How in the hell did I order an R56 MCS and not know that it didn't come with a spare? I feel like an idiot.

I think I am up to speed now and have decided that I don't want to do runflats. I understand and can appreciate their benefits but am not into their cost. So, can someone please give me the low down on the goodies I should carry with me in case I get a flat.

One more question. Does the MCS come with a jack? I really feel like an idiot.

Thanks in advance for your help.

dean.

 

Don't worry about it. There are tons of owners on the forum that ditch the runflats. Its really not too big of a problem. Try to find a good tire repair kit, and a portable inflation device (one you can plug into the cig. lighter).

 

I know 53s do so I assume the 56s will have jacks

Compressor enough slime for two tires. (A plug kit if you so prefer) A Jack some gloves (so if its the day you need to look nice and arrive somewhere then you stay clean).

AAA card.

Cell phone.

Flashlight.

Those are the minimums.

 

Get yourself a can of fix a flat, and a small compressor. I was pretty worried at first as well, but then I thought about the number of times that I've had a total tire failure...


Once in 17 years of driving. It was a sidewall blowout, and it wasn't even my car (they didn't take care of their tires). Every other time it's been a slow leak that I could just fill up and then fix it at home, or at a garage.

Not to say that you won't have a total tire failure, it has a lot to do with where you drive (active construction etc).

BTW, the runflats aren't as bad as everyone makes them out to be. I have my summer tires -which are run flats, and a set of non runflat winter tires. They are a bit stiff, but you bought a "go cart with airconditioning" so give them a chance before you go out a toss out the tires your car came with.

 

So, all US bound MCS come with run flats ?

dean.

 

I have the Goodyear runflats and so far I am happy with them. They do have a little noise and are stiff but coming out of a 4x4 truck they feel great to me in all driving conditions I have encountered!

 

On the 06 (and older) there isn't even a place for a spare tire (the battery is in the back on the S).

For the new MCS I don't know, but I'm assuming ( ) that it's the same setup.

It's likely the new trend for small (most?) cars anyway. Think of how much extra weight most cars are carrying around, and as MPG ratings get squeezed they have to figure out ways to cut weight. Hopefully they will get better and less expensive.

The average driver couldn't even change a tire anymore, and the ones that could will likely find out that their spare doesn't have any air in it because they never check it!

 

I was completely convinced that I didn't need runflats, because I had only once in 25 years had a flat that couldn't be plugged on the spot (slashed sidewall due to road debris).

Well, today my runflats came in handy.

But, well the $300+ to replace the dead tire is REALLY painful... but my wife's home recovering from surgery, and I was bringing her lunch, and so today it would have been much more than a minor inconvenience to get home without the runflats...

 

I'm jinxing myself but what the heck...

Ditched the runflats about 500 miles after I bought the car and haven't looked back. Got a couple nails but that is why I carry a plug kit with me and there is always roadside should anything major happen....

 

Reel... Don't fret, there is always something we don't think about. And who would normally think a new car wouldn't come with a spare? I just wanted to caution you about something the tire guy at my local store told me. I don't think he was trying to sell me a tire, he was just the "worker". Anyway, he says the "fix-a-flat" stuff will eat the tire material from the inside, out. So while it may fix temporarily, eventually it will eat a hole through and ruin the tire. MotorOn has the right idea with the AAA card! hth..

 

Runflats are fairly cheap at TireRack if the worst case scenario happens. I actually have a spare in my garage in case of any issue and I need one ASAP!

 

my advice: make sure you get a good compressor.

the first one I bought was from Pep Boys and turned out to be a POS -the wires pulled loose from the power plug the first time I used it. I'm glad it was in my driveway (and on my other car)

Now I have a Craftsman that I got from K Mart- a 300 psi rated for truck/SUV use. I also make sure I keep a new/fresh plug kit in the boot.

 

I sold the runflats and picked up a donut spare rim from my dealer and a tire from tirerack. It fits in the boot most of the time and behind my seat on longer trips. Works fine.

Not sure if this is an option on the R56.

 

Thank you all for the replies.

Naturally, if the car comes with runflats I will put off the decision until it is time to replace them, which I've read will be before 20K miles. I prefer the idea of regular tires that will cost significantly less, possibly perform better and last twice as long. Yet, there is no denying the advantage of runflats.

My MCS will only ocassionally go on trips and I like the idea of simply packing a spare when far from home.

Although we haven't had any winter here in CT to speak of yet this year, I was planning on buying an extra set of wheels mounted with Blizzaks. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks again. You are a helpful bunch of folks!

dean.

 

my MCS has below:

1. Blackberry - To call wife to pickup my spare in the garage already in a
tirerack tote bag with handle labeled "MINI." and surf on NAM
while i wait.

2. 12v air compressor

3. Fix-a-flat can (in case wife is not there)

4. Large beach towel - to wrap the dirty wheel/tire.

5. Paper towels - to clean my hands.

6. Detailer spray - temporary use to clean my hands.

7. CD's - listen to music while i wait.

 

My 06 330i has the 18" run flats. Got 9,100 miles on it. and within the last two weeks picked up a nail in left rear, and screw in the right rear. grrrr...... I have the tire & wheel warranty, put it'll still cost me a little change to replace.

prior to that, I've not had a flat in the last 10 years.

I'm a little nervous about the whole RFT's on my MCS too, and considering dumping them.

I saw another post that RFT's should actually be called GFT's. (go flats...). They seem to "collect" road debris like magnets.

Don't get me wrong, the concept is great. You get a flat in a bad area, or on the highway, and you can still drive on for a bit. Good Wifey factor. No blowout issues either. But it all comes at a cost.

 

Might get some snow tonight, otherwise pretty bare around here too. I've got Blizzaks, they worked great in what little snow I've driven in. An excellent snow tire, the only drawback is handling becomes a bit vague compared to my performance summer tires.

Nothing major, they just feel a tad squirrly and less precise. I don't push it on winter roads anyway.

 

Ya know, you can just buy a spare if it bothers you that much.

Or any of the flat fixing kits that have been mentioned.

I don't worry about it. I've got double roadside service through MINI and my insurance.

 

Does anybody have any experience with the ContiComfortKit that Tire Rack sells? Its a tidy little package that includes a compressor and sealant.

 

I have one in every car, and I mostly use the pump. I use wax plugs for sealing punctures, they cost less than the refill of sealant.

What would you like to know?

Alex

 

Due to the great posts, I'm not as worried abt the RFTs on my newly purchased '06 MCS (Goodyear 205/R45/17). I'm also getting a cover my butt roadside temp. repair kit with "Slime" sealant. But your mention of "wax plugs" has me stumped. How does the wax plug method work?

Thanx for the vital education, Zen.

 

I use the tire plug kit you can get at WalMart for like $7. The $4 one has handles that are hard to use, and the $7 "pistol grip" is nicer - and the plugs are larger. It's not wax but a self-vulcanizing fabric-reinforced rubber compound, usually enough to last a while. I've actually had 'em last the life of the tire. If I have to plug a tire, I'll also try to get to a gas station and have them apply a patch on the inside, though the one tire I double plugged (2 nails, dead center to the tread) lasted another 15k before running out of tread and never lost any more air than the non-plugged tires.

Never plug or patch a sidewall or the "shoulder" of the tire, though - too much flex there. The plug may last long enough to get you home or to a tire store, but don't trust a plugged shoulder/sidewall too far. IMHO, YMMV, etc. (the plug and patch insructions say the same thing).

 

Wax plugs are used instead of sealant. They are only temporary - get them repaired as soon as possible.

Alex

 

Don't feel dumb about that. Do you know there are people that buy these cars and do not know they are front wheel drive? Now that is reason to feel dumb.

 

MINI's are front wheel drive?!?! News to me.