[danielt]

Just wondering if Run flats are known to have much poorer grip in wet weather compared to non-RFT? It's been raining up here in Brisbane, I accelerated slowly around a corner only to feel the back end flip out and the DSC kick in. Tried it around the next corner and happened again. Don't know if this is a RFT thing or what?

[Chris.G]

Im glad my X3 didn't come with runflats

[BMW //MPOWER]

Originally Posted by danielt

Just wondering if Run flats are known to have much poorer grip in wet weather compared to non-RFT? It's been raining up here in Brisbane, I accelerated slowly around a corner only to feel the back end flip out and the DSC kick in. Tried it around the next corner and happened again. Don't know if this is a RFT thing or what?

Well it's probably that your pushing it too hard around corners, don't underestimate the power of the 335i engine.
I've found that the grip levels are generally comparable, the only difference is that the runflats result in a firmer ride.

[astra]

i don't even think my dsc works at all

[daninsyd]

hey my road handling was shite dry or wet, i just installed KW varient 3's and that has made hugh difference, going out today to take some photos of it.

[astra]

oh cool be sure to post it up in our meber's cars thread when you get them!

[1q2w3e4r]

You have no LSD, not really suprising. I wouldn't put it down to the tyre.

[danielt]

Probably an underestimation of the power to the Rear wheels like //M power said. My E46 323CCoupe never felt unsettled like this in the wet! (albeit 125kw and 245Nm torque)

[ChadE]

Ive never had a problem?>

[BMW //MPOWER]

Originally Posted by danielt

Probably an underestimation of the power to the Rear wheels like //M power said. My E46 323CCoupe never felt unsettled like this in the wet! (albeit 125kw and 245Nm torque)

Well it's a big step up, the 335i is nearly 2x as powerful, and you do have to get used to that. With smaller engines you can just step on it and it's fine, but with more powerful ones, you can't just stomp it to the floor thinking it'll all be fine. Don't worry, just give it time and you'll adapt.

[recruiter]

Its true,in the wet first or second gear getting the power down is difficult and requires reserved use of the availiable power and if its a corner the back will flick out and can catch you out big time. Coming from a previous awd 300hp car i found this the most disappointing aspect of the 335i (6SP).
There is lots of talk on overseas forums. However, LSD may not be the answer as others have reported a side to side movement.
If rumours about 335i entries in the 12 hour easter bathurst race are correct than it wouldn't want to be a wet race.

[NickG]

Originally Posted by recruiter

Its true,in the wet first or second gear getting the power down is difficult and requires reserved use of the availiable power and if its a corner the back will flick out and can catch you out big time. Coming from a previous awd 300hp car i found this the most disappointing aspect of the 335i (6SP).
There is lots of talk on overseas forums. However, LSD may not be the answer as others have reported a side to side movement.
If rumours about 335i entries in the 12 hour easter bathurst race are correct than it wouldn't want to be a wet race.

Yup agreed it's a torque thing. Not much to be done about it except learn to moderate throttle in lower gears when wet.

[BMW //MPOWER]

Originally Posted by NickG

Yup agreed it's a torque thing. Not much to be done about it except learn to moderate throttle in lower gears when wet.

Personally i love a little bit of sideways action, but as long as it happens when i want it to! That's where a bit of discipline a good knowledge of your cars abilities and a steady right foot become vital. Unfortunately today most people don't have any experience of driving on gravel roads and are not used to controlling proper oversteer along with how to control a slide and recover when in a slide, honestly i think the old gravel roads can teach people a lot about proper driving skills and control of their vehicles, as there are parts of normal driving which aren't so simple or controllable in adverse conditions.

[NickG]

Originally Posted by BMW //MPOWER

Personally i love a little bit of sideways action, but as long as it happens when i want it to! That's where a bit of discipline a good knowledge of your cars abilities and a steady right foot become vital. Unfortunately today most people don't have any experience of driving on gravel roads and are not used to controlling proper oversteer along with how to control a slide and recover when in a slide, honestly i think the old gravel roads can teach people a lot about proper driving skills and control of their vehicles, as there are parts of normal driving which aren't so simple or controllable in adverse conditions.

Very true! I used to spend a lot of time on gravel/dirt ( both intentionally and otherwise!) when I was a young kid driving mostly clapped out cars. The difference between RWD and FWD in these conditions can be quite...um...illuminating.
Not sure if I can quite stomach the idea of driving a $120k luxury coupe on dirt in the same manner though. Sadly, NickG's 335i is pathetically pampered - except the engine, brakes and RFT's that is...

[BMW //MPOWER]

Originally Posted by NickG

Very true! I used to spend a lot of time on gravel/dirt ( both intentionally and otherwise!) when I was a young kid driving mostly clapped out cars. The difference between RWD and FWD in these conditions can be quite...um...illuminating.
Not sure if I can quite stomach the idea of driving a $120k luxury coupe on dirt in the same manner though. Sadly, NickG's 335i is pathetically pampered - except the engine, brakes and RFT's that is...

Yeah true, i guess i was just trying to make the point that having some experience on gravel goes a long way towards knowing how to handle a car and it's capabilities/limitations.