[gabble]

hi all, gabble the long time lurker here.

I've been reading the threads on ditching the run flats and I'm really tempted to do this with my 330d.

I was wondering whether any of the early adopters have feedback to share now that their cars have been wearing conventional rubber for some time.

One of the things I'm wondering is whether to go for the much acclaimed Falkens (too good to be true?) or to go for something like the non run flat Bridgestones.

gabble

[Pioneer]

One suggestion. DO IT!!!

Best thing i ever done to my car and would hate to go back.

I'm running on pirelli's and find them very good, on par with the conti's but maybe just not as good as the michelin PS2's.

[biscuits]

I want to change the RFT's on our 130... but in 16,000 miles the fronts have worn down to 7mm and the rears 6mm !!! WTF !

Think that shows that they are hard as fcuk !

As soon as the wife kills one i'll change all four and stick two cans of Tyreweld in the boot

[gabble]

hi pioneer - what Pirellis are you running?

gabble

[Pioneer]

They are pirelli p zero nero's. I've tried bridgestone's before but find the pirelli has better grip in wet and dry conditions. I haven't heard much about the falkens but in my head any thing is better than the run flats. M3's don't use run flats so don't be afraid.
If you want to stick to run flats but want a better ride, try the michelin. They are closest thing to non run flats.

[gabble]

Thanks - this is good to know.

Any thoughts on having non run flat at the front and run flat at the back (till the rears wear out)?

gabble

[ed335d]

Remember that you may need to put run flats back on if you sell (especially through the dealer network). I just put Vredestein Ultrac Sessantas on mine this morning at it feels like a different car. The RFT's had done 24k, but three were still ok(ish) - I'll keep these for when I sell.

[Pioneer]

Not sure about running the different types front and rear but i would agree about keeping your run flats for when you trade your car back in. My run flats where taken straight off the car as soon as i got the car home and have them sitting waiting in the garage to go back on the car when it's time to upgrade.

[Pioneer]

How do you find the Vredestein Ultrac Sessantas? I have used the sportrac's before but found them poor in wet conditions, but heard that the sessantas where vastly improved.

[ed335d]

Originally Posted by Pioneer

How do you find the Vredestein Ultrac Sessantas? I have used the sportrac's before but found them poor in wet conditions, but heard that the sessantas where vastly improved.

Haven't had the opportunity to try them in the wet yet, but I'm getting a lot less DTC light-ups than with the RFTs!

[lolololol]

Could I just ask, is the main reason for changing to NON rft's is ride quality as in smoother over pot holes etc ?

[ed335d]

Originally Posted by omaragha

Could I just ask, is the main reason for changing to NON rft's is ride quality as in smoother over pot holes etc ?

Yup, and the cost £650 compared to £1k (and for slightly wider ones)

[rogerxp]

Ive had Falken 452s on for about two weeks now. Been taking it pretty easy since then but gradually building up confidence with them.

My initial reaction was a slightly less sharp turn in (presumably due to the softer side-wall) but immediately better ride quality. I've since tweaked the pressures and allowed the tyres to scrub up a little.

Either the 'less sharp turn in' has vanished with the change of tyre pressure or I've just got used to it; I don't even notice it now.

Had a couple of spirited drives last week over some county roads & twisty's and the non-RFTs have now really impressed me. The way the car handles is sooo much better than with the RFTs (sounds daft but I'd actually forgotten how normal tyres felt). The way the car settles going in and out of corners just inspires confidence. You feel the car has more contact with the road, especially coming out of a quick corner on an uneven surface, which means you can power out of the corner.

You still feel bumps and ridges in the road surface but instead of shuddering the whole car (even on tiny bumps) it's just a small bump. I used to get knocked around in my seat before but no longer. I've got an M Sport so it's never going to feel like a 7 series!!!

So, for me, they're cheaper, provider better feedback, better handling and better comfort.

The question of which non-RFT to go for, who knows, there are so many options. I went for the Falken essentially to try them out. If I, or the car, hated them I wouldn't have lost as much money switching back. At the end of the day, I'm a firm believer of "you get what you pay for", but I thought I'd give them a whirl and am 100% happy so far.

[Darkeeboy]

Can I ask what pressures you are running at? Ive changed to 452's but they actually feel more twitchy, and have more traction lights than before. It may be they arent run in yet (600 miles, mainly motorway)..

[acerboo]

dont forget if you dont use tyres new or otherise it is rcommended not to use them when they are 4 years old

[MTRHEAD]

I did the same as roger xp, Falken 452s on my 335i. Identical feedback to rogerxp as well, very pleased so far and its a more complete car that I can enjoy driving. I've stopped fixating on the potholes such was the bone crashing, suspension shattering experience when you hit one. Even my passengers have noticed the improvement. The cost reduction was just a nice bonus rather than the primary goal for me.

[rogerxp]

I've currently got 36 all round (standard M Sport 18" alloys). I think that's a bit lower than most on here. Some use the same as is recommended with RFTs and some a little higher. Ant at Speed Religion, who sorted out my tyres and stuff, runs his 330d at 36 all round. If it's good enough for him then it'll do me fine (the only difference is he's running Michelins). Was going to pump them up a little higher but haven't felt the need.