I HATE RFT

[BOGONY]

Replacing my seventh run flat in 18 months.
They are awful.
The best move that I made is buying BMW insurance for the tires

[Bigmouth Studio]

Me too, so, I get rid of it very soon.

[cdeslandes]

I use RFT for my winter wheels only. Switching to ole' fashioned tires for the summer.

[fisherman]

Originally Posted by BOGONY

Replacing my seventh run flat in 18 months.
They are awful.
The best move that I made is buying BMW insurance for the tires

7 flat tires in 18 months ? That's hard to believe....What is happening ?

[marcw]

NY potholes.. that's what's happening. I've seen potholes big enough to swallow a car in NY

Originally Posted by fisherman

7 flat tires in 18 months ? That's hard to believe....What is happening ?

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

I hated them so much I traded my Z4 in for an M3 after loosing 2 rear wheels to cracks ...

Now I am a happy camper ... yes my M3 has forged wheels and Michelin .... None RFT

My advise ... get rid of the RFT

[jparnes1]

I'm considering ditching the RFTs too. How have you RFT haters planned for the eventual flat tire? Are mobility kits successful? I have heard that they foul up the TPMs...true? What would you do with a blow out that can't be repaired and you're really far from a tire retailer?

[cdeslandes]

Originally Posted by jparnes1

I'm considering ditching the RFTs too. How have you RFT haters planned for the eventual flat tire? Are mobility kits successful? I have heard that they foul up the TPMs...true? What would you do with a blow out that can't be repaired and you're really far from a tire retailer?

First of all, modern tires are incredibly reliable (except in NYC!)
Second, even a non-RF low-profile tire can be drive flat for a few miles at low speed (been there, done that)
Third, that's wy we have an SOS button and roadside assistance.

[cdeslandes]

Originally Posted by Rolf-Dieter

I hated them so much I traded my Z4 in for an M3 after loosing 2 rear wheels to cracks ...

Now I am a happy camper ... yes my M3 has forged wheels and Michelin .... None RFT

My advise ... get rid of the RFT

I've been meaning to ask...

Wouldn't a set of conventional tires have been cheaper than an M3?

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by cdeslandes

I've been meaning to ask...

Wouldn't a set of conventional tires have been cheaper than an M3?

Yes they would have, however, I now no longer have to worry about my rear wheels. I never had to in my life having driven many cars (BMW's for 23 years and Mercedes for 10 years - American cars as well).

I happily put the extra cash on the table to get back into an M3, once you driven one you always get back into one.

Mind you I did enjoy my two Z4's in fact I loved them. I just wanted to once in my life drive a convertible and I did better then that I had the 2008 then the nice 2009 until the wheel issue turned off the fun part. Now I have forged wheels and less of a worry.

Happy motoring to you.

Cheers,

Rolf-Dieter

PS. Think of it this way, money never brings happiness, drive the car that you like and be happy. Besides the last shirt has no pockets, think about it.

[HerrK]

I was simply astonished the other day. I was at Costco getting some new Bridgestone A/t Revo's put on our Yukon. So I'm wandering around the tire section, killing some time, when I came across a set of 18" Bridgestone RFT - forgot the exact size 245/40 maybe. Anyway I put one on the floor sidwall down and stood on it, both feet all 150 lbs. It defelcted maybe a 1/4" at the bead. It was incredibly stiff across the treadline all directions (circumferentially, tangentially, and perpendicular). No wonder the writers complain of understeer. Might as well be driving on a solid tire. I'm surprised the car rides as well as it does - a testiment to the suspension for sure.

For me, I'll surely change to 18" rims and non RFT's after I burn this set down. I've nearly broke even on my BMW Tire & Rim insurance after 2 rear RFT's being replaced from road hazzards (nail & some metallic pin). At least it was one on each side with only 2K miles in between so they're pretty even. Probably another 15K miles/18 months until they're gone. In the meantime I'll have plenty of time to dream, ponder, & study the many wheel/tire variations along with a suitable mini air pump, plug kit and sissor jack to store in the boot for the non RFT's.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by HerrK

I was simply astonished the other day. I was at Costco getting some new Bridgestone A/t Revo's put on our Yukon. So I'm wandering around the tire section, killing some time, when I came across a set of 18" Bridgestone RFT - forgot the exact size 245/40 maybe. Anyway I put one on the floor sidwall down and stood on it, both feet all 150 lbs. It defelcted maybe a 1/4" at the bead. It was incredibly stiff across the treadline all directions (circumferentially, tangentially, and perpendicular). No wonder the writers complain of understeer. Might as well be driving on a solid tire. I'm surprised the car rides as well as it does - a testiment to the suspension for sure.

For me, I'll surely change to 18" rims and non RFT's after I burn this set down. I've nearly broke even on my BMW Tire & Rim insurance after 2 rear RFT's being replaced from road hazzards (nail & some metallic pin). At least it was one on each side with only 2K miles in between so they're pretty even. Probably another 15K miles/18 months until they're gone. In the meantime I'll have plenty of time to dream, ponder, & study the many wheel/tire variations along with a suitable mini air pump, plug kit and sissor jack to store in the boot for the non RFT's.

You will be just fine with a mini air pump as a security blanket. On my previous M3 (e46) I had one never used it on the road in 4 years. I have a slightly different one now on the new M3 (e92) it works the same way.

Believe it I only used the one I had for my e46 to top up air for my wife's car a couple of times.

[Torn]

I haven't had a problem with my RFT tires yet. I've owned the car since May and I drive all over NYC and NJ (mostly NYC driving though). I've put on 13k miles. My only dismay towards the Z4 is the weird noise from the fan or condenser. It won't go away even after being replaced

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by jparnes1

Are mobility kits successful? I have heard that they foul up the TPMs...true?

Ya, those cans that spray the sealant things...aren't they bad for the tire? I heard that they remain in the tire and offset the balance? So if there's a flat on a non-RFT and I don't carry a spare, what's the best solution?

[erichui]

well after having my car for a year, my tire pressure sensor triggered yesterday so I thought I might have had a flat..

after checking out the tire pressure again (it was fine the week before) I discovered that my left rear wheel has lost all the air.... took it to the tire shop and discovered 5 cracks on my 19inch wheel......

I do always drive my car with extra care.. finger crossed now for taking it to my dealer tomorrow....

[tranquility]

^Holy moly!!!

[zEdP]

I guess it is time to start sticky thread, to collect cracked 296 wheel pictures and experiences, because this starts to sound like a structural 296 issue.

If we collect this info, it will help people to point this design weakness to BMW in case of a warranty discussion.

So moderators, administrators and forum members, should we create a sticky thread?

zEdP

[Dr Stig 2]

Here here. 296 sticky please. One post for each problem (ie not a discussion that rambles on) so we are just gathering names and issues. That way we can see how big this issue really is. (and how focussed on that particular wheel design).

[marcw]

+1 for a sticky thread. Mark me down for two busted 296 so far.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by zEdP

I guess it is time to start sticky thread, to collect cracked 296 wheel pictures and experiences, because this starts to sound like a structural 296 issue.

If we collect this info, it will help people to point this design weakness to BMW in case of a warranty discussion.

So moderators, administrators and forum members, should we create a sticky thread?

zEdP

+1000

me too 2 rear wheels cracked after 18,000 KM on a Z4 35i with 19 inch wheels Style 296, not a mark on them as far as pothole damage is concerned (favoured excuse from BMW) the cracks are due to soft cast wheel, running RFT with a 2.5 camber angle ... the inside always cracks open one does not have to be a rocket scientist to figure this one out. Shame ... Shame ... Shame ... BMW for letting some of your loyal customers down!

PS. I traded my Z4 for lack of confidence in the rear wheels. I was not about to spend $12,000- plus for good forged wheels and conventional tires. My best option was to fine this M3 (perhaps one of the last with None-RFT it was the better choice for me my Z4 plus some cash to get into this M3. Now I have forged wheels and conventional Michelin Sport tires. All is well thank you.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by erichui

well after having my car for a year, my tire pressure sensor triggered yesterday so I thought I might have had a flat..

after checking out the tire pressure again (it was fine the week before) I discovered that my left rear wheel has lost all the air.... took it to the tire shop and discovered 5 cracks on my 19inch wheel......

I do always drive my car with extra care.. finger crossed now for taking it to my dealer tomorrow....

I guarantee you they will tell you that you went thru potholes. Don't take that shit. If your wheel is clean i.e. no evidence of rim damage from potholes tell them there are many more people in the forum (just search Cracked Wheels) and tell them it's only on the 296 wheel.

[cdeslandes]

When I ordered my new 294 wheels, I was surprised how few 18" wheels BMW had in stock. In fact I grabbed the only full set of 294 in stock in the US and Germany combined! Had them shipped from Kalifornia. Other 18" models were completely out of stock.

The parts manager hinted that the 18" sold like hot cakes due to crack problems with the 19" wheels...

Here's a teaser, will post pics in the photo sections one mounted on the car with the new Michelin Pilot Super Sport (non-run flat) just ordered from the Tire Rack!