Question about going to non-RFTs

[Bimmer_Freak]

With the dollar so strong right now i'm thinking about purchasing a set of non-RFTs from Tirerack and putting my 3 month old stock Dunlop RFTs away for emergency or when i trade the car in.

My question is if i go non-RFT will my stock suspension feel overly soft with increased bodyroll and sloppy steering?

My main reason for ditching the RFTs is for more comfort (i feel the 135i is more harsh over bumps than my previous Evo X) but i DO NOT want overly soft, bodyroll suspension and non-direct steering feel.

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

[QUOTE=Bimmer_Freak;9571304]My question is if i go non-RFT will my stock suspension feel overly soft with increased bodyroll and sloppy steering?
QUOTE]

Nope.

RFTs with stiffer sidewalls do not contribute to more 'taut' handling.

Handling, grip and comfort will increase massively after the switch to non rfts.

[sparoz]

I feel the more accurate way of describing the non-RFT is that it shows the insufficiencies of the soft suspension more.

There is no sloppy steering, just that there will be more body roll because of the better grip from the higher cornering speed. Much better in comfort and noise. Picking one with stiffer side wall as mentioned by bmroxm5 is important.

I am much happier with my non-RFT, and it can tell the difference every time I jumped in my wife's 125i.

[stylish.]

Would a BMW mobility kit be a nice substitute for non runflats? Anyone have any experiences with them?

[sparoz]

Originally Posted by stylish.

Would a BMW mobility kit be a nice substitute for non runflats? Anyone have any experiences with them?

Got one - but I have no plan to use the goo. It is usually a slow leak anyway, and you really just need to pump it back up until you get the tire repair.

It has been useful as an air pump. .

[Bimmer_Freak]

Thanks for replies.

Although i almost cringe over every bump i may as well just keep the RFTs until they are worn out and then i'll make a decision whether to go non-RFT or not.

Is it true that BMW dealers will deduct the cost of 4 new runflats from the value of your car if you trade in with non-RFTs?

[sparoz]

Well, they need to replace them with RFT - no difference if you brought your car in and your tires are close to the end of its life.

[Road Train]

I hope to get my new car in the next month and was wondering how/if it is possible to get rid of the RFT's from new.
Do tyre dealers do exchange for minimal or no cost?
Should I just keep them until they wear out?

[sparoz]

Originally Posted by Road Train

I hope to get my new car in the next month and was wondering how/if it is possible to get rid of the RFT's from new.
Do tyre dealers do exchange for minimal or no cost?
Should I just keep them until they wear out?

I changed them from virtually new with only 1000km on mine. The changeover was very reasonable I felt. Basically, the way I see it as I get the tires that I want at a substantially less price. Someone has to make some money here and no one is going to do it for free. .

[Bimmer_Freak]

Originally Posted by sparoz

I changed them from virtually new with only 1000km on mine. The changeover was very reasonable I felt..

Who accepted your old tyres? The dealership or a local tyre shop?

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by Bimmer_Freak

...My question is if i go non-RFT will my stock suspension feel overly soft with increased bodyroll and sloppy steering?

I switched from RFT to Michelin PS3's in 225/255 sizes. The only thing that I miss a little bit with the RFT is when you drive at very high speeds (over 120mph+) you only needed to turn the steering wheel just a tad and the car turned in. Now you have to turn the wheel a tinny wee bit more, say one or two inches (more instead of say 1/2 inch) and the car moves. It is no real big deal (nor a deal breaker) for me. There are so many positives with non-RFT vs this one positive of RFT.

The main thing in switching to non-RFT is the ride. The ride is soo much nicer now. It feels like your tires are once again made out of rubber and not some other HARD stiff material. When you go over bumps the suspension actually works. Before you could feel the wheels hang up in the air and bang back down, skip and jump around. Now the ride is soooo much better.

Make sure you selcect ultra high performance tires and you will be Ok. Also make sure to get XL (load) rated sidewalls too. For good steering response.


Dackel

[sparoz]

Originally Posted by Bimmer_Freak

Who accepted your old tyres? The dealership or a local tyre shop?

Originally Posted by ianf2002

I sold my 1000 km factory RFT's & switched with Hankook V12's.
Sold RFT's on ebay for $1700, as they are around $2400 new

The tyre shop, but you probably will get a better deal if you sell it yourself. Consider you can get a set of four good tyres for less than $1200 including chipping through the tirerack.

[Bimmer_Freak]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Make sure you selcect ultra high performance tires and you will be Ok. Also make sure to get XL (load) rated sidewalls too. For good steering response.
Dackel

Thanks, I was thinking of getting Continental Extreme Contact DW due to the good reviews on these forums, plus they are cheap. Max Performance category so should be alright.

Don't care too much about maximum grip. I just want comfort.

[chylld]

Originally Posted by ianf2002

I went with non-RFT's (Hankook V12's). Much better handling.

Avoid the BMW mobility kit as it ruins the tyre and can't be repaired. I opted for the Slime which is water soluble & allows repair. This is what I bought and sits in the boot: http://slime.com.au/index.php?main_p...&products_id=4

Ordered just the 24oz slime (already have a 12v tyre pump) Thanks for the recommendation.

Looking forward to NOT using it on my new michelin ps2's!

[chylld]

Originally Posted by ianf2002

+1

Get some tyre plugs too as slime not always enough

aaaaargh forgot to lump them in with the order!

guess i'll grab some next time i'm near a repco/supercheap. thanks for the tip