[wjones14]

So I pulled the car out of the garage this morning intending to take a short ride to see if I have an oil leak or not (see other thread). The windows were open and I heard a squeaky noise rolling down the driveway. Stopped and backed up, then rolled back down to confirm the noise. Backed up again and got out and noticed the left rear tire was flat. Pulled the wheel off and saw the problem: something embedded in the middle of the tread.

I bought the car at a dealership 120 miles away, but called the local BMW dealer service department and they said I could bring the tire in for them to look at. When I got there, they couldn't have been nicer. The service adviser took a look and then asked a tech to see if it was fixable. Meanwhile, she took my information from the NY dealership receipt, and looked into a new tire if it could not be fixed. They didn't have one there, but could have it by end of day Friday, and would be able to have it ready by Saturday. It would have been $330 for the tire, and with mounting and tax it was $400.

The tech came back and showed me some bits of plastic that caused the puncture. Hard to say what it was because it broke up when he tried to pull it out. So he had to pop the tire off the rim to see if any more pieces were on the inside. He plugged it and said it was holding.

The service adviser wrote me up a receipt and there was no charge for the fix. (I checked the wheel too for scratches and it was perfect.)

If they had the new tire on hand, I may have just elected to replace it. But since they didn't have one, I'll try out the plug and see if it holds. I'm still in break-in mode so not tracking the car or going all that fast right now.

Is this plug something that could last the life of the tire? I'm thinking if it needs to be replaced, it might be better to do it now so the tires wear down at the same time.

[Steelguin]

Plug can and should last the life of the tire. As long as its not close to the sidewall.

[richard in NC]

Is it a patch and plug or just plug? I've heard the former is much less likely to fail at some point.

Note that it's not recommended to run on track with a plugged tire. It may even fail the usually required tech inspection. So you may have to replace the tire anyway. My issue was on a sidewall so I was forced to replace a tire.

EDIT: I can imagine tread temps and constant forces on the tread blocks are why plugs on track are not good and may be a safety issue.

[wjones14]

Originally Posted by richard in NC

Is it a patch and plug or just plug? I've heard the former is much less likely to fail at some point.

Note that it's not recommended to run on track with a plugged tire. It may even fail the usually required tech inspection. So you may have to replace the tire anyway. My issue was on a sidewall so I was forced to replace a tire.

EDIT: I can imagine tread temps and constant forces on the tread blocks are why plugs on track are not good and may be a safety issue.

The repair is just a plug I believe. Agreed, it's common sense not to take a plugged tire on the track. I have not yet decided about tracking this car or not.

[(K)]

Sheesh you've been getting the worst of it man. Sure you didn't piss of a gypsy or something driving off the lot?

Regarding the tire, plug will be fine for street use. Personally I would have gotten a new tire since they all have such low mileage and save the plugged one as a spare.

[BigKutta]

Plugged tire perfectly fine. Not sure about tracking it though

[DanG]

Use Discount Tire or some other local tire store instead of the dealer. Same tire and usually much lower price.

[wjones14]

Originally Posted by DanG

Use Discount Tire or some other local tire store instead of the dealer. Same tire and usually much lower price.

Are they really a lot less for a MPSS 265/35ZR19? The dealer's price was $330 plus $50 to mount/balance.

[Enabled]

Isn't there supposed to be rubber cement with that plug?

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by wjones14

Are they really a lot less for a MPSS 265/35ZR19? The dealer's price was $330 plus $50 to mount/balance.

Usually yes, in this case no. Tirerack shows a rear MPSS for $334, mounting is usually $25-30. For the convenience, the $20 extra is worth it. If you are going to track the car, I'd get the new tire (as others with experience suggest). otherwise a plug will last forever. I had a nasty screw go through my rear as well and I got it patched and am not going to worry about it. I dont track however.

[Tag]

They didn't scratch the wheel, that's a huge win. Take it to the same dealer next time you need tires, even if it cost a bit more it's worth it.

[Sindarin]

Plugs are a temporary repair, patches are a permanent repair. That looks like a temporary rope plug. I don't understand why they didn't patch the tire if it was dismounted? Most dealers won't install plugs due to the liability involved. Lots of deaths and lawsuits attributed to incorrect tire repairs. Probably why they didn't charge you, didn't want to be liable if plug fails.

[F87 S55]

This may not be news to some, but there can actually be a big difference between Star Spec OE tires and the same offerings in the aftermarket. There is a LOT of data on this topic but this video puts it into easily followed perspective. It is Specifically centered around BMW Star Spec tires.

If you are looking replace the plugged tire, I would look at either two aftermarket tires or another new BMW OE Star Spec tire as they are not the same. Check the load ratings and even treadwear ratings as they may not be compatible.

Also, that really needs to be plug patched. I have had similar punctures and insisted on the plug patch and have had zero issues. Have a look at this link to Tire Rack for a better explination.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret....jsp?techid=77

[wjones14]

I got the tire replaced today at the dealership. So yes, it is the BMW OE replacement, part # 36112446276. Michelin Pilot Super Sport (BMW) XL BW size 265/35ZR19 98(Y). And good news again - tire mounted with no scratches whatsoever on the rim!

The plug did hold fine for 5 days and about 75 miles. Didn't lose a pound. But I decided I didn't want to live with the plugged tire, and wanted to keep my options open for future track days.

They gave me the old tire, and I can confirm now it was a simple plug repair, not the preferred combination plug and inner patch. See picture from inside the tire. Now that I have the old tire, I don't really want it.

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by wjones14

I got the tire replaced today at the dealership. So yes, it is the BMW OE replacement, part # 36112446276. Michelin Pilot Super Sport (BMW) XL BW size 265/35ZR19 98(Y). And good news again - tire mounted with no scratches whatsoever on the rim!

The plug did hold fine for 5 days and about 75 miles. Didn't lose a pound. But I decided I didn't want to live with the plugged tire, and wanted to keep my options open for future track days.

They gave me the old tire, and I can confirm now it was a simple plug repair, not the preferred combination plug and inner patch. See picture from inside the tire. Now that I have the old tire, I don't really want it.

Get it patched for $20 and keep it as a spare

[Moflow]

Originally Posted by BigKutta

Get it patched for $20 and keep it as a spare

This. I have had to replace two rear tires already (huge gash from debris and a nail right by the sidewall) Really wish I had a spare.

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by Moflow

This. I have had to replace two rear tires already (huge gash from debris and a nail right by the sidewall) Really wish I had a spare.

When replacing tires, I always save the one old one that's in the best shape. Keep it in the garage for a rainy day. I've done this since they stopped giving us spares and donuts.

[skier219]

I have lost count of the number of times I had to plug a tire, probably at least 15-20 times in 35+ years of driving. All the plugs lasted the life of the tire; never had a single one fail. I don't recall hearing any stories of plugs failing from anyone come to think of it.

I actually carry a plug kit in all my vehicles (tools, rubber/rope plugs, and rubber cement). Most times, you can pull out the foreign object, ream the hole, and insert the plug without losing much air.

I can think of one time I had to replace a tire, and it was also a newish tire. Cut near the sidewall that was not suitable for a plug or a patch. That's really the only time you have no choice.

The puncture shown here is a perfect scenario for a plug and it would give me zero concern.

[dangaroo]

Got a screw in one of my rears that I had Discount Tire plug. Car only had 2000 miles at that point. I've since tracked it and it holds air fine. Done the same on my previous cars. Just be smart and check it periodically to make sure it's not leaking air.

[ChrisK]

When you plug or patch a performance radial tire (or any tire) you are rolling the dice. Here is why.

Moisture. I had a tire rep tell many years ago that moisture and the steel belts don't mix. You essentially lose the speed rating. Yes - you can daily drive it, but I wouldn't track or do any high speed runs.

I always plug if the tire facility looks sloppy, then get it patched at some place reputable. Let's face it, these tires don't last that long anyways. I also replace tires after 6 years regardless of mileage.

[mcg8]

Originally Posted by wjones14

So I pulled the car out of the garage this morning intending to take a short ride to see if I have an oil leak or not (see other thread). The windows were open and I heard a squeaky noise rolling down the driveway. Stopped and backed up, then rolled back down to confirm the noise. Backed up again and got out and noticed the left rear tire was flat. Pulled the wheel off and saw the problem: something embedded in the middle of the tread.

I bought the car at a dealership 120 miles away, but called the local BMW dealer service department and they said I could bring the tire in for them to look at. When I got there, they couldn't have been nicer. The service adviser took a look and then asked a tech to see if it was fixable. Meanwhile, she took my information from the NY dealership receipt, and looked into a new tire if it could not be fixed. They didn't have one there, but could have it by end of day Friday, and would be able to have it ready by Saturday. It would have been $330 for the tire, and with mounting and tax it was $400.

The tech came back and showed me some bits of plastic that caused the puncture. Hard to say what it was because it broke up when he tried to pull it out. So he had to pop the tire off the rim to see if any more pieces were on the inside. He plugged it and said it was holding.

The service adviser wrote me up a receipt and there was no charge for the fix. (I checked the wheel too for scratches and it was perfect.)

If they had the new tire on hand, I may have just elected to replace it. But since they didn't have one, I'll try out the plug and see if it holds. I'm still in break-in mode so not tracking the car or going all that fast right now.

Is this plug something that could last the life of the tire? I'm thinking if it needs to be replaced, it might be better to do it now so the tires wear down at the same time.

If you have ANY intention on driving this car hard I suggest you just eat the cost and replace the tire. I know many people will defend a "repair" to the death but I am not one of them.

[mcg8]

Originally Posted by wjones14

I got the tire replaced today at the dealership. So yes, it is the BMW OE replacement, part # 36112446276. Michelin Pilot Super Sport (BMW) XL BW size 265/35ZR19 98(Y). And good news again - tire mounted with no scratches whatsoever on the rim!

The plug did hold fine for 5 days and about 75 miles. Didn't lose a pound. But I decided I didn't want to live with the plugged tire, and wanted to keep my options open for future track days.

They gave me the old tire, and I can confirm now it was a simple plug repair, not the preferred combination plug and inner patch. See picture from inside the tire. Now that I have the old tire, I don't really want it.

good move. You can guarantee that your wheels will not be scratched and gouged when tires are mounted by ONLY using shops that are Hunter Road Force certified. Anywhere else is a crap shoot. Even most of the elite dealerships around the country (mercedes/bmw/Audi) are still using 30 year technology to mount and balance tires. the good old steel claw to hold your tire in place to mount the bead.

To the average dealership and customer the barrel of the wheel is a destructive item. Its the same mindset that a shiny wheel "face" is considered a "detailed" wheel.