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[james426]

Hey guys

I had my 19" RFTs on for 2 summers and this weekend the rear left blew out the side (on the inside of the tire). I have the Eibach prokit installed which screws my camber a bit but I didn't think they'd wear out THAT quick. Apparently my rear right is going to go soon too :O $750 installed per tire omg!

My questions to you more experienced people is:

1) Do RFTs wear more quicker than non-RFTs?
2) Should I get non RFTs for next season and/or a camber correction kit?
3) How many KM's/Miles should a non lowered BMW's RFTs last normally?

Thanks all for your help as I'd like to stop the unnecessary bleeding from my wallet

[TheStigsTwin]

You tracked with RFT's?
When you put on different tires next year, you are gonna have a lot of fun.

[cb1111]

What do you mean "blew the sidewall?"

Is the tread worn evenly?

[vase330]

Those stock RFT are crap. One of my rears blew out too (ran over rebar on I-95N so I don't blame the tire as there is nothing out there that can hold up to that), and a second one has a crack in the side wall running from the tread down halfway towards the rim.(Now this is supposedly from pounding some man sized pot holes I was told. Now that is the tire's fault. A regular tire would still be intact. I haven't even bent the rim on that tire. Go figure.) I bought tire hazard insurance with mine, so I got one new tire, and waiting on the next one to give out at some point and take it in for a new one. Tires been on the car 2 summers too. I have 24K miles on the car, so maybe 12K miles on the RFT? I also have dedicated winter blizzarks that worked much better. Those RFT don't like pot holes and surface gaps/cracks. I was told 3rd generation RFT are way better and more comfortable too. My car is an 07 so I suppose I have the 1st generation RFT? Anyway, I hate them, and will replace them with better tires when they are won.

[james426]

Thanks for the replies! Track?? Nope not on those things lol. Just from day to day driving after two summers and the inner sidewalls are worn to nothing. The one that blew you could see all the metal chicken wire looking stuff coming out of it lol.

Anyhow probably going to get a camber kit and eventually move off of the RFTs. Only fear is if I blow a tire on non RFTs I'll have to get towed!

And like you vase330 I have about 24k miles on my car too and use dedicated winters. What crap tires!

[chromisdesigns]

Yes, Yes, and about twice the miles what those horrible runflats get. Not to mention better ride, better handling, and you don't have to keep visiting the dentist after the fillings get knocked out of your teeth!

[bmwfan75]

He didn't mean he "blew out" the side wall. He meant the inner edge of the tires are worn down as if the camber is really off.

You should know that negative camber actually does not wear out the inner edge of the tires that quick (unless you are more than -3 degree), it's an off toe setting that would do that more aggressively. Yes I know because I've done this in the past. You might want to get an alignment and check your toe measurements. If you have rotated your tires regularly, this should not have happened.

[Budfox27]

$750 way high. Tire Rack a little less than $300 a tire.

[Wires]

If you're wearing the sidewalls, then you're camber is OFF BIG TIME, or they are severely underinflated.

You can't blame the tires for going if you're driving on the sidewalls when doing hard turns. Tread is for driving on, sidewalls are just for support.

[Potty_Pants]

Originally Posted by james426

Hey guys

1) Do RFTs wear more quicker than non-RFTs?
2) Should I get non RFTs for next season and/or a camber correction kit?
3) How many KM's/Miles should a non lowered BMW's RFTs last normally?

Thanks all for your help as I'd like to stop the unnecessary bleeding from my wallet

1 = yes
2 = yes
3 = 20-25,000 miles

He's from canada, price is higher in canada dunno if tirerack ships there too.

your alignment is out any drop should have an alignment performed, if its still majorly outta wack then you would need a camber kit.

ppp

[Michael Schott]

I'm guessing these are summer tires which are probably good for 20K miles whether they are RTF's or not. there's no reason an RFT would wear faster than a non-RFT. Wear is a function of tread composition. My all season RFT's are going on 39,000 miles and according to my dealer's lease turn in inspector will not have to be replaced when I turn in the car.

You have 2 issues. One is the camber and the other is the short sidewall on the 19" tires.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

I'm guessing these are summer tires which are probably good for 20K miles whether they are RTF's or not. there's no reason an RFT would wear faster than a non-RFT. Wear is a function of tread composition.

Of course RFTs wear faster - they are crap - didn't you read it on the internet?

Seriously, don't folks look at treadwear ratings and think for themselves anymore?

Tom

[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by Tom K.

Of course RFTs wear faster - they are crap - didn't you read it on the internet?

Seriously, don't folks look at treadwear ratings and think for themselves anymore?

Tom

I believe everything I read on the internet.

[Doug007]

Originally Posted by Budfox27

$750 way high. Tire Rack a little less than $300 a tire.

+1 on tirerack.

I had one of my tires develop a bubble in the sidewall after my first autox event.

Good thing they're sitting in my garage now while the car is on non-RFTs and 19" VMR 710s.

Not only is the ride much softer, grip is WAY better. The tires are Toyo T1Rs which don't even have great reviews for high performance tires. I got them used with the wheels but couldn't be happier...

[persian54]

750 for 1?

I would go crazy at that price... unless it's for the GTR (which can run up there for the rears)

Times like this one is happy to buy tire warranty

20-25k miles?
Then at 24k you're right there

I drove on my 335i runflats for about 8k and they were reduced to 6/32nd

I doubt mine would have lasted me 25k miles

Not sure though; the longest I've ever kept a set of tires is 12k

Good luck and don't get runflats again

[TheStigsTwin]

Originally Posted by james426

Thanks for the replies! Track?? Nope not on those things lol. Just from day to day driving after two summers and the inner sidewalls are worn to nothing. The one that blew you could see all the metal chicken wire looking stuff coming out of it lol.

Anyhow probably going to get a camber kit and eventually move off of the RFTs. Only fear is if I blow a tire on non RFTs I'll have to get towed!

And like you vase330 I have about 24k miles on my car too and use dedicated winters. What crap tires!

Oh, I thought you meant two seasons of track time. When my RFTs wear down I will probably switch to some all season tires. and put a spare kit in the trunk. But everyone is different. Let us know what you decide and good luck.

[Wires]

+1 on Tirerack. My buddy said no problem having them shipped to Canada....

[cb1111]

Contrary to internet rumor, RFTs do not wear quicker. All summer performance tires (when properly inflated and aligned) will give you anywhere between 18 and 25k miles before they require replacement.

Fast uneven wear (like the OP has) is not the tire's fault but is caused by suspension and alignment issues.

RFTs are often maligned here but are perfectly fine tires.

[Wires]

+1. RFT's typically have a harsher ride due to the ribbing in the sidewalls. They get shat on in this forum as much as HPFPs.....

The wear/traction of any tire is given buy the traction and treadwear ratings stamped on the side. Higher grip tires typically have a shorter treadwear due to softer compounds. Ones rated as "high performance all season" for example typically wear quickly.

[chromisdesigns]

Originally Posted by cb1111

Contrary to internet rumor, RFTs do not wear quicker. All summer performance tires (when properly inflated and aligned) will give you anywhere between 18 and 25k miles before they require replacement.

Fast uneven wear (like the OP has) is not the tire's fault but is caused by suspension and alignment issues.

RFTs are often maligned here but are perfectly fine tires.

I dunno 'bout that! I used to get 20-22K rear and 25-28K front on my E36 M3 with Michelin pilot sport summer tires. The 1st gen Bridgestones on my 335 were toast at 15K rear, and already getting near replacement on the front at the same miles.

They all got replaced with PS2 A/S+ and based on current wear with about 14K miles on them, I'm expecting at least 35K.

Not to mention how much better they ride and handle!

[james426]

Thanks for all the insightful comments. I'll be looking at getting non rft's next year and will fix any camber/toe issues when i swap to winters as that white powdery stuff will be coming soon.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

First let me say ... I HATE the RFT. The Brigdgestone is designed in Italy (apparently to BMW requirements) then manufactured in Japan. Get this ... there are now 3 Generations of this Bridgestone RFT G3 is superior to G1 and G2. However, get this the latest and greatest is only available in Japan right now. Much has been written on this subject ... all you need to do is make a Search on Google and you find tons of comments and info

as to your questions ...


1) Do RFTs wear more quicker than non-RFTs?

I think they do, mine wore on the inside at 18,000 KM (both rears) I was told it was due to the weight of the roof in the trunk and my suitcase (was on vacation at the time) Photos in my Garage, if you are interested Photo Page 2. I also had cracks in my rear wheels (that is another story Photo Page 3 in my Garage)

2) Should I get non RFTs for next season and/or a camber correction kit?

I would not, the RFT are crap. The camber angle looks a bit wired to me too I took a few photos yesterday after I washed my car (Photo Page 6 in my Garage)


3) How many KM's/Miles should a non lowered BMW's RFTs last normally?

Difficult question to answer, it really depends on driving conditions. I think mine might take me to 25,000 Miles.