Can a BMW 5 Series still drive with a flat tire?
3 Answers
BMW's entire lineup of run-flat tires allows continued driving up to 150KM at speeds not exceeding 80KM/H after a puncture; in cases of complete air loss, the vehicle can still travel for 1000KM. Introduction to tires: Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery for ground rolling. Typically installed on metal rims, they support the vehicle body, cushion external impacts, maintain contact with the road surface, and ensure driving performance. Tire composition: Tires usually consist of three parts: the outer tire, inner tube, and flap. Some designs eliminate the need for an inner tube by incorporating an air-tight rubber layer inside the tire body, requiring specialized rims. Globally, tire structures are evolving towards tubeless designs, radial construction, flat profiles (with a small ratio of tire section height to width), and lightweight materials.
Speaking of flat tires, I remember one time when my friend's car had a tire pressure warning, but he still wanted to keep driving. In the end, the tire was completely worn out and ruined. It's even worse with a BMW 5 Series—never force yourself to drive on a flat tire, especially since a deflated tire can severely damage the wheel rim and tire sidewall. Not only is the repair expensive, but it also increases the risk of losing control or rolling over during turns or sudden braking. Even though some BMW models come with run-flat tires that allow you to drive slowly for about 50–60 kilometers, this is only for emergencies. Driving too far will still damage the car. My advice is to pull over and check as soon as you notice a tire pressure issue. If you have a spare tire, replace it immediately. If not, don’t try to save money—call for roadside assistance or a tow truck right away. Safety is more important than time. Tires are the first line of defense for safe driving—never neglect them.
When I first started driving my BMW 5 Series, I was dumbfounded when the tire pressure warning light came on. I thought I could just make do and drive to the nearest gas station to try inflating the tires, but my friend said that was a big no-no. Some BMW models come with run-flat tires, and the manual states they can be driven at low speeds for several dozen kilometers when flat. However, in practice, you shouldn’t rely on them for too long, or the tires will overheat and deform, and the rims may also warp and need replacing. I’ve learned my lesson now—whenever an alert pops up, I pull over to a safe spot to check. If the tire is flat, I use the onboard tire repair kit or switch to the spare tire, making sure not to drive over 80 kilometers on it. The key is not to panic—prioritize your safety first, and gradually mastering these skills is the right way to go.
