What happens if I drive my BMW on a flat tire?

Driving on a flat or underinflated tire can put extra stress on your wheels and alignment. While it’s sometimes necessary to drive a short distance on a flat tire to get to a safe place, don’t take any other trips in your 550i xDrive until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

Will a temporary sealant fix my BMW's flat tire?

A temporary sealant may be able to help you get to a repair location safely. But temporary or emergency sealants could possibly damage TPMS sensors, and in some cases may even void the warranty on your Bridgestone or Firestone tires. If your tire needs extensive repair, sealant can add time and labor costs to the process.

Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while?

While this sounds great in theory, keep in mind that most spare tires are not designed for distance or speed. The compact spare tire that most likely sits inside your 2011 BMW 550i xDrive is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.

Who offers BMW 550i xDrive tire repair?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can carry out most BMW 550i xDrive tire repairs, but the extent of the damage will determine if we are able to help.

Why do my 550i xDrive tires keep losing air?

Possible reasons for your 550i xDrive tires continuously losing air include a leaking valve steam, wheel damage, and a puncture or hole in the rubber.

Is it necessary to replace all four BMW 550i xDrive tires at once?

It's important to consider replacing your 550i xDrive tires in pairs or all four at once for safety and performance reasons, even if only two of them appear to be worn. If the remaining two tires are significantly newer, they may have different grip than the older tires, which can affect your vehicle’s handling. Always double-check your owner's manual since some vehicles require all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference of more than 3/32”.

Tire Repair for Your 2011 BMW 550i xDrive

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Repairing Your BMW 550i xDrive Tire

Cities are growing. New roads and buildings are springing up. Everywhere you look, it seems construction is in progress! New progress is exciting, but the road debris it leaves behind may mean trouble for your tires. If your 2011 BMW 550i xDrive is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. Our tire technicians can determine whether it's safe to plug and patch the tire, or whether it needs to be replaced. We’ll begin by taking a look at where the damage is, the type and extent of the tire damage, and how all of your tires are wearing.

If your 2011 BMW 550i xDrive tire puncture can be repaired, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (1) Remove the tire from the wheel for inspection and repair, (2) use a filler to close up the puncture (this is to keep moisture from getting in), and (3) re-seal the inside lining of your tire so that air won’t escape.

When Is It Time for BMW 550i xDrive Tire Replacement?

Unfortunately, some 2011 BMW 550i xDrive tire damage can’t be effectively repaired. For tires that have less than 2/32nd inch of tread left, a repair simply isn’t possible – even if the tire damage is minimal. At this tread depth, the tire is worn out and must be replaced. If your tire is not yet worn down, there are other forms of damage that simply can’t be repaired, like a puncture in the tire that is ¼ inch or greater in diameter; a tire with a puncture or damage outside the tread area; a tire with two or more punctures that are less than 16 inches away from each other; and a tire with cuts or tread separation.

Sometimes, it's in your best interest to buy one, two, or four new tires depending on BMW's recommendation. For example, it’s usually recommended that you replace all four tires at the same time on AWD vehicles. Why? Because having four identical tires is vital for the AWD system to perform like it’s supposed to. Just replaced your tires and only one is damaged? You may not need to buy another new full set after all. It’s possible that you will only need to replace the tire that’s damaged – just make sure it’s the same size, type, and brand as the rest of your tires. Need help? A tire technician can walk you through the options and help you determine what’s best for your vehicle’s performance and longevity.

Tire Inspection Services for Your BMW 550i xDrive

Some tire issues can cause you to have a flat, but other damage isn't so noticeable right away. Inconspicuous issues like bulging sidewalls, exhaust noise, leaks, or bent rims may indicate issues that need immediate attention. Bring your 2011 BMW 550i xDrive in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

BMW 550i xDrive Tire Repair Questions

What happens if I drive my BMW on a flat tire? Driving on a flat or underinflated tire can put extra stress on your wheels and alignment. While it’s sometimes necessary to drive a short distance on a flat tire to get to a safe place, don’t take any other trips in your 550i xDrive until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Will a temporary sealant fix my BMW's flat tire? A temporary sealant may be able to help you get to a repair location safely. But temporary or emergency sealants could possibly damage TPMS sensors, and in some cases may even void the warranty on your Bridgestone or Firestone tires. If your tire needs extensive repair, sealant can add time and labor costs to the process.
Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while? While this sounds great in theory, keep in mind that most spare tires are not designed for distance or speed. The compact spare tire that most likely sits inside your 2011 BMW 550i xDrive is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
Who offers BMW 550i xDrive tire repair? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can carry out most BMW 550i xDrive tire repairs, but the extent of the damage will determine if we are able to help.
Why do my 550i xDrive tires keep losing air? Possible reasons for your 550i xDrive tires continuously losing air include a leaking valve steam, wheel damage, and a puncture or hole in the rubber.
Is it necessary to replace all four BMW 550i xDrive tires at once? It's important to consider replacing your 550i xDrive tires in pairs or all four at once for safety and performance reasons, even if only two of them appear to be worn. If the remaining two tires are significantly newer, they may have different grip than the older tires, which can affect your vehicle’s handling. Always double-check your owner's manual since some vehicles require all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference of more than 3/32”.

Repair Services for Your 2011 BMW 550i xDrive

Nothing lasts forever. Even your BMW 550i xDrive's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 2011 BMW 550i xDrive repairs.