre hotel"! Loft....here I come!

I'll justify (to myself!) by thinking I'd have to buy another set of summer ones anyway during the 4 year lease......so these just replace those ;-)

[gibbonm]

Originally Posted by Rookie66

Down to £320 now & they're RFTs.

Just need to store my summer ones myself rather than use Kwik-fit's "tyre hotel"! Loft....here I come!

I'll justify (to myself!) by thinking I'd have to buy another set of summer ones anyway during the 4 year lease......so these just replace those ;-)

I am in the process of selling my original M351's in 19" with 4 good 5-6mm Dunlop RFT's if you are interested and were thinking of keeping 2 sets rather than change the tyre twice a year, i believe changing a rft can damage the tyre over time? maybe remove the tyres on my wheels, fit the Winters on them and when you have to change your summers before the lease is up you have 4 tyres ready and waiting? work out cheaper in the long run?

[Rookie66]

Thanks for offer - but I'll stick with current plan.

PS sent last car back with winters on at end of lease ;-)