M-tire sealant........a sticky mess!!

Texas · 22nd February 2004, 01:24

The first time my car warned me about low tire pressure, I used the M-tire inflation system with sealant included with my 2003 E39. I followed the instructions, but after the two episodes of running the pump, I noticed that the tinfoil seal over the top of the plastic bottle of sealant wasn't even open. I also noticed that my tire pressure was about 60psi. I tried to pierce the seal with the top of the plastic cover which has a small point, but that didn't work. So I ended up pulling the entire seal of the bottle and using it that way. The next time I opened up the trunk compartment to use the system, there was sealant all over the place. Perhaps I just needed to poke the seal with a pin or a toothpick, but there were absolutely no instructions on opening the seal.
Now maybe I'm just an idiot

, but I know that the Germans

are pretty big on details, so did I miss something

? I'm ordering another bottle of the sealant, and would like to avoid the same mess. Can anybody advise me?

Jim Dolan · 22nd February 2004, 03:01

Nope Tex your the first, I carry a bottle of fix a flat just to avoid that. Sorry about the car.

TexasM5 · 22nd February 2004, 04:13

You have just experienced one of the reasons that many of us carry an extra front tire and wheel in the trunk

Audioguy · 22nd February 2004, 04:27

Tex;

Just an FYI... The tire pressure monitoring system is very sensitive.. You might wanna consider checking your tire pressures when you get a defect message. Then monitor those readings to positively rule out a false alarm before you apply that "stuff." Honestly it does more bad then good. it can lead to improper balance issues, and not to mention making a huge mess on the inside of your wheel. I hope you were able to get things in your trunk under control.

Best of luck

-Audio

TexasM5 · 22nd February 2004, 04:38

Audioguy has a good point. Carry a good tire pressure gauge with you. Check the pressure. Only use that goop if absolutely necessary.

TexasM5

Jim Dolan · 22nd February 2004, 05:17

Some of us may not know how to use the goop. First of all only buy the non explosive stuff, read the can before you buy. Second after you determine you actually have a leak you must move the car for two or three miles at a speed, very slow at first, to evenly distribute the stuff to avoid that balance situation mentioned above. Following the directions is a must with this stuff on a car like ours.

Quadcammer · 22nd February 2004, 15:37

I would have gladly taken a wee bit smaller trunk and 35 extra lbs in the trunk over this half assed system.

No way im spraying that crap in my wheel. Absolutely ruins any chance of patching a tire.

Texas · 22nd February 2004, 18:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Dolan

Some of us may not know how to use the goop. First of all only buy the non explosive stuff, read the can before you buy. Second after you determine you actually have a leak you must move the car for two or three miles at a speed, very slow at first, to evenly distribute the stuff to avoid that balance situation mentioned above. Following the directions is a must with this stuff on a car like ours.

Jim,

I followed protocol the first time I used it (put in sealant for the specified time, drove a mile or two at 25 mph, then put in air). After I did all that, I checked the sealant container and saw that the seal wasn't broken. So what I did was pump in air twice, and thus the 60psi which really freaked me out. So, after that episode, I completely removed the tinfoil seal, and got the big mess (which is now cleaned up after some work, most of it just got in the plastic receptacle where the sealant container sits, and some spilled onto the styrofoam pieces in the trunk). The alarming thing is, recently in town, I ran over some really big chunk of metal which was still stuck in my tire, and made two holes. As I filled the tire, I could hear the air blowing out the holes even though the metal piece was still in the tire. It took me two stops and fills to get to Discount Tire. Now imagine if you're out on some US highway driving through the deserts of Arizona or Utah!!!!! Holy crap, you'd be totally out of luck if you're tire sustained more than minimal damage.

Is there any way to fit a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench in that trunk, or are we 2003 M5 owners stuck with this lousy system?

Jim

TexasM5 · 22nd February 2004, 18:38

Jim-

Anyone who drives long distances in their car needs to carry a front tire and wheel in the trunk. I have not found a way to store it without losing a good deal of the trunk space. I purchased a front tire/wheel (this front tire/wheel will fit on either the front and rear axle), had a 'jacket' made for my new spare (so that I'm not carrying a dirty tire in my trunk either before or after the switch), purchased a 5 series jack, and a lug wrench. It takes a little time and adds a bit of weight, but also provides piece of mind.

TexasM5

dmz · 22nd February 2004, 19:07

I would never use any of those sticky crap on my tires. I just call AAA for a tow home if I have a flat.