RFT + Non-RFT

[Otago]

Heavy puncture on my rear RFT which cannot be repaired. I want to change to non-RFT but keep the RFT on front. Anybody done this? Any change in driving dynamic? Is it dangerous? Sorry for my english, thanks!

[lcheong]

I was thinking about doing this as well, but more the opposite ... my fronts were finally wearing at around 24.5K, while my rears still had some mileage on them (they were replaced already at 14.5K). I wanted to switch out of run-flats, but didn't want to switch all four just yet. But everybody basically told me to NOT have a mismatched set for safety reasons. So, I squeezed in another 1K on the fronts before I switched ALL FOUR to non-run-flags (Bridegestone Pole Position S-04's), which I absolutely love.

[cdeslandes]

Using different types of tires front and rear is a bad idea. It will effect handling in unpredictable ways.

[nhhiep]

I think mismatch F/R tires is OK, not ideal, but OK. Afterall, most BMWs have different tires for F/R anyway. don't mismatch L/R though.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

As long as you have the same brand and size of tire on the same axel left and right you are okay. Mind you it is not ideal, you don't want to go on the track with such a set up.

Think back to the 70s and 80s when your dad used summer tires in the front and winter tires in the back. It only became more cutomary later on to use the same thread and make of tire on all four corners of your car. Still for day to day city driving and highway as well different tires front and back will be fine for a short period of time. Be that RFT or Non-RFT as long as yu have the same left and right on the same axel you will be just fine.

[jparnes1]

Seems to me if you have different treads, different rubber composition and different traction front and back you're asking for possible trouble. Like if you're taking an exit ramp at speed one end of the car may not hold when you would normally expect it to. Chances are you'd be ok in most situations but the risk is there. Depends on your comfort zone.

[Dr Stig 2]

Originally Posted by jparnes1

Seems to me if you have different treads, different rubber composition and different traction front and back you're asking for possible trouble. Like if you're taking an exit ramp at speed one end of the car may not hold when you would normally expect it to. Chances are you'd be ok in most situations but the risk is there. Depends on your comfort zone.

I would not worry unless I Was driving it above 8/10ths.

I had mismatched RFT / non RFT on for two weeks while I waited for the fronts to arrive in stock.
Surprise, surprise, I'm not dead.

Biggest thing to remember is that what defines 8/10ths changes dramatically with the conditions.
On a clear dry day on a track 8/10ths is pretty fast.
On a wet, cold or icy day 8/10ths can be driving like an old woman. (or the equivalent of 3/10ths in the dry)

That being said, when the fronts arrived and I went non RFT all round - the car was dramatically improved in its cornering and grip. HUGE difference for the better.

AND - the rear RFT lasted 15,000km - and they were down to the canvas.
I hit 30,000km yesterday and I still have 7/10th of my tread left. I estimate I will get another 10,000km out of them until they become illegal, and another 15,000 out of them before they are even bald.
(Goodyear Assymetric F1 series 2 - I will buy them again in a heartbeat)

(But this time I will plan ahead and get them from Tyre Rack - I had to shell out nearly $3000 for them here.)

[Ramjet]

Originally Posted by Dr Stig 2

(Goodyear Assymetric F1 series 2 - I will buy them again in a heartbeat)

So did you stay with the 225/255 widths or go up to 235/265? Also, is there anything special about RFT rims - is there any difference or is a rim a rim? I have the 293's on my car so hoping that I can just change the tyres???

[SilverII]

i run this combo now... there is a very noticeable way the car handles with mis-matched combo. I would not recommend it if you drive at the limit all the time.

I do mostly city driving so its not too bad. just waiting for the fronts to wear out so i will change them to non-rft.

[Dr Stig 2]

Originally Posted by Ramjet

So did you stay with the 225/255 widths or go up to 235/265? Also, is there anything special about RFT rims - is there any difference or is a rim a rim? I have the 293's on my car so hoping that I can just change the tyres???

Stuck with the standard size.
No problems with the rims.

[Ramjet]

Originally Posted by Dr Stig 2

Stuck with the standard size.
No problems with the rims.

ok thanks

[Vintage]

one choice = Michelin Pilot Super Sports; it will transform your car

[jparnes1]

Originally Posted by VintageBMW

one choice = Michelin Pilot Super Sports; it will transform your car

I can vouch for that

[jannisa]

Originally Posted by Dr Stig 2

AND - the rear RFT lasted 15,000km - and they were down to the canvas.
I hit 30,000km yesterday and I still have 7/10th of my tread left. I estimate I will get another 10,000km out of them until they become illegal, and another 15,000 out of them before they are even bald.
(Goodyear Assymetric F1 series 2 - I will buy them again in a heartbeat)

(But this time I will plan ahead and get them from Tyre Rack - I had to shell out nearly $3000 for them here.)

Doc are their sidewalls stiff enough for repeated hard cornering without fading and temperature build-up and how precise and accurate does your steering feel?

Thx

[Dr Stig 2]

Originally Posted by jannisa

Doc are their sidewalls stiff enough for repeated hard cornering without fading and temperature build-up and how precise and accurate does your steering feel?

Thx

I dont know how hard you really want to go.
For a track day and spirited driving, they are fine.

They are a high performance tyre, the best Goodyear makes.

[siscobmw]

I went for Falken FK 452, not a premium tyres company, but transformed the car....Tested my friend e89 with PSS michelin: less understeer on my car,on dry roads the holding is wuite the same when wet michelins still have better traction...
if (in Italy)falkens costs 1/2 the michelins there's always a reason.....
anyway I use my Z only when the weather is really good....so I don't mind too much about roadholding in the wet, also cause I always drove old BMW's with skinny tyres and mediocre springs/shocks setup.....So I am trained ....