Gen-3 Bridgestone Run-Flats or Conventional?

danimal · 09-13-2009, 02:57 PM

I read a review in AutoWeek (August, 24, 2009) about the new, third-generation Bridgestone RFTs. Apparently, the latest compound runs much cooler than the gen-2 version, so they were able to take a lot of stiffness out of the sidewalls (and weight out of the tire). The result is a tire that rides a lot closer to a conventional tire. These tires are supposed to hit the market before the end of the year (I'm guessing October). I have no idea how much they are, but I'm pretty sure a new set of run-flats will be a $1000 proposition or worse.

Meanwhile, my OEM runflats are almost down to the wear bars. I had been thinking of just going with conventional tires, since I really don't like the ride and noise or the grip on bumpy pavement of my gen-2 RFTs. That said, I seem to be very prone to getting nails in my tires--I've had two nails in 25K miles--so I have actually benefited from being able to just keep driving.

So, I'm curious what you guys think. Are conventional tires plus a mobility kit the way to go (I really don't want to have to deal with a spare in the trunk)? Or would you hold out for the improved run-flats?

EuRoTUneR · 09-13-2009, 08:58 PM

i just switched over to a NON-RFT...and i have no spare, i just have one of those cans of air that when you get a flat you spray in the tire and it re inflates so you can get to a gas station or etc. good luck with the decision

pruettfan · 09-13-2009, 09:52 PM

This is always a hotly debated question. Personally, I see no advantage to RFT's from a practical matter. Getting a sudden flat on the road is pretty rare and most of the time RFT's have to get replaced rather than repaired so you are paying big bucks for a tire with a tread wear rating of 140, that rides poorly and by most folks standard is not the best performance. I am 43 and have driven since 16, I have had two blowouts on the road ever. All of my other flats have been slow leaks I discovered when the car was parked.

I am switching to conventional tires that have better tread wear, ride, handling and value as soon as my RFT's wear out or have one of the other problems. I will buy the continental inflation kit which is what GM is providing in several of their cars that have conventional tires and no spare. One of the reasons they and several other companies are doing this is because on the road flats are very rare. They are usually sidewall damage incidents if it causes the car to have to pull over. In those cases you would not drive a RFT anyway because it would not be safe. So I don't see any advantage. At the end of the day you have to go with what you are comfortable with. I have yet to read about anyone who switched to conventionals that regretted it however. I see gripes about RFTs every day.

View Poll Results: Which tires should I get? (comments appreciated)
Third-Generation Bridgestone RFTs	4	57.14%
Conventional tires + mobility kit	3	42.86%
Voters: 7. You may not vote on this poll

09-13-2009, 02:57 PM	#1
danimal Captain 51 Rep 755 Posts Drives: '14 228i Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 228i [10.00] 2007 BMW 328i Sedan [0.00]	Gen-3 Bridgestone Run-Flats or Conventional? I read a review in AutoWeek (August, 24, 2009) about the new, third-generation Bridgestone RFTs. Apparently, the latest compound runs much cooler than the gen-2 version, so they were able to take a lot of stiffness out of the sidewalls (and weight out of the tire). The result is a tire that rides a lot closer to a conventional tire. These tires are supposed to hit the market before the end of the year (I'm guessing October). I have no idea how much they are, but I'm pretty sure a new set of run-flats will be a $1000 proposition or worse. Meanwhile, my OEM runflats are almost down to the wear bars. I had been thinking of just going with conventional tires, since I really don't like the ride and noise or the grip on bumpy pavement of my gen-2 RFTs. That said, I seem to be very prone to getting nails in my tires--I've had two nails in 25K miles--so I have actually benefited from being able to just keep driving. So, I'm curious what you guys think. Are conventional tires plus a mobility kit the way to go (I really don't want to have to deal with a spare in the trunk)? Or would you hold out for the improved run-flats? __________________ 2014 228i alpine white \| sport line \| 6-speed manual \| lighting package \| driver assistance package interior - black Sensatec \| aluminum & red trim
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09-13-2009, 08:58 PM	#2
EuRoTUneR Eurotuner 26 Rep 402 Posts Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: New York City iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	i just switched over to a NON-RFT...and i have no spare, i just have one of those cans of air that when you get a flat you spray in the tire and it re inflates so you can get to a gas station or etc. good luck with the decision
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09-13-2009, 09:52 PM	#3
pruettfan Brigadier General 1628 Rep 3,402 Posts Drives: 2017 M2, LBB, DCT, Exec Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chandler, AZ iTrader: (0)	This is always a hotly debated question. Personally, I see no advantage to RFT's from a practical matter. Getting a sudden flat on the road is pretty rare and most of the time RFT's have to get replaced rather than repaired so you are paying big bucks for a tire with a tread wear rating of 140, that rides poorly and by most folks standard is not the best performance. I am 43 and have driven since 16, I have had two blowouts on the road ever. All of my other flats have been slow leaks I discovered when the car was parked. I am switching to conventional tires that have better tread wear, ride, handling and value as soon as my RFT's wear out or have one of the other problems. I will buy the continental inflation kit which is what GM is providing in several of their cars that have conventional tires and no spare. One of the reasons they and several other companies are doing this is because on the road flats are very rare. They are usually sidewall damage incidents if it causes the car to have to pull over. In those cases you would not drive a RFT anyway because it would not be safe. So I don't see any advantage. At the end of the day you have to go with what you are comfortable with. I have yet to read about anyone who switched to conventionals that regretted it however. I see gripes about RFTs every day.
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