Just wanted to ask since i didn't see it from the archives..... how do you prepare yourselves from a flat after replacing your tires with non runflats? I've ordered my 05 MCS and am already looking at replacing the wheels/tires with a set that are non run flats... I jsut want to be sure that I don't get stuck if I do experience a flat when I'm out motoring for long distances.... :smile:

 

asaulo1,
Just replaced my run-flats, and I'm not looking back. Better ride, handling, and cost. Put 24,900 miles on my original run-flats without a flat. You can get a spare for long trips. Check out Jersygirls (The Bag Lady ) a NAM members web site for a tire bag, she will make a custom one if you like. :smile:
Charles

 

There are a few different preferences out there among those who have replaced the runflats. For me, there's nothing like the security of having a spare tire, especially on longer trips that often take me to areas with no cell phone coverage.

I ordered a compact spare from Classic MINI.

 

now if you do have a compact spare (with the spare tire bag) would you need to have the seats down at that point? does the tire flat goo stuff ruin your tire if you use it on a flat? just exploring some options before I take the plunge for my new wheels/tire set.... thanks.

 

If you use a compact spare covered in a bag then you can put it into the boot area and it will fit with the rear boot shelf taken off. You can leave the rear seats up. Folding the seats down gives you more room but it is not necessary for the tire to fit into the boot area.

The flat tire goo should not ruin your tire, just follow the instructions when using it.

You do have the free roadside assistance program from MINI. I have AAA plus and that allows me towing for up to 100 miles (my island is only 40 miles wide!).

 

A can of fix-a-flat and a AAA card is all I carry.

 

Around town I use fix-a-flat and I keep a small air compressor with me. For a road trip I throw a spare in the boot. Simple as that.

 

I recently replaced my runflats and went with the can of fix-a-flat and a cell phone. I looked at it from a $$$ perspective. GOOD non-runflats can still come in almost $300 to $400 cheaper than run-flats (at over $200 a piece). So, even if I have one blow-out that fix-a-flat wont take care of, I can always get a tow for a lot less than $300. Plus, if I need to replace a tire, I can even replace a pair (both fronts) to keep tread even and STILL be coming in for less cost than the runflats!!

The added benefit.....better ride, better handling, better looks!!!!

FYI: The small fix-a-flat can fits nicely in one of the little cubby holes in the boot.

 

I carry the spare tire (in bag from Bag Lady). The spare fits perfectly in the footwell behind the passenger seat with the front seat up against it, it goes in rear when hauling taller passengers or using rear seats. I didn't want to risk ruining my perf. tires with the fix a flat or tire goo stuff.

 

BMW did not provide a spare with the M Roadsters and they were not equipped with runflats. BMW provided a can of their own special fix-a-flat and an airpump that ran off the lighter, no jack, either. Perhaps some of those kits are available through wrecking yards.

 

Here is an old thread on the same subject.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=26932

 

How much are the MINI spares? Jerseygirl- Your custom bags are great. I will be ordering one as soon as I get new wheels.

 

I have been driving over 40k miles with a varitey of non run flat tires. So far I have only been towed once when I hit a rock broke a wheel. I have been getting by nicely on the cell phone / AAA card program.

 

I also replaced my runflats and bought a spare tire from a jetta or golf third generation, they fit perfectly and only cost like $40 or $50. The thread that talks about this is somewhere in this forum.

 

I bought a MINI spare from Classic MINI and it was like $80 ....hmmm it's been like a year and half ago so I'm not too sure on the price. Plus I bought a bag from Jerseygirl, loved it!

 

Think about it, if you're replacing your wheels/tires you'll have 4 spares sitting there.

 

I have replaced my 17" S-lite/runflat combo with the base 15" 7-hole? wheel tire combo on my MCS. I bought all four wheels and tires brand new on eBay for $250.

There is not a single performance upgrade costing within 4X's my $250 price (probably more) that can improve overall performance as dramaticaly as this wheel/tire swap!!! I would bet money on it!

Considering that the 15's weigh approx. HALF what the 17's weigh and considering that the rotational mass moment of inertia is proportional to the mass's disance from the center of rotation SQUARED, the performance improvement feels much greater than the 25lbs/corner would suggest. The car feels as if it has shed 500lbs. Think how much less energy is being drained not having to accelerate and brake those ridiculously heavy 17's. Of course consider the effects removing 100 lbs of unsprung weight from a car that weighs 2600lbs +/-. The ride is truly superb, much more controled than before.

Anyway, I could write a book on my enthusiasm for this swap. The improvements to braking, acceleration, noise, ride control, comfort, fuel economy, throttle response. . . they're simply amazing.

Just for kicks, I plan to measure the rotational mass moment of inertia for each wheel/tire combo by letting the wheel oscillate with a concentrated mass of known geometry (and hence known inertia) fixed to the inside of the rim. The frequecny of oscillation can then be measured and used to compute the wheels inertial properties. I suspect the 15's will have a mass moment of inertia of 1/4 to 1/3 the 17's. This is just a guess, of course, but even if the dimensions of the wheels were identical and the weight was concentrated exactly the same, the 15's would have a mass moment of inertia of 1/2 the 17's. That means it takes 1/2 the energy to accelerate and brake. Exciting stuff! Ok, I need to find my medication.

 

I carry this nicely packaged kit: Slime Smart Spair Repair Kit. Not a bad insurance policy for $20.

http://www2.northerntool.com/product-1/200304246.htm

 

I'm at almost 50k miles. I ditched the run flats at 13k. NEVER had a problem. But past performace is no garantee of future returns

Add a can of fix a flat and a small pump if it makes you feel better....

Matt

 

No kidding.
My non-runflat tyres have picked up 3 or 4 nails in the last 6 months, doubling my lifetime experience with punctured tyres. None of the punctures required towing, as all occured close to home. One nail didn't go all the way thru, 2 were repaired, and alas , the last one has a nail in the shoulder, and needs replacing, so my MINI sits in the garage, awaiting delivery of new rubber.
Shelly