Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[ta152]

I have heard that you are better off not using the flat kit - but call for service. The rumor says that using the kit may actually damage the tire ?? - and you'll have to replace the tire.

Any one have flat tire repairs/advice to share?

[JCtx]

I don't think the kit damages the tire, but I'm almost sure it damages the TPMS sensor. I carry a flat-tire repair kit to use as an alternative first.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by elp_jc

I don't think the kit damages the tire, but I'm almost sure it damages the TPMS sensor. I carry a flat-tire repair kit to use as an alternative first.

+1. In addition to a compact spare for trips, I carry a plug kit which can be used with the compressor portion of the MMobility kit. Tire can be cleaned out and used if it is not overly damaged, but it's a mess.

[John@BMW]

Ive used my kit to take up extra space in the garage!

I ended up taking it all out of the m3 since those things are a joke. I put a nice carpeted cover that comes from a regular e90 in its place. Now, when you lift up the trunk carpet, you will see more of the matching carpet underneath and not black plastic- I will get a picture one of these days...

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by John@BMW

Ive used my kit to take up extra space in the garage!

I ended up taking it all out of the m3 since those things are a joke. I put a nice carpeted cover that comes from a regular e90 in its place. Now, when you lift up the trunk carpet, you will see more of the matching carpet underneath and not black plastic- I will get a picture one of these days...

It is handy to have a compressor, though, without the goop.

[endofanera7]

I used it when I had a flat front tire. Didnt want to but I had no choice since I was in the middle of nowhere.

You will need a new tire if you use the gel bottle.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by endofanera7

You will need a new tire if you use the gel bottle.

Some have said they have had the tire cleaned out and patched after use.

[gasman mike]

Anyone know if it's possible to replace the trunk plastic inset with one from a 330i and use the 330i donut spare and real tools/jack to replace the fix a flat POS kit in the M3? Then you could drive to a service station yourself rather than wait 2+ hours for BMW "assist" to send someone who may or may no be capable of towing your car without damaginig it in the process?

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by gasman mike

Anyone know if it's possible to replace the trunk plastic inset with one from a 330i and use the 330i donut spare and real tools/jack to replace the fix a flat POS kit in the M3? Then you could drive to a service station yourself rather than wait 2+ hours for BMW "assist" to send someone who may or may no be capable of towing your car without damaginig it in the process?

No, it will not fit due to the configuration of the bottom sheet metal to allow for the larger muffler. A 330i jack will still fit under the floor. The 330i 17" compact spare is too small in diameter and will not clear the front brake. See this thread for a better solution, albeit one that needs to be carried flat on the trunk floor: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...=compact+spare.

[AlpWtE92]

I've had to use it once when I got a flat up in some rural mountain roads and it worked well. Got me going in 20 minutes instead of waiting hours for roadside assistance to get to me. Tire was sealed and stayed inflated for at least a week before I took it to the shop, and probably would have stayed inflated even longer. I wouldn't have wanted to repair the tire in my case, so I didn't look into if it could be reparied afterwards.

I'm not sure why some people have such a negative reaction to it and even remove it. It doesn't weigh much or take up much space. It saved me once and I'd rather have it around in case I get a flat in the middle of nowhere or in the middle of the night when roadside assistance would take forever to get to me.

[jk6672]

I keep a plug in compressor, which came in handy until I could plug the nail hole.

[foosh]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

No, it will not fit due to the configuration of the bottom sheet metal to allow for the larger muffler. A 330i jack will still fit under the floor. The 330i 17" compact spare is too small in diameter and will not clear the front brake. See this thread for a better solution, albeit one that needs to be carried flat on the trunk floor: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...=compact+spare.

And a great solution it is, Greg. That is unless you own an E93, and would like to put the top down.

[Heat00]

i plugged a tire yesterday with a regular plug kit and inflated with compressor. went to dealer today and got a brand new tire under road hazzard

it's amazing that on the bill that was sent to the tire insurance people, $514 for one tire, ouch!

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by ta152

I have heard that you are better off not using the flat kit - but call for service. The rumor says that using the kit may actually damage the tire ?? - and you'll have to replace the tire.

Any one have flat tire repairs/advice to share?

I used it often on my former e46 to bring the tire pressure up to the right setting. Never had to use it due to a flat tire. Never had any problems using it.

Now I have a small compressor with gauge set up in my garage to check tire pressure

[mpbruin108]

if you used it once, does anyone know how much longer will it last? Is it a once and done deal? I used it once and it worked fine. My tire turned out to have only 5 psi left before I noticed it was really flat and once I reinflated it and got a new tire, my TPMS worked fine.

[Richbot]

I've used it on a slash in the tread from a flat piece of steel that was not fixable with a plug kit. It works.