[RostokMcSpoons]

Hi,

I've got a real problem locating a replacement tyre... I've got one with a nail in it, luckily it loses pressure relatively slowly and my wife doesn't have to do more than a few miles a day. Thank gawd for that, cos no-one has stock of these tyres anywhere!

EventTyres are selling a Potenza of the same spec except there's is named "255/35 R18 [90Y] Bridgestone - Potenza RE050 EZ RFT". Note the 'EZ' and the fact that the speed rating is Y whereas the BMW fitted tyres are W rated. I really don't know if this rules 'em out as an option - I'm waiting on a reply from Event right now.

The other alternative is to go for some non run-flat tyres. Now BMW are insistent that it's dangerous to mix'n'match normal and RFT's even on different axles - is that really true?

A seemingly extreme alternative is to replace the whole lot - it seems Falken tyres can be had for £200 for the four - that's cheaper than a single RFT tyre! I might get a more compliant ride out of it too... and I could perhaps sell the 3 good part-worn tyres on eBay - as there's such a shortage of 'em, they must be worth something to someone who's in similar desperation ;-/

However, being something of a noob on these matters - are the rims normal, or are they special in some way that means I can only put RFT's on them?
ANd what do I do if I have a puncture? Can I buy a space saver wheel from somewhere? Or should I just use the get-you-home foam aerosol... or BMW's Emergency service?

What do you guys recommend???



thanks in advance,

Ross

[thebigman]

Can your dealer not source the tyre?

I wouldn’t go near a set of £200 tyres IMHO, they are for poor people.

I also wouldn’t worry too much about putting one different tyre on your car as long as the tread pattern isn’t completely different.

[RostokMcSpoons]

Originally Posted by thebigman

Can your dealer not source the tyre?

I wouldn’t go near a set of £200 tyres IMHO, they are for poor people.

I also wouldn’t worry too much about putting one different tyre on your car as long as the tread pattern isn’t completely different.

Actually the Falkens came out at £340 for the four, but I've not seen anyone have a bad word to say about them on any forums I've searched.

BMW won't sanction me changing to normal tyres - they say the car's ABS and sensors are all set for RFT's, also changing from BMW approved tyres may affect insurance and the DVLA as I'm 'modifying' my car

My BMW dealer has Michelin Sport RFT's in stock, they seem to be about the only ones left in the country - a 'bargain' at £578 for the two (cos they won't sanction mismatched tyres on the same axle either, so I've got to swap both, even though the other tyre still has 4mm of tread to go before it's illegal). I've just given them the go-ahead to put them on cos I'm getting very very bored with phoning around

[SoYank]

Originally Posted by RostokMcSpoons

Actually the Falkens came out at £340 for the four, but I've not seen anyone have a bad word to say about them on any forums I've searched.

BMW won't sanction me changing to normal tyres - they say the car's ABS and sensors are all set for RFT's, also changing from BMW approved tyres may affect insurance and the DVLA as I'm 'modifying' my car

My BMW dealer has Michelin Sport RFT's in stock, they seem to be about the only ones left in the country - a 'bargain' at £578 for the two (cos they won't sanction mismatched tyres on the same axle either, so I've got to swap both, even though the other tyre still has 4mm of tread to go before it's illegal). I've just given them the go-ahead to put them on cos I'm getting very very bored with phoning around

Replacing your RFT's with regular radials is no more modifying your car than replacing the tires when they are worn out. DVLA is interested in modifications that affect the appearance and power, i.e., new paint color (it must match the V5c) or drivetrain (engine size matches the V5c). Insurance shouldn't be affected with different tires either but a new color or modification to the performance that would put it into a higher insurance band certainly would.

I can see BMW's argument against having a mixed set. The sidewall of the RFT is much stiffer than radials and the cornering, ride, and overall handling would be affected, especially if on the same axle. It was the same argument between bias-ply tires and radials. You could, in a pinch, put them together but the handling was affected. You could put bias-ply on the front and radial on the back -- better to have the bias on the back, though.

You also don't want a different size tires on opposite sides of the car. For one, the car won't handle properly. The sensors such as ABS, DTC, and FTM won't work properly. The OBC is expecting certain feedback from the sensors and a mixture it isn't expecting would screw with its mind. Kind of like when you have one plugged ear...you tend to get dizzy because the inner ear on one side is telling the brain something different than the inner ear on the other side. You certainly don't want your OBC getting sick on you.

[vivekk]

Not much use to you right now, Ross, but perhaps for next time- tyre insurance.

All the best.

Viv

[RostokMcSpoons]

Thanks guys.

The more I think about it the more I know I'm going to regret falling for that BMW spiel and not going for normal tyres. I imagine the next time I get a puncture it seems I'm destined to have to hunt around to get another tyre - a dealer told me they'll always be in short supply so best to buy a couple and keep them in the garage!
As for the RAC insurance - yes that's interesting - but I don't suppose they would let me do that (keep spares). So imagine - the only RFT's available are Bridgestone - I have to replace both Michelins to get a pair - would the insurance pay for two tyres when only one punctured? I doubt it

[vivekk]

Originally Posted by RostokMcSpoons

Thanks guys.

The more I think about it the more I know I'm going to regret falling for that BMW spiel and not going for normal tyres. I imagine the next time I get a puncture it seems I'm destined to have to hunt around to get another tyre - a dealer told me they'll always be in short supply so best to buy a couple and keep them in the garage!
As for the RAC insurance - yes that's interesting - but I don't suppose they would let me do that (keep spares). So imagine - the only RFT's available are Bridgestone - I have to replace both Michelins to get a pair - would the insurance pay for two tyres when only one punctured? I doubt it

They would if that second one somehow "managed to acquire a puncture" also!

All the best.

Viv

[330m]

Originally Posted by RostokMcSpoons

"255/35 R18 [90Y] Bridgestone - Potenza RE050 EZ RFT". Note the 'EZ' and the fact that the speed rating is Y whereas the BMW fitted tyres are W rated....

Is the 90'Y' the speed rating??

I thought the 'Z' as in 225/35 'Z'R18 was the speed rating?

Confused?!?

[vivekk]

Originally Posted by 330m

Is the 90'Y' the speed rating??

I thought the 'Z' as in 225/35 'Z'R18 was the speed rating?

Confused?!?

More info here:

Viv

[SoYank]

Additional information: Ever wonder what the "aspect ratio" is? It's the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width of the tread. For example, a 225/35 has a sidewall of 79 mm or a wee tad more than three inches.

[330m]

Originally Posted by vivekk

More info here:

Viv

Ah, but my tires say: (PS2 RFT's)

255/35 ZR18 90 Y

Confused again! That seems not to fit the size chart in your reply?

[vivekk]

Originally Posted by 330m

Ah, but my tires say: (PS2 RFT's)

255/35 ZR18 90 Y

Confused again! That seems not to fit the size chart in your reply?

The above info is from the US e90 manual.

After looking at a few UK sites, 330m, it looks like that particular tyre has:

-a nominal width of 255mm
-an aspect ratio of 35%
-rim diameter of 18"
-a load index of 90 (=600kg load capacity at max speed)
-max speed capability of 240-300 km/h (150-190 mph)


All the best.

Viv

PS- sign up for UK2: The Second UK Meet NOW!

[lemanbluey]

i also had a nail in my rear offside took it to dealer and took them three days(this did include weekend) to source new tyre at £180 incl vat i had also been advised not to drive the the car so had to leave at the dealer picked up car it had also been valeted not your usaul kwik fit fitter service but i think it was still a bit expensive

[DLJJ3399]

I recommend you fix the puncture at your dealer or at a tire installation store. We do it all the time in the states. Good luck!

[normanh]

Originally Posted by RostokMcSpoons

Actually the Falkens came out at £340 for the four, but I've not seen anyone have a bad word to say about them on any forums I've searched.

BMW won't sanction me changing to normal tyres - they say the car's ABS and sensors are all set for RFT's, also changing from BMW approved tyres may affect insurance and the DVLA as I'm 'modifying' my car

My BMW dealer has Michelin Sport RFT's in stock, they seem to be about the only ones left in the country - a 'bargain' at £578 for the two (cos they won't sanction mismatched tyres on the same axle either, so I've got to swap both, even though the other tyre still has 4mm of tread to go before it's illegal). I've just given them the go-ahead to put them on cos I'm getting very very bored with phoning around

Yor dealer is a liar, I've never heard such a load of crap, hows changing a tyre make modifying your car, as for the sensors they only pick up a difference in tyre pressure ON ANY TYRE RF or not I'll be changing mine when they're done. Ask him for a list of approved tyre's and at 580 for two no wonder he's spinning this crap
Sorry mate but I'd be rolling around the showroom if I was told that either with him in an armlock or laughing.

[hmi1750]

I have just acquired a pressure warning... I got it yesterday on the M4, so pulled of at service to check the (now heated) tyre pressures. All seemed normal, going to check it again now and drive to the dealer... but with costs being so high, I can't afford a new tyre at over £200. Hmm... might be a fault instead. Better go check and see if I have a deflated tyre now.

[dxb335d]

i had the same, one tyre neeed replacing due to nail, (bloody nails) and the STEAler said i needed to replace both rears as there were illegal, do they think we dont check our own cars?

there was fook all wrong with the other rear

[hmi1750]

well, I just reset the pressure warning and it has not come on so far today, doing a 50miles round trip later, so will see then. Also pressure on all tyres is still what I inflated it to 2 weeks ago.

Strange! But thankful for not needing a new tyre!

[roofer]

My dealer fitted my non RFT for me

Had 2 punctures last week (building sites)

Cost £25 to fix the pair

M/Mobility system in the boot

[hmi1750]

that is what I am considering, as soon as I can "afford" 19" wheels, then get some decent OEM ones with non-RFT.

[jasongtr]

only had my car for a week but i cannot get used to the twitchy feeling you get with rft, they tramline on dodgy roads and simply put i hate them, when i can afford 18-19s with non rft i will change them and keep the std wheels and tyres for when i change the car in a few years time