Runflat Issues?

[Prodigy.]

After only 300kms in the new car i've come to the conclusion i hate the runflats, i've noticed a slight but distinct vibration through the steering wheel so took the car back to BMW today, (assuming the wheels may need re balancing) the service technician took it for a spin and seemed to think it was normal, i was not convinced so asked to take another 1er for a spin to compare, to my surprise it was exactly the same, so i can only assume its the tyres.

Now unfortunately there is no chance of me ditching the runflats anytime soon so they are here to stay for a while.

Any advice on whether adjusting the tyre pressures will help? i've checked the pressures and all are as suggested on the placard, it feels almost as if they are pumped up too hard when driving.

What psi do you guys run your runflats at?

[Smiley1175]

No I didn't recall any vibration. I actually liked the run flats but they're just too expensive compared with what else you can get.

Lots of people whine about them but honestly they're not that bad and they do have some pretty good benefits.

As for tyre pressures, just what's on the side of the door.

Non run flats do feel better (softer) but I wouldn't bother ditching what you have.

[PeteA]

I dislike mine too, hence why I am removing them. Fine on a smooth road, but hit that odd crappy piece *CHADOUNK* - stuff that.

Should be 35PSI front 37PSI rear

[BMJ]

I really like my P Zeros now... was going to change but they have grown on me so stayed OEM. I don't notice any virbration.

What brand RFs are you using?

[TS135i]

I just checked my tire pressure upon reading this post, it read 52psi
However the ride feels great and no vibration to speak of.

[VGR00]

52psi sounds way too high. Mine were set at 40psi when I picked up the car and was told this was different to the place card but it was recommended. I have tried to run per the place card but liked the 40psi better. At least while I have run flats on, I will leave it at this.

[GJA003]

Originally Posted by TS135i

I just checked my tire pressure upon reading this post, it read 52psi
However the ride feels great and no vibration to speak of.

How long after driving the car did you check ?

52psi is regardless way to high ! Lower them to your place card on the side of the door jamb !

[sparoz]

Never had vibrations on my the RFT. Go to a tyre place to have alignment looked at. Most tyre shop will be able to help to have the correct pressure. Forget the place card it is just a guide and pressure should be adjusted to your usual driving style as well as the brand of tyre. For a road car that should be pressure that gives even wear. An expert in tyre should be able to tell what to adjust after 2-3000 km.

[MightyMouseTech]

Sounds like the tires were just a little flat spotted from sitting on the lot for a while. In that case, I usually just lower the pressure quite a bit, and drive it at highway speeds for about an hour to get the tires nice and hot. Then reinflate.

This will also happen a lot this time of year if you park the car with hot tires and it goes below freezing overnight. Instant cold spotting.

[Prodigy.]

Originally Posted by BMJ

I really like my P Zeros now... was going to change but they have grown on me so stayed OEM. I don't notice any virbration.

What brand RFs are you using?

Car has Bridgestone Potenza's

Originally Posted by sparoz

Never had vibrations on my the RFT. Go to a tyre place to have alignment looked at. Most tyre shop will be able to help to have the correct pressure. Forget the place card it is just a guide and pressure should be adjusted to your usual driving style as well as the brand of tyre. For a road car that should be pressure that gives even wear. An expert in tyre should be able to tell what to adjust after 2-3000 km.

Yeah, may have to take it to my usual tyre shop to get looked at.

Originally Posted by TS135i

I just checked my tire pressure upon reading this post, it read 52psi
However the ride feels great and no vibration to speak of.

Wow 52psi, was that on all 4?

Originally Posted by VGR00

52psi sounds way too high. Mine were set at 40psi when I picked up the car and was told this was different to the place card but it was recommended. I have tried to run per the place card but liked the 40psi better. At least while I have run flats on, I will leave it at this.

May just try inflating to 40psi and see if that makes any difference.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by Prodigy 72

Car has Bridgestone Potenza's



Yeah, may have to take it to my usual tyre shop to get looked at.

Hopefully they have a roadforce balancer. Most vibration issues I see are due to excessive roadforce, and not the balance.

[Prodigy.]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Hopefully they have a roadforce balancer. Most vibration issues I see are due to excessive roadforce, and not the balance.

Yep, they do have one.

[cat-like]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

This will also happen a lot this time of year if you park the car with hot tires and it goes below freezing overnight. Instant cold spotting.

Not much chance of that happening here, 10:00pm and still a balmy 22 degrees celsius.

I do have memories of it however when I lived in Sweden......uggghhh!

[fly_inverted]

Originally Posted by TS135i

I just checked my tire pressure upon reading this post, it read 52psi
However the ride feels great and no vibration to speak of.

when i got mine, cold psi was 40 front, 44 rear.

at 52psi, i think you are a little too close to tyre go boom

you weren't in the carpark going round in very tight circles with smoke coming off the tyres immediately before you checked the pressure ??

[TS135i]

52psi was cold, I double checked at the servo and still 52psi, now I have 44psi on all fours.