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

A flat tire that’s not addressed can take a terrible toll on the rest of your car. Until you have it repaired or replaced, drive your 550i as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!

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

Temporary sealants will solve your problem… for a little bit. If you’ve seen temporary or emergency tire sealant before (it usually comes in a can), it can be tempting to turn to this as a solution for your flat tire. Keep in mind that these fixes could buy you some time to get to Firestone Complete Auto Care for a proper repair, but they could also cause some harm in the process (for example, damage to your TPMS). Plus, using a product like this could void your tire warranty.

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

For starters, your spare tire is designed to go short distances at low speeds. It’s not built to withstand the rough toll that the road can take from everyday driving! Putting off tire repair can also cause uneven tire wear in the long run – which could lead to a potentially costly toll on your steering and suspension system.

Who can repair BMW 550i tires?

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

Why do the tires on my 550i keep losing air?

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

Do I have to replace all four BMW 550i tires at the same time?

It's important to consider replacing your 550i 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”.

2008 BMW 550i Flat Tire Repair Service

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Get Your BMW 550i Tire Repaired

Urban areas are booming. New roads and buildings are springing up. There's construction around every corner! Unfortunately, this can mean a higher chance of a flat or damaged tire caused by debris in the road. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 2008 BMW 550i needs flat tire repair or inspection. 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 2008 BMW 550i tire puncture can be repaired, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (2) use a filler to close up the puncture (this is to keep moisture from getting in), and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

Tire Replacement for Your BMW 550i

Sometimes, 2008 BMW 550i tire damage calls for more than a repair. 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. Tires with this tread depth or less are no longer safe, so it’s time to replace the damaged tire. Other tire damage that can't be safely repaired includes a tire with a puncture larger than ¼ inch in diameter; a puncture that lies outside the tire tread area; a tire with two or more punctures that are less than 16 inches away from each other; and a tire with tread separation or significant cuts.

When your damaged tire can’t be repaired, consult BMW’s recommendations for replacing one, two, or all four of your tires. For vehicles with AWD, manufacturers recommend replacing all four tires simultaneously. This is because the AWD system can only function optimally when all tires are uniform. However, this may not be necessary if your remaining three tires are new. You might be able to replace one tire as long as it's the same brand, type, and size as the other three. Your tire technician can help you decide how many tires to replace and the kind of tire to purchase.

Tire Inspection Services for Your BMW 550i

Some tire issues can cause you to have a flat, but other damage isn't so noticeable right away. Tire damage can also show itself through subtle symptoms, like dents in your wheel rims, excessive noise coming from the exhaust system, bumps or bulges in tire sidewalls, or even leaks underneath the car. Stay ahead of potentially dangerous tire issues. Bring your 2008 BMW 550i in for a tire inspection.

Frequently Asked BMW 550i Tire Repair Questions

What happens if I drive my BMW on a flat tire? A flat tire that’s not addressed can take a terrible toll on the rest of your car. Until you have it repaired or replaced, drive your 550i as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!
Will a temporary sealant fix my BMW's flat tire? Temporary sealants will solve your problem… for a little bit. If you’ve seen temporary or emergency tire sealant before (it usually comes in a can), it can be tempting to turn to this as a solution for your flat tire. Keep in mind that these fixes could buy you some time to get to Firestone Complete Auto Care for a proper repair, but they could also cause some harm in the process (for example, damage to your TPMS). Plus, using a product like this could void your tire warranty.
Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while? For starters, your spare tire is designed to go short distances at low speeds. It’s not built to withstand the rough toll that the road can take from everyday driving! Putting off tire repair can also cause uneven tire wear in the long run – which could lead to a potentially costly toll on your steering and suspension system.
Who can repair BMW 550i tires? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can carry out most BMW 550i tire repairs, but the extent of the damage will determine if we are able to help.
Why do the tires on my 550i keep losing air? Possible reasons for your 550i tires continuously losing air include a leaking valve steam, wheel damage, and a puncture or hole in the rubber.
Do I have to replace all four BMW 550i tires at the same time? It's important to consider replacing your 550i 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”.

2008 BMW 550i Repair

Your BMW 550i runs best when it’s well cared for. Keep your car running newer, longer with repairs from Firestone Complete Auto Care. Learn more about 2008 BMW 550i repairs below.