Runflat Survey

E90Fleet · 03-31-2006, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broken1

What tires did you get?

I have 17" Continental SportContact2 and with the pressures set correctly, I find them an absolute pleasure :-) Dry grip is perfect, wet grip is adequate :-)

Bridgestone RE050A II

Only these and the Pirellis are made in the rear 17" 255 size for BMW, but it seems Rosslyn doesnt get pirelli ( not that I wanted them )

voltron1011 · 03-31-2006, 10:40 AM

My car takes bumps much better than my brother's RL with non-RFTs. Once I get some larger rims, I will probably go with non-RFTs only because they are much cheaper. You can practically buy 2 sets of non-RFTs for the price of one set of RFT's.

wheeler · 03-31-2006, 10:57 AM

When my wife was driving it, I really apreciated the run-flats. She got a flat on a rainy day on the freeway and never even knew it.

However, now that I am driving it, and I am faced with buying my second $300 replacement run-flat, (both punctures were near enough the sidewall to be unsafe when patched) I am switching over to Toyos.

Not only is the cost per tire for run-flats high, but they are HEAVY!! I'm going with lighter rims and non run-flat tires. They're supposed to be here today--can't wait to try them!

hotsand5 · 03-31-2006, 11:04 AM

I was just about to post a new thread about rft. Last week I changed the oil on my car and wanted to increase the air pressure in the tires as well; however, I forgot to reset the FTM system. As I was driving home (going 80mph on the expressway), the Flat tire warning came on. I pulled over on a side street to see what the hell was going on. All the tires looked normal, I kicked them and all were equally hard, and there was no visual sign that any of them were flat, nor a sensation in the car that the tires were flat, so I continue driving...80mph. I drive on them for the next 3 days and never bother to check the air pressure because nothing seems wrong, just thought that I have to reset the system. To make the long story short, I start to feel a thumping from the rear tire and the handling has a bit of a wobble. I take it to my garage and see that there is 0 psi in the tire. There is a slice in between the tread blocks on my bridgestone potenzas 255/35/18's. I try calling tire shops within 50miles, and nobodys carries them and it takes about a week to get them in. All BMW dealers are on backorder of the tire for the next week or two. They have 1 in the warehouse and it is $390.00 plus tax and install!!! For one tire people! I am not paying 450.00 for a tire, so go to tirerack.com, 310.00 shipped, plus the 35.00 to install. JSpira, now to tie this in with your thread, I voted for the 18" and like them. I think that if I had a blowout of the highway going 80mph as I was, something really bad could have happened. I had the ability to not only drive to safety (a side street), so I don't get plowed on the expressway, but was able to drive normally on the tire for the next three days! Yes, the tire is pretty hard to find, and costly, the ride a bit harsh at times, but for the trade off, I think that it is worth it. I also posted some pictures from my camera phone that I took of the warnings and the puncture in the tire.

ashecnc · 03-31-2006, 11:36 AM

HOw do you reset that, I don't have Navi. I assume this is with navi only. If a warning came up on mine, does that mean something has to be reset?

JackMac · 03-31-2006, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashecnc

HOw do you reset that, I don't have Navi. I assume this is with navi only. If a warning came up on mine, does that mean something has to be reset?

FTM reset info in owners manual, also available in E90Post member download section, and shown on BMW website (link is in this post below):
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16079

ashecnc · 03-31-2006, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackMac

FTM reset info in owners manual, also available in E90Post member download section, and shown on BMW website (link is in this post below):
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16079

Interesting, hope I never have to use it

NSM · 03-31-2006, 12:33 PM

I hate the way runflats ride.. and handle for that matter. But I'm going to keep them and just get new wheels and tires. The stock 18's will be my winter wheels and tires.

JSpira · 03-31-2006, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NSM

I hate the way runflats ride.. and handle for that matter. But I'm going to keep them and just get new wheels and tires. The stock 18's will be my winter wheels and tires.

If you mean the 18" sport tires, that makes no sense. They are summer tires. They are not suitable at all for winter driving when temp. are lower than 10°C.

dkizerian · 03-31-2006, 02:11 PM

I have the 17" sport tires on my 325i

I love the way the car handles, but the ride leaves a bit to be desired.

I'll be keeping them until they wear out, or I get sick of the wheels and get something nicer.

All winter I've been on skinny 16" snow tires that are not runflats and have really enjoyed the ride, although the handling really goes downhill.

BMWally · 03-31-2006, 02:59 PM

I don't hate the ride, but if I could have had a spare tire, then I would've changed the RFTs to non-RFTs. Sometimes, it's just so rough, but I wanted the sport package for the extra awesome handling. Still love the car!

matt0528 · 03-31-2006, 03:53 PM

have the 18"s with sport run flat tires... its a stiff ride but i like how solid it is around a corner!

325Driver · 03-31-2006, 04:05 PM

As has been posted before, on the smooth roads the car drives and rides wonderfully. However, once the going gets rough (which is pretty much the norm in Houston), especially over the badly broken pavement, the car just kind of crashes down the road. Now I know a lot of that can be contributed to a variety of factors such as wheelbase, spring stiffness, shock valving, and unsprung weight. But, the sidewall stiffness certainly does not help the situation.

My Mom has an '06 525I without the SP (I have the SP). Her tires are 17" 50 series non RFT's and the car rides beautifully. The occupants are perfectly cushioned from road harshness yet the car does not feel like its floating on a cloud. It is still very buttoned down. Another big plus is her car is devoid of a single rattle even after 2500 miles. I wish I could say the same for mine...

Nikki · 03-31-2006, 04:13 PM

I can't complain, but the roads here are flawless.

Dumit · 03-31-2006, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broken1

What tires did you get?

I have 17" Continental SportContact2 and with the pressures set correctly, I find them an absolute pleasure :-) Dry grip is perfect, wet grip is adequate :-)

I also have 17", what are your pressure settings?

325Driver · 03-31-2006, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikki

I can't complain, but the roads here are flawless.

Floridians are so lucky in that regard. I have spent a fair amount of time in the state and it never ceases to amaze me how well maintained the roads are.

HRC · 03-31-2006, 05:41 PM

I voted for the last option. I am in the process of replacing them. the OE tires have decent grip, but for the treadwear ratings, it should be more grippy than it is. Also, I am not impressed by the ride quality, but that may be a result of RF's in general. I also have an airleak in one of my rear tires. I hear it's common for the Mini Cooper folks. Several times I have checked the tire pressures to find out they were way low, in a span of 3 weeks, but you can't feel it because of the RF Technology.

I can't wait for my goodyear non RF's to get here...

Danny

Ms_Kady · 04-01-2006, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petesamprs

I voted I don't like mine (see sig) but I'm keeping them since I can't carry a spare.

The sports suspension makes the ride harder, but not too harsh. Add the RFT and it's too harsh.

There is a very noticeable different between sport and non-sport. Compared to my e46 sport suspension, I felt the road more with the e90 sport suspension.

JSpira · 04-02-2006, 11:11 PM

Thanks everyone for your responses. Keep those cards and letters coming!

JSpira · 04-06-2006, 09:59 PM

Just want to thank everyone who took the poll. Very helpful and I appreciate the input.

BMW0 · 04-06-2006, 10:09 PM

I don't like the harsh ride of the RFTs, the heavy weight characteristic, or the cost, nor the limited choices for replacements, but I do like the fact that they will stay afloat till the next service station without changing um out by roadside.

JackMac · 06-15-2006, 09:47 AM

:Bump:

Jonathan,

Read your article last night in Roundel. Thanks again for your outstanding contributions to the community.

I'm one of those "7%" that swapped out for non-RFT. Due to a new need for long distance driving (work related) I put the OEM 162's with RFT back on this week. I do like the idea and benefit of RFT, but it is difficult to get past the harsher ride, which came back in a very noticable way with the swap.

One quesiton - do you (or any other members) know if you can put non-RFT onto the 162 rims? I assume it is OK, but the RFT specific rims have the larger retaining lip. Considering options for a winter setup with the 162's and didn't see any RFT's winters yet available in this size.

Thanks
JackMac

View Poll Results: How much do you like your runflat tires? Please post details as well - thanks!
I have the standard 16" or 17" all-season tires and like how they ride and handle	25	22.94%
I have the standard 16" or 17" AS tires, don't like how they ride (post why) but I'm keeping them	18	16.51%
I had the standard 16" or 17" all-season tires, did't like how they rode, and installed non runflats	6	5.50%
I have the 18" sport tires and like how they ride and handle	41	37.61%
I have the 18" sport tires, don't like how they ride &/or handle (post why) but I'm keeping them	15	13.76%
I had the 18" sport tires, didn't like how they rode, and installed non runflat tires	4	3.67%
Voters: 109. You may not vote on this poll

03-31-2006, 10:40 AM	#24
voltron1011 Colonel 119 Rep 2,909 Posts Drives: 2011 135i, FJR-1300 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wiesbaden iTrader: (2)	My car takes bumps much better than my brother's RL with non-RFTs. Once I get some larger rims, I will probably go with non-RFTs only because they are much cheaper. You can practically buy 2 sets of non-RFTs for the price of one set of RFT's.
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03-31-2006, 10:57 AM	#25
wheeler Private First Class 3 Rep 176 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sacramento CA iTrader: (0)	When my wife was driving it, I really apreciated the run-flats. She got a flat on a rainy day on the freeway and never even knew it. However, now that I am driving it, and I am faced with buying my second $300 replacement run-flat, (both punctures were near enough the sidewall to be unsafe when patched) I am switching over to Toyos. Not only is the cost per tire for run-flats high, but they are HEAVY!! I'm going with lighter rims and non run-flat tires. They're supposed to be here today--can't wait to try them!
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03-31-2006, 11:04 AM	#26
hotsand5 hotsand5 49 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i 6spd Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: chicago iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I was just about to post a new thread about rft. Last week I changed the oil on my car and wanted to increase the air pressure in the tires as well; however, I forgot to reset the FTM system. As I was driving home (going 80mph on the expressway), the Flat tire warning came on. I pulled over on a side street to see what the hell was going on. All the tires looked normal, I kicked them and all were equally hard, and there was no visual sign that any of them were flat, nor a sensation in the car that the tires were flat, so I continue driving...80mph. I drive on them for the next 3 days and never bother to check the air pressure because nothing seems wrong, just thought that I have to reset the system. To make the long story short, I start to feel a thumping from the rear tire and the handling has a bit of a wobble. I take it to my garage and see that there is 0 psi in the tire. There is a slice in between the tread blocks on my bridgestone potenzas 255/35/18's. I try calling tire shops within 50miles, and nobodys carries them and it takes about a week to get them in. All BMW dealers are on backorder of the tire for the next week or two. They have 1 in the warehouse and it is $390.00 plus tax and install!!! For one tire people! I am not paying 450.00 for a tire, so go to tirerack.com, 310.00 shipped, plus the 35.00 to install. JSpira, now to tie this in with your thread, I voted for the 18" and like them. I think that if I had a blowout of the highway going 80mph as I was, something really bad could have happened. I had the ability to not only drive to safety (a side street), so I don't get plowed on the expressway, but was able to drive normally on the tire for the next three days! Yes, the tire is pretty hard to find, and costly, the ride a bit harsh at times, but for the trade off, I think that it is worth it. I also posted some pictures from my camera phone that I took of the warnings and the puncture in the tire. Attached Images __________________ -2006 BMW 330i-Sapphire Black- Tera Leather-Aluminum trim- 6spd manual- Sport- Premium- Cold- Navigation- Euro. delivery -2005 Yamaha Warrior 1700 102cu"
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03-31-2006, 11:36 AM	#27
ashecnc In the delivery business :) 25 Rep 991 Posts Drives: '06 325i Jet Black/Black Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Asheville, NC (mountains) Blue Ridge Parkway iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00]	HOw do you reset that, I don't have Navi. I assume this is with navi only. If a warning came up on mine, does that mean something has to be reset? __________________ Born 10/05 '06 325i Jet Black, Black, Sport Package, Xenon's, Heated Seats & Power, Sat. Prep, Rear Spoiler, Chrome Tips, Blacklines, Chrome Grills, 19" M5 wheels NO MORE run flats, drives like a dream now
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03-31-2006, 12:33 PM	#30
NSM Modeldater 22 Rep 641 Posts Drives: BSM M6 Vert & BSM 1M Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New England iTrader: (2)	I hate the way runflats ride.. and handle for that matter. But I'm going to keep them and just get new wheels and tires. The stock 18's will be my winter wheels and tires.
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03-31-2006, 02:11 PM	#32
dkizerian Digital Ruler 2 Rep 166 Posts Drives: 325i AW/Terra Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Riverton Utah iTrader: (0)	I have the 17" sport tires on my 325i I love the way the car handles, but the ride leaves a bit to be desired. I'll be keeping them until they wear out, or I get sick of the wheels and get something nicer. All winter I've been on skinny 16" snow tires that are not runflats and have really enjoyed the ride, although the handling really goes downhill.
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03-31-2006, 02:59 PM	#33
BMWally Enlisted Member 1 Rep 37 Posts Drives: 2004 545i, 2006 330i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SoCal, Windy City iTrader: (0)	I don't hate the ride, but if I could have had a spare tire, then I would've changed the RFTs to non-RFTs. Sometimes, it's just so rough, but I wanted the sport package for the extra awesome handling. Still love the car!
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03-31-2006, 03:53 PM	#34
matt0528 Private First Class 6 Rep 100 Posts Drives: '06 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (1)	have the 18"s with sport run flat tires... its a stiff ride but i like how solid it is around a corner! __________________ *2006 BMW 330i* // Spark. Graphite // Black Interior w/ Alum.// 15mm Spacers Sport Package // 162 18" rims // JL 12w6v2 sub // JL 500/1 amp// PMB Hyperwhite Angels
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03-31-2006, 04:05 PM	#35
325Driver Private First Class 5 Rep 158 Posts Drives: '06 325i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0)	As has been posted before, on the smooth roads the car drives and rides wonderfully. However, once the going gets rough (which is pretty much the norm in Houston), especially over the badly broken pavement, the car just kind of crashes down the road. Now I know a lot of that can be contributed to a variety of factors such as wheelbase, spring stiffness, shock valving, and unsprung weight. But, the sidewall stiffness certainly does not help the situation. My Mom has an '06 525I without the SP (I have the SP). Her tires are 17" 50 series non RFT's and the car rides beautifully. The occupants are perfectly cushioned from road harshness yet the car does not feel like its floating on a cloud. It is still very buttoned down. Another big plus is her car is devoid of a single rattle even after 2500 miles. I wish I could say the same for mine...
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03-31-2006, 04:13 PM	#36
Nikki Major General 990 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	I can't complain, but the roads here are flawless. __________________ Nikki
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03-31-2006, 05:41 PM	#39
HRC MAUI BUILT 485 Rep 7,781 Posts Drives: 2006 330i MT Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NORCAL iTrader: (10) Garage List 2002 E46 325i [0.00] 2012 E70 35i [0.00]	I voted for the last option. I am in the process of replacing them. the OE tires have decent grip, but for the treadwear ratings, it should be more grippy than it is. Also, I am not impressed by the ride quality, but that may be a result of RF's in general. I also have an airleak in one of my rear tires. I hear it's common for the Mini Cooper folks. Several times I have checked the tire pressures to find out they were way low, in a span of 3 weeks, but you can't feel it because of the RF Technology. I can't wait for my goodyear non RF's to get here... Danny __________________ Arctic/Blk Leather/Alum.Trim/MT/ZSP/Sunshades/Blk Lines/M3 Illuminated Knob/Alcantara Performance Wheel/M-E-Brake Handle/Euro Fog Switch/Koni Yellows/H&R Sport Springs/19" VMR V718's w/PS2 Tires/M-Tech Body Kit/Carbon Fiber Spoiler/Bimmian Interior Bulbs/OEM Eye Glass Tray/SSK/Alcantara Boot/Split Armrest/OEM Dual Rear Power Outlets/Rear Ashtray Delete/OEM Alum. Pedals/Osram 6000K/Brex Rings/LED Side Markers/BMS Power Box
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04-02-2006, 11:11 PM	#41
JSpira Freude am Fahren 334 Rep 5,254 Posts Drives: Fünfer, Dreier, + Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New York, München, Wien iTrader: (1)	Thanks everyone for your responses. Keep those cards and letters coming! __________________ Freude am Fahren. Jonathan E90 2006 330xi E90 2006 325i E39 2003 530i Sport* E46 2000 328Ci* E36 1996 328iS* E36 1992 325i* E30 1991 318is E21 1982 320iS* E21 1979 320 (6-Zyl)* *retired Nominated: Most Contributing Member
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04-06-2006, 09:59 PM	#42
JSpira Freude am Fahren 334 Rep 5,254 Posts Drives: Fünfer, Dreier, + Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New York, München, Wien iTrader: (1)	Just want to thank everyone who took the poll. Very helpful and I appreciate the input. __________________ Freude am Fahren. Jonathan E90 2006 330xi E90 2006 325i E39 2003 530i Sport* E46 2000 328Ci* E36 1996 328iS* E36 1992 325i* E30 1991 318is E21 1982 320iS* E21 1979 320 (6-Zyl)* *retired Nominated: Most Contributing Member
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04-06-2006, 10:09 PM	#43
BMW0 Colonel 235 Rep 2,059 Posts Drives: AW E90 330i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Spokane, WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I don't like the harsh ride of the RFTs, the heavy weight characteristic, or the cost, nor the limited choices for replacements, but I do like the fact that they will stay afloat till the next service station without changing um out by roadside. __________________ 330i 6MT l 255 HP @ 5900 rpm 214 lb-ft Torque @ 3500 rpm l Alpine White l Beige l Aluminum l ZSP l 494 l PDC "Freude am Fahren" = "Joy to Drive"
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06-15-2006, 09:47 AM	#44
JackMac Recovering BMW Addict 151 Rep 1,914 Posts Drives: <OO (\|\|\|)(\|\|\|) OO> Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Southeast PA iTrader: (7) Garage List 2010 MINI John Coop ... [9.66]	:Bump: Jonathan, Read your article last night in Roundel. Thanks again for your outstanding contributions to the community. I'm one of those "7%" that swapped out for non-RFT. Due to a new need for long distance driving (work related) I put the OEM 162's with RFT back on this week. I do like the idea and benefit of RFT, but it is difficult to get past the harsher ride, which came back in a very noticable way with the swap. One quesiton - do you (or any other members) know if you can put non-RFT onto the 162 rims? I assume it is OK, but the RFT specific rims have the larger retaining lip. Considering options for a winter setup with the 162's and didn't see any RFT's winters yet available in this size. Thanks JackMac
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