Magazine for the professional tire industry
Issue link: https://mtd.epubxp.com/i/714120
MTD August 2016 Run-flat tires right there. We really try to look at what services need to be around for our customer when things go wrong." at's why run-flat tires are part of a two-prong service. BMW 's connected driver service, called BMW Assist, gives consumers an instant connection to an expert who can help the driver determine the severity of the tire damage and whether he can make it to the closest dealership or if a tow truck needs to be called. Guerrero has first-hand experience with the service. He was driving on a road that was being repaired when he hit something. He admits he was driving "a lile too fast" given the road's condition, but the car immediately notified him he was losing tire pressure. He pressed the BMW Assist buon and weighed his options. Did he need to go straight to the nearest dealer, or could he make it home and have a tow truck meet him there? e BMW Assist expert mapped out the distance to Guerrero's home and determined he could make it if he drove under a certain speed. "at kind of service is different in each situation, but having it with me I felt like I got the premium experience I was expecting from BMW. If I had to change my tires myself, not such a premium experience." e common complaints: wear and ride Premium service aside, consumers do have some issues with run-flat tires. Independent tire dealers are well versed in the most common complaints: not enough tread wear, an uncomfortable ride, and exorbitant replacement costs. ere are online forums full of drivers wondering how and if they can or should ditch their run-flat tires for non-run-flat tire options. Guerrero says BMW has heard those complaints, "especially in the early days. " W hat's important for OEMs like BMW, we design the cars with run-flats from the get-go. It's not an aerthought or a small option. I think that commitment from OEMs like 89 run-flat tire options BMW sells tires on its website, and allows consumers to choose to have them installed by a dealer or delivered to their home, or the customer can pick up the tires at the dealership. Installation carries an extra cost that's assessed by the dealer at the time of service. Jose Guerrero says the online lineup of run-flat tires, 89 options strong, is a comprehensive database of the run-flat tires the automaker offers either as original equipment or a replacement option. The list covers six tire brands: Michelin, Goodyear, Pirelli, Bridgestone, Continental and Dunlop. There are $500 run-flat tires (the Continental ContiSportContact 5 SSR in size 255/40R19 for $522.35) and options around $200 (the Michelin Primacy MXM4 ZP in size 225/50R17 for $205.88.) Most BMW vehicles are outfitted with run-flat tires, but there are a few exceptions. Drivers who opt for the larger 21- inch wheels are looking for a sport experience, and also want a tire designed for performance. 26