wljerome

this is what I've found, so far. I'm waiting for a reply from an NZ BMW dealer to see if they can match/better it... http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/option/bmw_spare_wheel_kits Not cheap, but with Sterling being so weak, it's about $550 incl. delivery.

At last! Yesterday (after a warning from my ever-helpful onboard computer alerting me to the loss of pressure in a tyre) I replaced all 4 tyres with Bridgestone Potenzas. What a difference! Smooth, quiet(er) and no hint of tramlining. Very happy. TBH, I had got so used to the runflats, that I'd begun to explore the very ample dynamics of my car; the longer I own it the more I love it; it's a truly great car. I was also happy that Eurosurgeons, in Mt Wellington took approx. 17 seconds to make my HUD show the sat-nav directions too, so now my car is "complete". One more thing. Now I have "normal" tyres; what to people recommend: Tyre pando or an emergency space-saver tyre? And thanks for all the useful advice!

Hi Dave, That would be good. I'm busy this weekend, but we could meet up for a coffee through the week? I work in Kerikeri Wed/Thur. Maybe lunchtime? Let me know. My mobile is 0212637366. All the best! Lloyd

Whilst I'm on the forum, what tyres do people recommend to replace my run flats? 245/40R18s. Id be looking for something reasonably quiet, with good wear & grip. thanks!

Hi Olaf, tbh, I'm with you. I'm trying to balance my expectations vs my perception. If you think my description suggests that the car is unsafe, then I'm overstating the problems. It's annoying rather than disturbing. Once I've replaced the tyres, I'll post again with my observations. All the best! Lloyd

Hi Glenn, Having had a bit of time and plenty of kms of driving in my 550, I completely agree with you. The tyres are the issue, and as soon as I can justify saying goodbye to them, I will. The DSC activates at the most unpredictable curves, and, is, in fact, a lesson in controlling g-forces. It might even be making me a better driver, as I attempt to drive just to the limit of its activation! But, with the DSC disabled, the car is an absolute gem, even if the lateral limits of the tyres are quite low. However, I have noticed that the can becomes a little hard to control at, er, "higher" speeds, tending to tramline, or be a bit jittery on overtaking. I'm assuming that this is a run-flat issue too, and I'm looking forward to some "proper" tyres before too long! Thanks for the feedback! Lloyd

Hi Pete, Thanks for the feedback; I'm just back from holidays, so apologies for the delayed reply. I did indeed buy an extended warranty for the car. I'm happy with the condition it's in, but I know from experience (Before the Scirocco I had a 2004 730i) how expensive some repairs can be. Now I've used the car a wee bit more, I've come to terms with some of the contrasts between a lightweight, turbocharged, FWD car, and the powerful, heavier RWD beast that the 550i is! And I'm very impressed with the new one!

Thanks for the input, and, on balance I suspect you all are right, the size, weight and power of the new car add up to a distinct contrast over the nimbler fwd. I'll let you know how I get on! But I suspect the new Tyres may come sooner rather than later. What are your thoughts on tyre pando vs a space saver? (I know it's been discussed elsewhere).

Hi aja, and many thanks for the swift reply. I suspect that the handling & roadholding might be improved by replacing the run-flats; they also seem to tram-line a little. Yup, you're right about the weight and RWD, I was anticipating that, but I was just a little shocked by how cautious I was having to be last night. Admittedly, it was pi$$ing it down, and, as you mention, the roads up north aren't of the finest quality. I'll persist with the run-flats for now, as they have heaps of tread, but will replce them as soon as I can justify the cost. I ended up replacing them in a Mini, and couldn't believe the improvement it wrought. And I will post some pics of my pride and joy, of course!

Hello everyone! As of yesterday, I'm the proud owner of a 2007 E60 550i LCI. It's an amazing car, and so far, having driven from Auckland to my home (Bay of Islands), I love it. However, I do have a few questions I'd like to ask of anyone with experience in these matters: I stepped out of a 2.0 VW Scirocco TSi. Great handling, nippy, etc, straight into the 5 series. So I was a little taken aback when, taking corners that would have not even elicited a second thought in the VW, the BMW panics and the loss of traction light comes on. It won't even let me use cruise control at 80kph on the Dome valley as the bends are too sharp for it. Is this to be expected? The car is not an M-sport model, so it's got 18" wheels and run-flat dunlops. I know it's a much softer car than the M-sport, but this seems a little poorer handling than I anticipated. I've driven other BMWs (728i E38, 730i E65, 530i E39) and all of them seemed much more driveable than this. Road testing in Auckland and the motorway didn't hint at this issue. What do you think?