Well, I decided to go ahead and put in my order for an '07. Since it is late in the model year, they waived fees and threw in some accessories. My only problem now is that I'm second guessing my wheel/tire strategy. My original plan (and current order) was to get the sports package and keep the tires and sensors and just get new wheels. I would then sell the crown spokes.

Now, the more I read about the runflats it sounds like in addition to being a rougher ride they are noisy and wear out pretty fast. While I originally did not plan to do a complete wheel and tire change right away, I am now considering going with the 16's and then right to aftermarket 17' wheels and tires.

So, here are the questions. If I go without the runflats, and get a slime/compressor kit I know the sensor will likely get killed if I need to use it. How much is a new sensor?

Any idea which wheels are in more demand for resale, the S-Winders or the bridge spokes?

I'll probably sell the factory wheels and tires separate and keep the sensors. This sound like a good plan?

Thanks for the help, my MA says I will probably be locked out of changes early next week!!! I'm excited, but want to make sure I get everything right...

 

The sensor (pn 36236781847) lists for $45.55 and the valve stem (pn 36111095374) lists for $12.85.

 

S-winders are lighter even though the hub cap makes it less sporty for me.
Lighter = better.

 

I've heard about this before, but what exactly does the Slime do that kills the sensor? Does this happen with the "old" type of system, too?

 

I found this on the Slime web page:

Can SLiME be applied to tires with Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)?

SLiME has been tested with various OEM and aftermarket TPM sensors to ensure the sealant, when installed to temporarily repair a puncture, will not harm the sensor.

Because SLiME is a fibrous liquid that must pass through the valve stem in order to install, it may not easily pass through what are referred to as DIRECT mount sensors located in the valve. If SLiME does NOT pass easily through the valve stem of a tire fitted with a TPM sensor the driver should defer to using a spare or to having the vehicle towed. If sealant CAN pass through the valve, it is important to note that once the sealant is removed from the tire the sensor should be cleaned and recalibrated by the tire care professional.
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Seems to me that you may have to consider getting towed if you have a major blow-out with a non-runflat. If it is a slow leak, just pump it with air and limp in to a repair place. You may have to pump it every few miles, but better than paying for a tow.

You would proably have to get towed with a runflat if you had a catastrophic blow-out and the tire came apart. My impression is (and someone will probably correct me if I'm wrong ) runflats are only useful for leaks that deflate the tire quickly, but leave it mostly intact. If it comes apart, you probably couldn't drive on it. If it is a slow leak, a non-runflat could get you to a tire place.

In the last 20+ years, the only flats I've had have been slow leaks. To me, the cost/benefit analysis says the risk of using non-runflats is worth it -- even if it might mean a tow.

 

Oh.

Like the part about using the spare. As if we'd be using Slime if we HAD a spare!

 

"...using a spare or to having the vehicle towed."
We just get the second option.

 

not sure if this is an Urban legand or not - I have read where at least one member here had warr problems when he went with aftermarket wheels??? If I remember right - brake/rotor issue - dealer stated 'aftermarket wheels' Like I said - may be just a legand - but worth asking 'before' investing $$$

 

I think would have to be something caused by the wheel -- not enough clearance around the brakes, or something like that.

 

I spoke with a dealer that races these things. He told me:
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Best tire setup - Tires: 215 x 45 x 16. Tires: Kuhmo ECSTA, Yokohama, Hankook RS2 (cheap & good, but wears fast). Wheels 16x7”, 100 mm spacing, +0.42 offset, 16 lbs/wheel. Wheel Mfgr: Oz Ultra Leggerra, Kohig, Tirerack package or EdgeRacing.com.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I got the standard 15" on an R56 and don't like them because the speedo is off 3-4 mph above 35 mph.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I also don't like slime. I put some in an Expedition tire once to seal up a slow leak from a "plug" fix. It sealed OK, but the slime causes out of balance. Never again.[/SIZE][/FONT]

 

Wanna repeat that...slower?

 

After researching a bit today, it looks like it might be most cost effective to just follow my original plan of swapping the tires over to the new wheels. It looks like the resale value of the factory parts is really bad (somewhat expected) and you only save $250 over the 16's (I want the rest of the stuff in the package). Plus if I just take off the 16's and sell them I will need new sensors. After wearing out the factory tires, I'll move to non-run flats.

Just to make sure, unless specified the crown spokes come with summer tires not all seasons, right?

Thanks!

 

That's how mine came -- Sports Package gave me Crown Spoke wheels with Dunlap SP Sport 01 DSST runflats. After putting some miles on them I sold both the tires and wheels for $600 + shipping. Someone else sold a brand new set for $800.

 

Did you sell them with the sensors?

 

I think run-flats are crap. I got the all-season run-flats, knowing that I was going to get some after market wheels + summer tires for my main set. The all-seasons were for going to the mountains in the winter.

Being all-season, they have lousy dry traction. Being run-flats, they have abrupt break-away characteristics. What a delightful combination!

The sidewalls are so stiff that they'll make lousy snow tires. I suspect they'll be way too skittish for my tastes.

Anyway, for my primary wheels/tires, I have some very light 17" forged wheels with Kuhmo Ecsta MX wheels. (Coming this week, I hope!) I bought a plug kit that will be in the car at all times. I bought a donut spare that I'll keep in the car on road trips. If I go on a transcontinental road trip, I'll bring along a full-sized spare. No goo for me!

For snow tires, eventually I'll ditch the run-flats and get something more specialized for those conditions.

 

Mine were pre-sensor. I have the FTM system.