I was astounded to read the e-mail describing the problems faced by reader, PH of Hampton, concerning the lack of availability of BMW spec (Bridgestone) runflat tyres in France. Like PH, I have just bought a new BMW 320 Touring and received the 'sales pitch' on run-flat tyre safety. The salesman knew that we intended to use the car extensively for trips to France/Spain but he was not aware of any tyre availability problems in France. After reading the letter from PH I called BMW Customer Services hoping to be reassured that this example of a five day delay in the supply of a replacement run-flat tyre in France was a 'one-off' incident, but no, I was horrified to be told that ''although runflat tyres are fitted by BMW UK they are not widely used in France and BMW is trying hard to persuade/organise their French main dealers to stock these tyres for UK and German customers driving in France”. What a crazy, almost unbelievable situation: the mighty BMW selling cars in the UK when they apparently can't routinely supply replacement tyres through BMW France for UK drivers holidaying in France.