Great car but fails due to Run flat failures and no spare

I got this car in late 2012 after an extensive comparison with Audi and Mercedes. I really liked the model 530d and bought it. It had been very satisfying experience with the car performing great for a year. Technology wise, it is really great and very comfortable as well. Interiors are plush and rich. Just loved the car.

However, one incident has shaken this comfort level dramatically. We were coming back from Noida after attending a wedding. Around 11:30 pm, we noticed a slight wobble. None of the indicators came up. I got down and saw that the rear right tyre was half full and a bit warm. So, we drove down slowly to the nearest Petrol station (4-5 kms away), but by that time, the tyre had burst, stranding my family along with our wedding stuff. The Run flat indicator was still not on!

After 3 hours!! of contacting BMW assit, the truck came in and took the car to the work station. Long story short, I would like people to really consider this Weakness of BMW before buying. BMW has told me that Nails or screws induced punctures will strand you like this. Also, the assistance service is not their's, so no SLA there.

I didn't realize the importance of Spare wheel till it happened to me. We could have been stranded on the way to Chandigarh on the Highway and would probably had to wait for 6-7 hours to be rescued. I would gladly exchange my 530d with an Audi A6 after this.

Great technology, Very comfortableRun flat fails, No spare.