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09-07-2010, 07:27 PM | #1 |
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check this out: RFT
Flipping the pages on Oct issue Automobile Mag i come across.......
The Q&A section(page 66) They asked 5 questions to Chassis development engineer Heinz Krusche. The last question: Why does BMW favor run-flat tires? Answer: They provide several advantages, including [B]more precise steering[B]andhandling
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09-07-2010, 08:25 PM | #2 | |
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09-07-2010, 08:27 PM | #3 |
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I thought stiffer sidewall does provide more precise steering. Just that the compound used on run crap is too hard to provide descent traction.
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09-08-2010, 12:01 AM | #5 |
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I guess I'm in the minority, but I really do believe the RFT's had much better steering feel and response. After I switched the the Hankook's, it lost some of the instant response that the RFT's had. There is better overall grip, but the steering response is much more delayed.
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09-08-2010, 12:54 AM | #6 |
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Interesting, the topic pops up again and again. Over two years ago when I owned Z4 people were ready to kill each other arguing why RFT good or bad. My opinion that RFT are good, comfortable ride (same or even better than regular tires), precise handling, great grip for acceleration, but what is most important outstanding safety. Yes, here is some financial drawback for owners, like these tires not reparable, so you got nail, you got $500 out of your pocket.
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09-08-2010, 01:14 AM | #7 | |
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I've read quite a few threads now where people are disappointed after making the switch to non-RFTs because of the "sluggish" feeling of the tires, even though grip is possibly improved. That's why I haven't bothered to swap out the RFTs for autocross even though everyone there is saying "those are run flats? Man, I feel sorry for you" when talking in grid waiting for our runs. At the end of the day though, they always end up saying "Man, you're fast on those run flats!" I ran faster than several experienced drivers in modified cars with supposedly stickier tires, including a very seasoned driver in an RX-8 with Hoosiers and all STU class cars last event and I've only done 7 events total, 3 with the 135, so I don't consider myself a great driver either. I even left the day thinking I could have gone faster, I even knocked 1 full second off my time on my last run. The Bridgestone RFTs on the 2011s (possibly 2010s too) are great tires. Maybe on a track day with extended periods at high speeds/temperatures, the RFTs may not be so great... but for the majority, the RFTs are great.
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09-08-2010, 07:02 AM | #8 |
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run flats are repairable
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09-08-2010, 07:11 AM | #9 | |
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09-08-2010, 07:12 AM | #10 | |
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the grip/handling on star specs vs stock runflats is an amazing improvement
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09-08-2010, 07:31 AM | #11 | |
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09-08-2010, 07:42 AM | #12 | |
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09-08-2010, 10:10 AM | #13 |
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I need new tires, and don't care what anyone says about RFT, I will not be replacing them with more RFT's (I also don't believe that anyone has 3rd Gen RFT's either). I have briefly considered trying the RE-050a non RFT, but don't really find them to be very good tires for any purpose, so will likely change to something else, but it's still tempting just to see what the change to the same tire, just non RFT would be. Unfortunately, they only make the RE-050a in 335i sizes (and non XL load rating), not the OE 135i sizes, so this idea seems dead in the water.
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09-08-2010, 10:26 AM | #14 |
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I hated the ride in my wife's e90 from day 1 (and if it wasn't for the e30 we picked up I would still hate BMW to this day) as it was just way too jarring and uncomfortable, yet it didn't have the crisp feel of a performance car to make up for it. Originally I thought the ride issues were the sport seats, but when she had a sidewall blow out she replaced them with PS1s and everything changed for the better. It now has a better steering feel and a much more comfortable ride (though still uncomfortable for trips over an hour or so for me).
Her's is an Xi, so she doesn't have the sport suspension and I could believe that there is a feel difference between the all weather and performance variant. I have been hearing good reports on the 3rd gen RFTs so I will give them a chance as I drive all over Europe, but I'm still going to be prepared to re-shoe it after it gets home. |
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09-08-2010, 10:49 AM | #15 |
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One funny thing I found about the BMW chassis engineers comments. If indeed BMW feels the RFT are the better choice for handling and steering then why do they fit non RFT on the M3? I believe it comes with Michelin non RFT. Seeing as that is their top car for steering/handling I would say they believe the non-RFT are the choice for the best handling/steering...wouldn't you say???
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09-08-2010, 12:29 PM | #17 |
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