Anyone switch to non-runflat tires?

[rmorin49]

If anyone has swapped out their RFTs for regular tires, I would be interested in your impressions in terms of handling and ride. I had a nice conversation with Gary at TireRack about the best all season tire for the Z4. If snow usage is not important he favors the Pirelli P Zero Nero All Season. If snow usage is anticipated, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS are the best choice.

[Memphis1]

i know it probably doesn't help, but i did to my E90 and it was a more forgiving ride, i don't mean softer as in loosing control, it felt with the same control and a bit more grip but over slight bumps and or roads that weren't nice and flat it was nicer to my back

[rmorin49]

Originally Posted by memphis2012

i know it probably doesn't help, but i did to my E90 and it was a more forgiving ride, i don't mean softer as in loosing control, it felt with the same control and a bit more grip but over slight bumps and or roads that weren't nice and flat it was nicer to my back

I did the same on my 09 335 vert. I did not think the handling was compromised one bit but the ride sure improved. Biggest advantage I can see is that you can safely drive the car at lower temps. Here in western MD we have plenty of days when the high is in the mid 20s. The summer tires are like hockey pucks and the handling really suffers especially if the road is wet. I will probably put on a set of Pirelli P-Zero Nero All Seasons and sell the runflats. I am not leasing so I don't have to worry about turn in without RFTs.

[Z4@Phuket]

If you switch to non RFT tires, please make sure the the tire pressure should be the same as RFT tires (now BMW recommends higher pressure 38-42 psi)
see this post http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthre...=tire+pressure

don't forget to have one tire repair kit in your trunk.

[Jay Zone]

Unlike older models of BMWs, the E89 has 3rd generation run flat tires which compare very well with standard tires.

According to many you'll be wasting your money and won't see a significant difference.

http://blogs.automobilemag.com/65212...ire/index.html


JZ

[stixx]

I use Vredestein ultrac sessanta tires. I don't like run flat's at all so I changed them right away

[juhap]

Originally Posted by Jay Zone

Unlike older models of BMWs, the E89 has 3rd generation run flat tires which compare very well with standard tires.

According to many you'll be wasting your money and won't see a significant difference.

http://blogs.automobilemag.com/65212...ire/index.html


JZ

There was a discussion about this (here?) several months ago and while 3G run flats evidently are much superior to the older models, I never saw it confirmed anywhere that the E89 actually has them. I'd love this to be true, but can anyone confirm it?

[Memphis1]

the Z doesn't have them. here's more info on the tech

http://www.bridgestone.com/corporate...009030301.html

[Z4@Phuket]

Originally Posted by memphis2012

the Z doesn't have them. here's more info on the tech

http://www.bridgestone.com/corporate...009030301.html

Very good information, indeed
Sadly, I change to non RFT before I drove off the showroom.

[T89]

Originally Posted by stixx

I use Vredestein ultrac sessanta tires. I don't like run flat's at all so I changed them right away

What do you think of the Vreds so far? I'm thinking of changing to these once I get new wheels for the summer.


T

[rmorin49]

Originally Posted by Jay Zone

Unlike older models of BMWs, the E89 has 3rd generation run flat tires which compare very well with standard tires.

According to many you'll be wasting your money and won't see a significant difference.

http://blogs.automobilemag.com/65212...ire/index.html


JZ

Are you sure about this? I investigated and was told the E89 has the same tires as the 3 series and they are not 3G. The main reason I am swapping them out is not the ride and handling but the fact that the 18" summer tires are horrible when the temps get below about 40 degrees and if you do get caught with any ice or snow on the road, you ARE SCREWED!

[chrisb]

I've been wondering as well what sort of difference non-run-flats would make. I'm happy with the ride & handling but wouldn't mind a reduction in road noise.

Does anyone know how many miles the bridgestone RFs typically last in mostly normal, around town driving? I have a 29 mo lease and I'm assuming they will need replacement before then so I've considered getting less expensive non-RFs now and then switching back closer to end of lease so that I avoid paying for expensive new RFs right before I have turn it in.

Any thoughts?

[jlstyle]

Originally Posted by chrisb

I've been wondering as well what sort of difference non-run-flats would make. I'm happy with the ride & handling but wouldn't mind a reduction in road noise.

Well it's all depends how you drive your car.
If you just cruise around, you won't see much of a difference other than little bit softer road noise. But if you do spirited driving and love corners, there's significant difference between non RFT and RFT. RFT is just too bumpy and doesn't grip like non RFT. You will notice going 5~10mph faster in corners with non RFT.

[rmorin49]

I can tell you that when I removed the RFTs from my E93 335i vert and put on a set of of Yokohama ADVAN tires it made a big difference in the ride, handling did not seem to change. The RFTs usually wear out pretty fast as they are rated at 140 for wear. Biggest disadvantage for those of us in areas that get cold temps, they lose a lot of grip when it gets below about 40 degrees.

[Jay Zone]

Originally Posted by rmorin49

Are you sure about this? I investigated and was told the E89 has the same tires as the 3 series and they are not 3G. The main reason I am swapping them out is not the ride and handling but the fact that the 18" summer tires are horrible when the temps get below about 40 degrees and if you do get caught with any ice or snow on the road, you ARE SCREWED!

When I was researching the E89 I read somewhere that all BMW 09 model year and onwards were equipped with 3G runflats. One aspect I hated about my 07 335i is the runflats, because of the ride on less than perfect roads was bone jarring. So I checked around. This was almost a year ago so don't ask for references. I hope I'm not wrong

This shouldn't be to difficult to confirm with dealers and parts departments.

I still own both and my Z rides much better than my 07.

Let us know what you come up with. I'll start looking around see if I can dig up some information.



JZ

[rmorin49]

Originally Posted by Jay Zone

When I was researching the E89 I read somewhere that all BMW 09 model year and onwards were equipped with 3G runflats. One aspect I hated about my 07 335i is the runflats, because of the ride on less than perfect roads was bone jarring. So I checked around. This was almost a year ago so don't ask for references. I hope I'm not wrong

This shouldn't be to difficult to confirm with dealers and parts departments.

I still own both and my Z rides much better than my 07.

Let us know what you come up with. I'll start looking around see if I can dig up some information.



JZ

The articles I've read said that the 3G runflats are being installed on the 5 series cars, specifically the new 5 GT. Are the 3G tires marked on the sidewall to indicate they are the newer version?

I ordered a set of Pirelli PZero Nero All Season tires today from Discount Tire Direct. They had a good price and a couple of rebates worth another $90 off. Hopefully I can find someone that wants my brand new RFTs.

[dave 48]

I switched the run flats on my 2011 z4.Gave up a little in handling but ride is nice .Don't try to mix run flats with non run flats.It is hard to believe how bad the car can handle

[mpbruin108]

You do realize that this thread is from 2010 right? With that said, I switched to Michelin Pilot Super sport and loving it

[cdeslandes]

Originally Posted by mpbruin108

You do realize that this thread is from 2010 right? With that said, I switched to Michelin Pilot Super sport and loving it

Likewise.

[dave 48]

Nice car .I went with Bridgestone S04 pole position.These and the Michelin are the top two in this class.Have fun with your car.

[lcheong]

I also went with the Bridgestone S04 Pole Positions and have been very happy with the switch. The difference is ride quality was obvious from the very beginning.

[Baremeg55]

Has anyone switched to a tire like the Michelin from the RFTs, that previously purchased the tire and wheel insurance?