Has anyone ever used this system to fix a flat? Do you need it if you have the run-flat tires? The M3 owners manual only talks about using the sealant to fix a flat tire, but does this gum up the tire and wheel? I am a couple of weeks away from receiving my M3 but it would be good to have this figured out before I need to use it.
M3 Mobility Fix-a-flat
- Thread starter franko
- Start date
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If my tire is punctured to the point where you can't drive it to the nearest service station then I'm not driving on it. The tire would have to be replaced or repaired regardless, so I would rather have it towed to the nearest service station.
On longer trips I do carry a full size spare and jack just in case of emergencies.
On longer trips I do carry a full size spare and jack just in case of emergencies.
I’ve used the fix-a-flat, only prior to purchasing run flats. They are O.K. in case of a dire emergency, but you should still get the tire replaced or if the shop can fix it allow the experts to make that decision. The fix-a-flat will also throw off the balance. You don’t need it if you have run-flats. Run flats are made to drive a reasonable distance, at a reasonable speed and intended to keep you out of dangerous situations while changing a tire. I’d rather buy a new tire then be hit by someone not paying attention to the road. Just my $.02.
OK, thanks to all for great info. I was misled somewhat by the owner's manual, since it only mentioned the fix-a-flat system.
Do all 2004 M3s come with run flats? I double checked the brochure, but it is not clear. It seems that the dealer told me they did.
If so, what brand and model does BMW use and how bad are they for agressive daily driving for dry and wet conditions?
Do all 2004 M3s come with run flats? I double checked the brochure, but it is not clear. It seems that the dealer told me they did.
If so, what brand and model does BMW use and how bad are they for agressive daily driving for dry and wet conditions?
Run-flat tires usually don't get punctured badly enough for them to be ruined.
In the event that you need a tow truck, it's not that bad. You just call BMW Assist up and give them your info and they send the tow truck right away. It is not like Triple A where you have to wait hours just for it to come. BMW Assist and these other concierge services that come with luxury cars are MUCH faster. Usually, the tow truck arrives within 15 minutes of the phone call.
And if it helps at all, I am in a similar boat. My car comes with a spare tire, but it is a very pathetic donut. In the event of a flat tire, I would call Infiniti Roadside Assistance and have them tow my car to the nearest service station as I just do not trust the donut spare...it is super small and pathetic and just cannot even do half the job the stock 18" wheels do.
In the event that you need a tow truck, it's not that bad. You just call BMW Assist up and give them your info and they send the tow truck right away. It is not like Triple A where you have to wait hours just for it to come. BMW Assist and these other concierge services that come with luxury cars are MUCH faster. Usually, the tow truck arrives within 15 minutes of the phone call.
And if it helps at all, I am in a similar boat. My car comes with a spare tire, but it is a very pathetic donut. In the event of a flat tire, I would call Infiniti Roadside Assistance and have them tow my car to the nearest service station as I just do not trust the donut spare...it is super small and pathetic and just cannot even do half the job the stock 18" wheels do.
also those donuts are not meant to be driven faster than 50mph...
as far as the run-flats go, they are a very stiff ride, and at the first oppurtunity i'd
change them for some normal tires...
fix a flat will only fix small punctures too...
when u call roadside, they know/ask what car u have, and the trouble u're having
they then pick up parts as needed
as far as the run-flats go, they are a very stiff ride, and at the first oppurtunity i'd
change them for some normal tires...
fix a flat will only fix small punctures too...
when u call roadside, they know/ask what car u have, and the trouble u're having
they then pick up parts as needed
Actually, bmw roadside assistance is through Triple-A. When the Triple-A guy came when my key broke off in my lock, he said he was told it was a BMW Roadside Asst. call, and I told him it was just a regular Triple-A membership, and he said that he'd fix the error, and that it's all through triple-a.
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By reading the literature, the M Mobility System is a pain in the ass. Unless I was in a real bind and had no communication to the outside, I would call for roadside service and request that I be towed in by a tilt bed carrier. Much better to get the original repaired or replaced that to employ a clumsy system meant for temporary use of a tire.
Having had the wonderful experience of a flat tire with the run flats, it depends on where you are for one thing, whether you have stock tires and if you don't, if the tire store happens to, and I do mean happens to, have an M3 tire in stock, I would call for roadside (which I did) and had a flatbed for sports cars come and tow me home. Right now I have Conti's on and have had the great luck of punturing my sidewall just driving between towns. That nail just jumped up and found me! Anyway, roadside assistance did not charge me a penny, nothing, nada. The towing company was very good and took great care with the car to make sure it was done correctly. BMW called as soon as it was delivered to the dealer. In spite of a crummy experience and a pain in the hmhm, roadside is great. If I were out in the boonies someplace and not able to call, well, thats another story. I would use the can and have the wheel cleaned when the tire was replaced. Just remember: Safety first, get a tow truck and then go have a beer.![[cheers]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_cheers.gif "Cheers [cheers]")