BMW set to launch all-runflat 1 Series

By Patrick Raleigh, ERJ On-line news editor

London-BMW has chosen 18 Sept as the date for the pan-European launch of the all-runflat-fitted 1 Series, which marks the high-end car maker's entrance into the compact hatchback market, according to a 30 July company statement.

The 1 Series is the first volume car to be fitted with runflat tyres as standard and without any provision for a spare tyre, according to a BMW spokesman. “This is the first ever BMW engineered from the outset with runflat tyres in mind,” he confirmed.

The 1 Series comes as standard with 16-inch wheels and run-flat tyres, backed by a Tyre Puncture Warning System. The runflat tyres will enable the car can be driven safely for up to 90 miles at up to 50mph, with all tyres punctured, according to BMW.

Within the automotive industry, BMW is the clear leader in the area of runflat technology, having fitted the system on its Z4, BMW 5 Series, 6 Series and MINI models. These cars are fitted with self-supporting sidewall tyres, which are mostly supplied by Bridgestone Corp. and Goodyear.