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[Canyon Carver]

So...I feel like doing a Public Service Announcement for 1 series owners with run-flats. I recently re-soled my shoes and went with a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports, where do I start?

First of all, the increase in comfort is instantly noticeable. Yes, comfort. Normally I could give two shits about it...but my suspension is 48% stiffer than stock and I live in NYC, it matters. The instant I got in after installation and drove 10 miles, I was thrilled at the difference. The car doesn't "Bounce" anymore, it doesn't follow grooves, it doesn't rattle my fillings with every small pothole. It's stable, predictable and smooth as silk.

The Michelin's are noticeably quieter, more comfortable (Did I mention that?), and GRIPPY as hell. 1st gear used to be almost worthless in my car unless I really focused and had a good road surface. Now I can actually hook up almost anywhere - even in 46 degree weather (The temperature yesterday). I had no problem launching it and it instantly gave me an ear to ear grin.

For those saying, "Yeah, but the Super Sports are expensive". Have you looked at prices for replacement OEM Bridgestone run-flats? They're more. For NO reason. I'm telling you, had I known they would be this good and this different, I would have gone this way before my OEM wore out.

NOTE: The initial turn in is different...they fade just a touch, but then instantly grip and don't let go (This might also be because they're new). I have a track day at Lime Rock next Friday, so I'll get to feel the subtleties of the tire more and how they perform under duress.

I'm not posting this for any other reason than to help my fellow 1 series owners get more pleasure out of their cars by getting rid of those terrible run-flat tires...seriously, even if you don't want to spend the money on Michelin's, get Continental DW's or Toyo's, or ANYTHING else and I bet you they will be better than the run-flats, and you will get more driving pleasure out of it.

Lastly - worried about getting a puncture? Eh, don't be. Get a comfort kit or AAA or Roadside Assistance (Which I'm sure many of you have). These days, unless you live in the sticks and/or are rallying the car - you won't get stranded.

My two cents.

Ps. Thanks to Jared at Tire Rack...

[Lucky1]

Thanks for the feedback. My OEM runflats look like they've got some wear on them so after I take them off for the winter that might be the last of them for me. Based on your feedback and others on the forum I've made my decision to replace the stock 215/245 setup with similar size Michelin PSS. Don't think I want to chance it and upsize to 225/255 even if the majority of people aren't seeing any rubbing.

After driving it like that for a while I'll decide if I want to replace front sway bar with the OEM E9x vert kit to help deal with the change in turn in and extra ride mushiness. You sound like you've already modded your suspension but I keep reading the stock setup might get "too" comfortable for us who opted for the sports package.

[DrGadget]

Originally Posted by Canyon Carver

So...I feel like doing a Public Service Announcement for 1 series owners with run-flats. I recently re-soled my shoes and went with a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports, where do I start?

.....

I agree totally. Running a 123d, and given the obscene Michelin prices in Australia (go figure when our exchange rate means 1 AUD buys US1.02 to 1.06), I opted for Yokohama ADVAN Sport in a 225/255 config. on MSport 18" wheels .... same experience even with 40 psi front and 42 psi rear. Smooth, no bounces, QUIET, no tram line tracking, and as good in the wet as the dry. So much better value than Potenza run-craps ... even with the extra cost of a genuine BMW lifting jack kit and a BMW Mobility Kit with Latex sealant (yes, it washes out of a holed non-RFT or RFT (in the tread area) tyre, so all is not lost.

Any talk of rubbing for the 255's is a nonsense. See the reason why in my comments at http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=751725

[Canyon Carver]

Originally Posted by DrGadget

Any talk of rubbing for the 255's is a nonsense. See the reason why in my comments at http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=751725

Are you running the stock suspension? Mine is about 1 inch (48mm) lower than stock...I thought about going 255...but in the end, was too nervous about rub.

[DrGadget]

Originally Posted by Canyon Carver

Are you running the stock suspension? Mine is about 1 inch (48mm) lower than stock...I thought about going 255...but in the end, was too nervous about rub.

OK, I am running stock height ... lowering an inch that might make a difference and require rolling the lip on the wheel arch. Non-RFTs tend to have square shoulders and that might make a difference in your case.

Some others with lowered 1s would know.

[TheBurro]

Agree 100%

Ended up changing out my OEM runflats to the PSS 225/255 today. What a world of difference. Like a brand new car! Michelin FTW!

[mattyj1085]

Just swapped run flats to Goodyear Eagle F1 asymmetric 2's million times better.

[igzekyativ]

I swapped the stockers for some 225/255 Continental DW (summer) Extra-Load tires..

I have to say, the ride is more "comfortable" but I miss the sportier feel from the less "comfortable" stock tires. The turn in is garbage now, but I have gotten used to the ride and bumps are much less noticeable now..

[guitarguylp]

Originally Posted by mattyj1085

Just swapped run flats to Goodyear Eagle F1 asymmetric 2's million times better.

I am looking at those exact tires. How do you find the grip on them being long life tires. Also what size?

Un thread jack
I put winter tires on my 128 non RFT, and yeah the car feels better, and this is with winter tires. Needless to say I am pretty excited about getting some nice non RFT summers.

[capri]

How do you guys deal with flat tires with the regular non-run flats tires ??
I too thinking of switching to the regular non-run flats soon. thanks in advance

[1speedbike]

Originally Posted by capri

How do you guys deal with flat tires with the regular non-run flats tires ??
I too thinking of switching to the regular non-run flats soon. thanks in advance

Same as with any other car with regular tires. A spare (space saver), a goo kit (I personally don't use them because I think it ruins wheels and goo plugs are never as strong as patches), or AAA / All State Roadside Assistance / BMW Assist / etc for an easy tow to a dealership or shop.


Also worth mentioning... today I just switched to some new winter tires. Just before, I was running 215/35//235/30's on 19 x 8.5 / 9.5 wheels (a stretch, I know. Who cares). I put run-flat blizzaks 225/45 on 17 x 7.5 all around. I was expecting better ride comfort, but despite the tire being taller, wider, and cushier, the ride is just as jarring on the run flats as on the skinny-ass tire + 19" wheel setup. The extra downside now is that the steering feels much worse, despite the same ride harshness. Run flats suck, but in the winter is the only time I'd take the convenience of them over the negatives, since I can't have all the traction I need anyway from a winter tire.

[Tom K.]

[quote=1speedbike;13023678]Same as with any other car with regular tires. A spare, a goo kit (I personally don't use them because I think it ruins wheels and goo plugs are never as strong as patches), or AAA / All State Roadside Assistance / BMW Assist / etc for an easy tow to a dealership or shop.[quote]

Actually a number of cars do without spares or RFT tires - BMW M models and Porsches come to mind among others which have mobility kits that don't steal the space a spare does.

I carry a compressor + plug kit with both RFTs and non-RFTs and have only gotten two minor punctures over the past 5 years. Inflating the tire en route allowed even the RFT nail to be safely repaired.

Tom

[ptack]

It's why we call em 'run craps'.
What never ceases to amaze me are the bozos who want to put all season tires on their 135is because it's "cheaper". Why bother to buy a car with certain performance capabilities and then negate them with cheap tires? Run craps are almost as bad. Going to PSSs is like unlocking a hidden feature.

[sparkyblue]

+1.

Runflats are terrible, for ride quality, price, and most importantly the wear rating. Mine lasted only 12k! For $350 no thank you.

Here's a review Car & Driver magazine did a few months back on the new latest & greatest summer tires.

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...us-r-s3-page-7

Look at that, MPSS is #1. But after looking at that review and realizing I live in the sunny California Bay Area. I am oh so very tempted to get a set of Extreme Summer Yokohama AD08's or Hankook R-S3's. It doesn't rain all too often here, and I want every last drop of dry grip on those nights out in the canyons. Oh and of course on the streets as well.

And also, what tire pressures are you all running?

Im running 36.5 Fronts & 37.5 Rears.

@ as a side note, I love this tire gauge. Makes getting to the perfect PSI a breeze.
http://www.amazon.com/Accutire-MS-40...words=Accutire

[Canyon Carver]

Originally Posted by ptack

It's why we call em 'run craps'.
What never ceases to amaze me are the bozos who want to put all season tires on their 135is because it's "cheaper". Why bother to buy a car with certain performance capabilities and then negate them with cheap tires? Run craps are almost as bad. Going to PSSs is like unlocking a hidden feature.

Could. Not. Agree. With you. More.

[JB135MDCT]

Originally Posted by capri

How do you guys deal with flat tires with the regular non-run flats tires ??
I too thinking of switching to the regular non-run flats soon. thanks in advance

i carry a compressor, patch kit, small vise grips. pliers and a blanket and fix it on the spot. pre and post long road trip i will check tires for psi. screws. nails. glass. which are the majority of future flats. no car jack required

[POS1]

I removed mine for Michelins; screw the hard run flats.

[DrGadget]

Originally Posted by capri

How do you guys deal with flat tires with the regular non-run flats tires ??
I too thinking of switching to the regular non-run flats soon. thanks in advance

This is what I use ... OEM Jack system and OEM mobility kit. The latter uses a latex solution which washes out and does not wreck the tyre. Part numbers are shown.

[capri]

Thanks, this helps a lot!!!

[Canyon Carver]

Originally Posted by POS1

I removed mine for Michelins; screw the hard run flats.

Not to get off topic...but beautiful 128...and what a list of cars you have, sir. A 1971 6.3? THAT is a true Mercedes. Love to see that one...

[hyphy1]

I saw that you had the suspension kit as well. I heard those who switch the run-flats to nonrun-flats without a reasonable suspension kit, experience a "squishy" ride. whats your thoughts?

[hyphy1]

Originally Posted by sparkyblue

+1.

Runflats are terrible, for ride quality, price, and most importantly the wear rating. Mine lasted only 12k! For $350 no thank you.

Here's a review Car & Driver magazine did a few months back on the new latest & greatest summer tires.

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...us-r-s3-page-7

Look at that, MPSS is #1. But after looking at that review and realizing I live in the sunny California Bay Area. I am oh so very tempted to get a set of Extreme Summer Yokohama AD08's or Hankook R-S3's. It doesn't rain all too often here, and I want every last drop of dry grip on those nights out in the canyons. Oh and of course on the streets as well.

And also, what tire pressures are you all running?

Im running 36.5 Fronts & 37.5 Rears.

@ as a side note, I love this tire gauge. Makes getting to the perfect PSI a breeze.
http://www.amazon.com/Accutire-MS-40...words=Accutire

Thanks for the link!