mwillems

Apparently since they are those special tires that you can run flat, they are expensive; I am told $4,000 for four. Is there no cheaper way for me to get winter tires?

lkchris

Only runflat tirerack.com offers in your 19-in size is $342 each.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....nSpeedRating=S

$4K is ridiculous, even if it includes new wheels.

mwillems

Quite so. That is of course the dealer price...

Messerchmidt

$4000 is funny...I love stupid dealer prices

get a set of 4x Dunlop Grandtrek WT M2 235/65-17 for $113 each and 4 steel rims or some cheap alloys to match to your good. (smaller thinner tires are better for winter)

mwillems

Thanks! Off to the tire place (not dealer) tomorrow to see if they can do it!

GregW / Oregon

You don't have to use runflats. I got four Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snows 255/50-19 for US$921 shipped from Tire Rack. These are replacements for a previous set of the same I had--good tires.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....n+Ice+%26+Snow

[

lkchris

Of course not--it's only the difference between driving to the tire repair shop and having your ML flatbedded there when you have a flat.

GregW / Oregon

Form my many years of driving experience (44), blowouts or rapid flats are extremely rare. The typical flat is a nail puncture or such resulting in a slow leak. That gives you time to get it refilled, or get to a shop to get it repaired. For trips, I carry a compressor and plug kit, which will take care of 95% of tire issues you may encounter. The trade-offs for runflats in ride and expense are nto worth it, IMO. Of course, my '06 has a spare, as well.

Vernl

I would consider going to regular winter tires Some companys now give you a compressor and a can of ''flat fix" and run ordinary tires with no spare. I think that would be my choice if my new vehicle came with run flats and it was time to switch

GregW / Oregon

That's what my M3 has, though I think the plug tool is better than using the liquid sealant.

am_beagle

One can not use the liquid sealant for an extended time. The shop would have to evacuate all of the sealant from the tire and then plug it in the old fashion way.
But one can of tire sealant is the best trip companion, anyway.

GregW / Oregon

This is the plug kit I carry, in addition to sealant:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...o?code=FROOGLE:

Using a tire plug tool (can be done with the wheel still on the vehicle):

http://www.alpharubicon.com/bovstuff/tirepluguzi.htm