Run Flats - Continental ContiSportContacts - Yes or No

[NoMoreTuition]

I have a 2004 BMW 330Cic with the sport package. It has factory installed tires, Continental ContiSportContact size 225/45-17 front and 245/40-17 rear. I was told when I purchased the car that these are run flats. Thus no spare. Have not had any flats, and tires are now in need of replacement (30,000 miles). As I've looked at web sites and talked with salespeople from BMW dealer to tire centers, NO ONE has been able to confirm if these are run flats, in fact, it appears they aren't.

Can anyone confirm and/or point to documentation that they are?

I'm considering replacing with Pirelli PZero Nero M&S, just to have a bit stabler ride in the winter. I've avoided winter tires, and limit my driving when snow appears.

Any help certainly appreciated!

 

[bmw046series]

Look at the tires and check for the title "RFT", those aren't runflats you have to many miles on the tires. However the Continentals are good tires, but with a sport pack it will be tough to have any stability with anything but snow tires. Personally I'd stick with the Continentals, 30,000 miles is awesome, and they really are good tires they last forever.

 

[deutsch100]

The run flats started on the 3 Series for MY 2006 (E90). The tires (as Matthew) said also, are NOT runflats. I would stick with the regular Continentals. I had the runflats on my 06 330i, and I personally didn't like them. I found them to be hard, and the ride wasn't so terrific. On both my E46 330cics (2004), I had the same tires as you do, and I think they're really great.

 

[NoMoreTuition]

Thanks for the advice to check the sides of the tires. There is no "RFT" or any other set of letters that would indicate that these ContiSportContacts are run flats. I have been happy with the ride, and will most likely replace in kind. But first I will have a word with the dealer and be requesting a spare tire, at no cost, since I've been running around for just about 3 years without a spare!

 

[bmw046series]

Thanks for the advice to check the sides of the tires. There is no "RFT" or any other set of letters that would indicate that these ContiSportContacts are run flats. I have been happy with the ride, and will most likely replace in kind. But first I will have a word with the dealer and be requesting a spare tire, at no cost, since I've been running around for just about 3 years without a spare!

You know it is funny that you say that, correct me if I'm wrong, I've driven quite a few but never owned an old 3 series, but shouldn't the spare be under the mat in the trunk? I find it hard to believe that they didn't have spares. In fact I know they did.

 

[NoMoreTuition]

Oh, there's a spot for a spare under the mat, no spare. When I received the car, as we checked out the car before driving off the lot, I had a discussion with the salesperson and specifically said, "where's my spare" and I received the response that my car was equiped with run flats and thus no spare was provided.

I will be having a very interesting discussion with the dealer in the near future.

 

[bmw046series]

Oh, there's a spot for a spare under the mat, no spare. When I received the car, as we checked out the car before driving off the lot, I had a discussion with the salesperson and specifically said, "where's my spare" and I received the response that my car was equiped with run flats and thus no spare was provided.

I will be having a very interesting discussion with the dealer in the near future.

I'm assuming you bought it new?

 

[NoMoreTuition]

I purchased the car new.

 

[bmw046series]

I think the dealer screwed ya, I'd let him have it.

 

[ThatOneGuy]

Don't know about 330's but E46 M3's don't come with a spare either. You get a "mobility kit", basically a can of sealant and an air compressor under the trunk mat.