run flat tires clarification

houston06 · 10-08-2006, 08:56 PM

I don't understand exactly what is so bad about em, this is my first bimmer on order and all I hear is talking about replacements and how unbearable...what are the cons and pros compared to a normal tire and what problems can I run into...i have a 328i sports coming in

ward · 10-08-2006, 09:13 PM

ride is rough and they're not as sporty as non runflats (less grip)

Carnage · 10-08-2006, 09:38 PM

I wouldn't call them "unbearable" but I agree with ward's assessment. Run-flats are getting better but they're not in the same league with the major performance tires (PS2's, Goodyear F1's , etc.)

toughluck · 10-10-2006, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by houston06

I don't understand exactly what is so bad about em, this is my first bimmer on order and all I hear is talking about replacements and how unbearable...what are the cons and pros compared to a normal tire and what problems can I run into...i have a 328i sports coming in

I use to think RFT are awesome, and I too did not understand why people wanted to replace them. But then I found a nail in one of my tires (not near the sidewall) and the dealer said they cannot patch RFT. The dealer said it would cost $400 to replace the one RFT. Maybe I should open my wallet further and buy tire warranty.

I know RFT are suppose to save your butt when you have a high speed blowout. I personally know a couple of people who have had high speed blowouts in the past, and did not have RFTs. Not one of them ever crashed or lost control of their vehicle (and trucks) and started doing 360's down the highway. The events they discuss do not seem traumatic at all.

The pros and cons of RFT will always be in my mind. But what worries me is if I am driving, and hypothetically I see a whole bunch of nails all over the road up ahead and I cannot stop in time... do I stay the course and drive over the nails, risking damage to all my four of my RFT ($1600) or do I try and pull a quick lane change manuever potentially risking my life, with the thought that my RFT cannot be patched and would have to be replaced whenever each tire is punctured.

txusa03 · 10-10-2006, 11:56 AM

The other advantage is you can outlast the cop much longer than with conventional tires.

since you are from houston, it reminds me of that e90 chase.

txusa03 · 10-10-2006, 11:57 AM

one more, for the sport package, if you like your RFT, to replace it (the rear), you have no other RFT to choose from (this would be a disadvantage).

DFW_M · 10-10-2006, 12:02 PM

The only benefit of the RFT is that if you have a "flat" you can run on them and make it to your meeting, then replace it later, or if you have a flat in the middle of night in the "bad" area, you can drive additional 100 miles and get them done there.

I am not sure about the blowouts...
In my opinion, they handle OK.

The negative things (from what I've seen):
1) They are rough and bounce of everything (could be because of my ZSP)
2) They are super expensive
3) They are out of stock basically everywhere
4) They wear out quicker than the others
5) They are only manufactured by Bridgestone and Pirelli for the US e90s.

Options are to replace them with better performing non-RFTs and either have a good repair system in your trunk, or have a spare in your trunk. Never know, I have been driving for 18 years now and had a flat only once in my life. It could happen right after you put the non-RFTs on.

I just took my e90 (10k miles) in to inspect the tires -- they are loud. Of course people are talking about the cupping and feathering of the RFTs here, but no one has said that the same thing would not happen with the non-RFTs?

So ,the bottom line is go with what they give you. Actually, you have no option there, all e9x's come with the RFTs like it or not. Get the tire insurance? That does not necessarily cover the cupping and feathering and when the tires become loud...

neuronpetkowski · 10-10-2006, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dr325i

Get the tire insurance? That does not necessarily cover the cupping and feathering and when the tires become loud...

Excuse the ignorance, but what is cupping and feathering?

DFW_M · 10-11-2006, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neuronpetkowski

Excuse the ignorance, but what is cupping and feathering?

it is how the tires wear down -- unevenly...
you can do the search, it has been discussed many times before.

10-08-2006, 08:56 PM	#1
houston06 Private First Class 37 Rep 127 Posts Drives: bmw328i 07 coupe Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: houston iTrader: (0)	run flat tires clarification I don't understand exactly what is so bad about em, this is my first bimmer on order and all I hear is talking about replacements and how unbearable...what are the cons and pros compared to a normal tire and what problems can I run into...i have a 328i sports coming in
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10-08-2006, 09:13 PM	#2
ward Major General 159 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	ride is rough and they're not as sporty as non runflats (less grip)
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10-08-2006, 09:38 PM	#3
Carnage Lieutenant General 343 Rep 16,407 Posts Drives: people insane Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: classified iTrader: (2)	I wouldn't call them "unbearable" but I agree with ward's assessment. Run-flats are getting better but they're not in the same league with the major performance tires (PS2's, Goodyear F1's , etc.)
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10-10-2006, 11:56 AM	#5
txusa03 Major General 577 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	The other advantage is you can outlast the cop much longer than with conventional tires. since you are from houston, it reminds me of that e90 chase.
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10-10-2006, 11:57 AM	#6
txusa03 Major General 577 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	one more, for the sport package, if you like your RFT, to replace it (the rear), you have no other RFT to choose from (this would be a disadvantage).
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10-10-2006, 12:02 PM	#7
DFW_M Major General 1783 Rep 6,669 Posts Drives: 991.1 C2Sc Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (4)	The only benefit of the RFT is that if you have a "flat" you can run on them and make it to your meeting, then replace it later, or if you have a flat in the middle of night in the "bad" area, you can drive additional 100 miles and get them done there. I am not sure about the blowouts... In my opinion, they handle OK. The negative things (from what I've seen): 1) They are rough and bounce of everything (could be because of my ZSP) 2) They are super expensive 3) They are out of stock basically everywhere 4) They wear out quicker than the others 5) They are only manufactured by Bridgestone and Pirelli for the US e90s. Options are to replace them with better performing non-RFTs and either have a good repair system in your trunk, or have a spare in your trunk. Never know, I have been driving for 18 years now and had a flat only once in my life. It could happen right after you put the non-RFTs on. I just took my e90 (10k miles) in to inspect the tires -- they are loud. Of course people are talking about the cupping and feathering of the RFTs here, but no one has said that the same thing would not happen with the non-RFTs? So ,the bottom line is go with what they give you. Actually, you have no option there, all e9x's come with the RFTs like it or not. Get the tire insurance? That does not necessarily cover the cupping and feathering and when the tires become loud...
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