Non-run flat replacement tires

ChrisPA · 11-08-2005, 12:12 AM

Without debating the relative merits of having run-flat tires (I think there are +'s and -'s with them), there has been ongoing talk about how well the new 3-series will perform with non-run flat replacement tires. Given their stiffer sidewalls, the new 3-series suspension is said to be designed to allow a comfortable ride with run-flats, which might mean that the ride/handling may suffer with regular tires. I've read both sides and am not sure...

However, Car and Driver has a recent article evaluating performance tires and the car they use is the new 3 series. The test was coordinated with Tirerack, which also uses the new 3 series to test tires. So my thoughts are that if C&D and Tirerack are using e90s to test non-run flat tires, is it reasonable to expect they would be fine to use as daily drivers instead of run-flats without any performance penalty on the e90?

(I should note that the C&D article and Tirerack's online writeup never specifically say "e90", but both include pictures of e90s, so I can't imagine they are testing with e46s...)

gdcwatt · 11-09-2005, 02:19 PM

Carrying an UNMOUNTED run-flat in the trunk is one, slightly awkward, solution. The 3's trunk is, hopefully, large enough for our needs, and loosing a couple of cubic feet in the back would be a problem. Unmounted, however, it's pretty easy to throw a "spare" into or out of the car, it doesn't weigh enough to affect performance or fuel economy, and I can pack all kinds of loosely bagged stuff INTO it. If I really need to use it, I only have to wait for some shop to mount it, instead of trying to find a one along the way, got hosed on price, and then wait for it to be delivered.

Run-flats may be the one thing that keeps me from getting a 323i in the spring, but it looks like there are options. We drive a lot, and I've picked up three nails this year alone (so does that reduce the chances that it will happen again, soon?).

11-08-2005, 12:12 AM	#1
ChrisPA Enlisted Member 0 Rep 49 Posts Drives: 2009 A5 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0)	Non-run flat replacement tires Without debating the relative merits of having run-flat tires (I think there are +'s and -'s with them), there has been ongoing talk about how well the new 3-series will perform with non-run flat replacement tires. Given their stiffer sidewalls, the new 3-series suspension is said to be designed to allow a comfortable ride with run-flats, which might mean that the ride/handling may suffer with regular tires. I've read both sides and am not sure... However, Car and Driver has a recent article evaluating performance tires and the car they use is the new 3 series. The test was coordinated with Tirerack, which also uses the new 3 series to test tires. So my thoughts are that if C&D and Tirerack are using e90s to test non-run flat tires, is it reasonable to expect they would be fine to use as daily drivers instead of run-flats without any performance penalty on the e90? (I should note that the C&D article and Tirerack's online writeup never specifically say "e90", but both include pictures of e90s, so I can't imagine they are testing with e46s...)
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11-09-2005, 02:19 PM	#2
gdcwatt Enlisted Member 0 Rep 32 Posts Drives: 2003 Mazda Protege Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	Carrying an UNMOUNTED run-flat in the trunk is one, slightly awkward, solution. The 3's trunk is, hopefully, large enough for our needs, and loosing a couple of cubic feet in the back would be a problem. Unmounted, however, it's pretty easy to throw a "spare" into or out of the car, it doesn't weigh enough to affect performance or fuel economy, and I can pack all kinds of loosely bagged stuff INTO it. If I really need to use it, I only have to wait for some shop to mount it, instead of trying to find a one along the way, got hosed on price, and then wait for it to be delivered. Run-flats may be the one thing that keeps me from getting a 323i in the spring, but it looks like there are options. We drive a lot, and I've picked up three nails this year alone (so does that reduce the chances that it will happen again, soon?).
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