Flat tire?

[Boatguy]

I have a BEV on order. The salesman told me the tires were run flats, but it looks like he was mistaken (as he was on many other things...).

No spare, no run flats, has anyone gotten a flat tire?

 

[MikeS]

From Tom’s blog - http://bmwi3.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/bmw-i3-wheels-and-tires-what-you-need.html - None of the tires are runflats, and the i3 does not have a spare tire. What you do get is a can of "Fix-a-Flat" tire sealant and compressed air, which if used properly should get you at least as far as your nearest BMW dealer which will likely be the only place that stocks there rare tire sizes.

 

[Zzzoom3]

From Tom’s blog - http://bmwi3.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/bmw-i3-wheels-and-tires-what-you-need.html - None of the tires are runflats, and the i3 does not have a spare tire. What you do get is a can of "Fix-a-Flat" tire sealant and compressed air, which if used properly should get you at least as far as your nearest BMW dealer which will likely be the only place that stocks there rare tire sizes.

The Volt works the same way although the Volt comes with an air compressor you can carry around. The tire sealant canister attaches to it. I've had to use it twice and can verify that it works well for small punctures such as nails or screws that do not damage the sidewall. Anything else and you will need roadside assistance.

 

[SDCAi3]

From Tom’s blog - http://bmwi3.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/bmw-i3-wheels-and-tires-what-you-need.html - None of the tires are runflats, and the i3 does not have a spare tire. What you do get is a can of "Fix-a-Flat" tire sealant and compressed air, which if used properly should get you at least as far as your nearest BMW dealer which will likely be the only place that stocks there rare tire sizes.

Fortunately, in the US at least, the tires are currently available at Tire Rack, too ($135/$149) for front/rear all-seasons).

My dealer's finance person, when trying to sell me a $2500 tire/wheel warranty, said they were run flats and $749 each, so as we've seen in many instances over the past several months, it pays to educate yourself and take EVERYTHING your dealer tells you about the i3 with a grain of salt unfortunately.

 

[stumbledotcom]

I initially paused over the choice of air pump/sealant combo. But when I thought through the i3's range and intended duty as a city vehicle, I came to see it as a smart design decision vs. the dead weight of a spare. (I can't evaluate the conventional tire vs. run-flat; have to trust BMW and Bridgestone on that one.)

As SDCAi3 points out, tirerack.com shows both 19" (all-season or summer) and 20" (summer) available for next day delivery. I'm guessing that means other Bridgestone retailers should be able to get the tires relatively quickly.

 

[Zzzoom3]

From Tom’s blog - http://bmwi3.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/bmw-i3-wheels-and-tires-what-you-need.html - None of the tires are runflats, and the i3 does not have a spare tire. What you do get is a can of "Fix-a-Flat" tire sealant and compressed air, which if used properly should get you at least as far as your nearest BMW dealer which will likely be the only place that stocks there rare tire sizes.

Fortunately, in the US at least, the tires are currently available at Tire Rack, too ($135/$149) for front/rear all-seasons).

My dealer's finance person, when trying to sell me a $2500 tire/wheel warranty, said they were run flats and $749 each, so as we've seen in many instances over the past several months, it pays to educate yourself and take EVERYTHING your dealer tells you about the i3 with a grain of salt unfortunately.

WHAT! Dealers lie .. unbelievable

 

[AviatorMan]

I initially paused over the choice of air pump/sealant combo. But when I thought through the i3's range and intended duty as a city vehicle, I came to see it as a smart design decision vs. the dead weight of a spare. (I can't evaluate the conventional tire vs. run-flat; have to trust BMW and Bridgestone on that one.)

As SDCAi3 points out, tirerack.com shows both 19" (all-season or summer) and 20" (summer) available for next day delivery. I'm guessing that means other Bridgestone retailers should be able to get the tires relatively quickly.

I was pretty surprised when I found out that Ferrari's and most other exotic cars just come with fix-a-flat. The Ferrari Fix-a-Flat is a real pretty red can with the prancing horse on it. Probably contains Titanium glue.

 

[jadnashuanh]

Most people that can afford something like a Ferrari, probably would never consider getting their hands dirty by changing a flat, and given their shape, carrying a spare around wouldn't be all that useful of the available space. Given the city car nature of the i3, you're more likely to be fairly close to help should you actually get a flat. I hope I never find out! I do wonder if that will clog up the TPMS sensor, and result in having to buy a new one of those as well as fixing or replacing the tire, though.