No runflats and no spare wheel

[ecoangel]

Just asked the question to UK BMW i3 advisors:

Looks like the Bridgestone Ecopia tyres are similar to my B381 versions (as fitted to Lupo 3L, Audi A2 1.2 , Toyota Prius etc) so what happens when you get a puncture in the pouring rain 30 miles from nearest tyre outlet?

 

[Parker]

Just asked the question to UK BMW i3 advisors:

Looks like the Bridgestone Ecopia tyres are similar to my B381 versions (as fitted to Lupo 3L, Audi A2 1.2 , Toyota Prius etc) so what happens when you get a puncture in the pouring rain 30 miles from nearest tyre outlet?

I suppose the first thing to say is I'm relieved that the tyre is a type that's already in general production and not a new tyre specifically designed for the i3....... like Run Flat Mini tyres were initially ...... which meant a) you could only get them at Mini / BMW dealers for about a year after launch b) they took ages to arrive and c) they were b*****y expensive.

I may buy two spares (one for the front & one for the back) and keep it them home so there's no waiting for a tyre to be delivered .... carrying them around is probably a bit OTT. Our car will never (normally) be more than 50 miles from home.

 

[Stevei3]

Hi,

the i3 will come with an optional pump and repair kit, much like your A2 (option 2VC here in Holland).

 

[AndrewDebbie]

The unusual size of the tires used and the small number of i3's on the road guarantees the tires will be expensive and hard to get.


We live about 40 miles from the nearest BMW dealer. The closest BMW-i dealer is 110 miles away. I'm not looking forward to needing tires.

 

[Parker]

The unusual size of the tires used and the small number of i3's on the road guarantees the tires will be expensive and hard to get.


We live about 40 miles from the nearest BMW dealer. The closest BMW-i dealer is 110 miles away. I'm not looking forward to needing tires.

The Rex Fronts and EV fronts and rears are currently in stock approx. £120 each at a couple of online Tyre retailers as we speak ..... so not too bad.
Rears for the Rex which have a 65 Section currently not listed....... So it looks like these will be the problem ones.

 

[ecoangel]

When I purchased the A2 in Germany in 2002, I bought a set of 4 extra magnesium wheels with winter tyres. Yes it also had the emergency gel kit.

To reduce weight further I initially drove without a spare and (pre kids!) even removed the rear seats (they come out like suitcases.

However, UK A and B roads are not the best in the world and one tyre blew at 60 mph after intercepting metal debris. Thankfully the car was completely controllable.

But now 25 miles from home and No chance the gel would work. Also, no UK tyre dealers had the 145/80R14s in stock - so 4h return trip - first get recovery truck back home, fit winter tyre and drive back to work!

Ever since I've carried a spare in the boot (trunk).

 

[golman88]

Hi all,

I spoke to an 'I genius' (yes that's what they are calling themselves) during my visit to Park Lane BMW a few days ago, and I was told that if you had a puncture, the tyres will be automatically filled with foam and then solidify which will keep the tyre inflated for an additional few miles.

I don't know much about cars so don't know if this is true or not but thought i'd share what I was told.

 

[Atommad]

Hi all,

I spoke to an 'I genius' (yes that's what they are calling themselves) during my visit to Park Lane BMW a few days ago, and I was told that if you had a puncture, the tyres will be automatically filled with foam and then solidify which will keep the tyre inflated for an additional few miles.

I don't know much about cars so don't know if this is true or not but thought i'd share what I was told.

Err, no.

There may be a can of foam which you can manually apply in the event of a puncture, but there is no automatic system, sorry.