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[aamodtpw]

Time for me to replace my tires for the first time since acquiring my E92. I have decided to stay with existing wheels and run-flats, so just buying a new set of the same tires.

Is my local dealership the best option for doing that? Having looked around at pricing, I wouldn't expect to save much money, more a matter of convenience if I have it done elsewhere. On the other hand, I've read some posts making me think that special equipment and/or extra care is needed specific to either my wheels or the tires themselves, so perhaps dealer TLC is worth it.

Did search for related posts on this topic, but I didn't find answers to this exact question. Thanks in advance for advice offered.

[tcphoto]

I recently replaced the Run Flats with PSS4’s and wonder why BMW would ever go with Run Flats. They are expensive, hard, response is slow but eliminates the need for a spare. Michelin offers Roadside Service for two years and a used space saving spare can be found for under $200.

[TheeGovernor]

Originally Posted by aamodtpw

Time for me to replace my tires for the first time since acquiring my E92. I have decided to stay with existing wheels and run-flats, so just buying a new set of the same tires.

Is my local dealership the best option for doing that? Having looked around at pricing, I wouldn't expect to save much money, more a matter of convenience if I have it done elsewhere. On the other hand, I've read some posts making me think that special equipment and/or extra care is needed specific to either my wheels or the tires themselves, so perhaps dealer TLC is worth it.

Did search for related posts on this topic, but I didn't find answers to this exact question. Thanks in advance for advice offered.

No special equipment needed and lots of money can be saved going to a place like discount tire. I highly recommend going to non runflats.

[TGTIW]

I think the general rule is that the dealership is never the best option.

If you got the money, go for it.

Mounting run flats is a giant PITA. At least if the dealer messes up a wheel during the process, they'll make it right. They also have road force balancers, which makes a big difference.

If you decide against run flats, go elsewhere.

[CTinline-six]

When I brought my 328i into the dealer to get the valve cover replaced under the SULEV warranty, they recommended I replace my tires. They offered me a sweet deal on 4 new runflats mounted and balanced for $1500. I politely declined.

[aamodtpw]

Update to my original post:

Ended up going elsewhere for my run-flats. Dealership price for the tires and installation was competitive @ $1200 for four tires (17" ContiProContacts). What swayed me in the other direction was free four-wheel alignment versus $150 dealership charge and a courtesy discount thanks to my wife's auto-related employment.

And yes, I consider $1200 crazy expensive, and I would not spend the money in a perfect world, but that's not where I live. Roads in my area are horrible thanks to frequent winter freeze-thaw cycles. I've got an MBZ C230 with the same size wheels - five cracked rims over a decade resulting in four ruined tires. I cringe every time I hit significant potholes because then I have to go through subsequent three-day watch periods to see whether I'm going to lose a tire or not. My first cracked rim on the C230 occurred the second day after I brought it home. By contrast, I have gone 10K miles now on my E92's RFs with no issues in spite of local road conditions.

The way I look at it, the RFs offer a pretty decent insurance policy. This original set of tires that I just replaced lasted 50K miles. At 12K miles per year and a $400 premium over what I have on my Benz (Conti DWS 06), the cost is only $100/year. Mind you, this is for all seasons. I might feel differently if I were running summer tires. I also might feel differently if I thought I had room for a spare. (My wife, who is in charge of filling the trunk, tells me I do not.) I don't expect to win any converts here, just assuring y'all that I thought this through pretty well before I leapt.

RFs have obviously come a long way since the factory offering 10+ years ago. I'm sure they make much more sense now than what was available back then, for sure.