No Bridgestone RFTs in the country apparently

[Lopster]

Went to KwikFit with a flat rear, (as I have the tyre insurance and you're meant to go there apparently), and they didnt have any Bridgestone 245/35R18 RFTs, nor did any other kwikfit in the country, nor did any of their suppliers, nor did Bridgestone themselves. They said they are very rare and only manufacture in small batches. In the end BMW showroom said they can import one but i have to wait a week. Is this yet another reason to change to non-RFTs?

[washy]

I had a nightmare trying to get a replacement for a punctured one just before Christmas, unfortunately I need another too as the otherone is worn out now.

[tk450]

I changed to Dunlop SP1 Sport run flats, they are much better, don't crash over bumps like the bridgestones. it took 2 days to get them ordered.

[moff]

I changed to Dunlops too.

Much better than the Bridgestones, the only negative is that they do tramline on badly cambered poor condition roads.

[Lopster]

Originally Posted by moff

I changed to Dunlops too.

Much better than the Bridgestones, the only negative is that they do tramline on badly cambered poor condition roads.

Seems to be the consensus, although its strange cos on my previous Cooper S the Bridgestones were far superior to the dunlops. Do different sizes have different characteristics? (mini were 205/45R17 whereas coupé has 245/35R18). Or just dunlop got better in last 12 months? KwikFit suggested (in not so few words) to have an "accident" with the other rear and change both to non-RFTs, but insurance only cover up to £250 in one claim.

[ryzie]

i'm having similar problems sourcing bridgestone fronts.

Much better than the Bridgestones, the only negative is that they do tramline on badly cambered poor condition roads.

moff, what they like for grip,in the wet and wear rate..etc..

[///Mike135i]

Having driven my friends 123d with the Bridgestones, I think the Dunlops are far superior.

As already mentioned they do not crash over bumps etc. As moff says, they do tramline when sat in the inside lane on the motorway but I am rarely in L1 anyway

I can't really speak of the grip differences as it was moist when I took the 123d out and tbh it handled like an elephant on a ice rink on the roads of the peak district. ANY undulation in the road left me correcting with a dab of oppo when exiting corners that the car really shouldnt have been getting out of shape in.

I really am tempted to run my RFTs down and then swap for a set of proper non RFT Goodyear's and possible swap the spings to lower the car a tad and compensate for the softer tyres. Not sure this is a good idea though, it seems to make sense in my head but I am nervous about doing it.

I can't get away from the fact that when travelling at 160 leptons on the autobahn a non RFT tyre does not offer the same security and peace of mind.

[Jamze]

Going back to the original poster's point, just been into Kwik Fit (lease car so I have to use them) as my rears are less than 3mm, and the journey home last night in the wet was not my idea of fun. First choice from the lease company was Pirelli P Zeros. Didn't even know they were available as an RFT.

Anyway, they weren't in stock, but Bridgestones came up as available, and a pair of rears should be with us tomorrow - so they seem available again.

[Jamze]

Just had a call, Bridgestones have arrived. Just off to get them fitted. Now got the usual 'will they knacker my rim trying to lever off a 35 profile runflat' scenario to look forward to...

[Jaguar66]

!

[banglemangle]

Originally Posted by RobMason

knacker? Thats a new one on me.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=knacker

Buggered
Stuffed
Cactus
etc

[nickc]

did the knacker the rims??

I had trouble getting the Bridgestone tyres but found some in the end. I was only getting 2 so wanted the same tread pattern all round. Does make you wonder though if you need them in an emergency, could put the car off the road for a while

[Jamze]

No, they were good actually, one in Guildford. Seemed interested in the car, rims unmarked, cleaned all the soap off, plus the pressures were spot on when I checked after (they are normally way out).

[moff]

Originally Posted by ryzie

i'm having similar problems sourcing bridgestone fronts.



moff, what they like for grip,in the wet and wear rate..etc..

Apologies with the slight delay in responding

Wet weather grip is better, no idea about wear rate yet, but will check soon.

To be fair I think overall grip is similar, but I think I prefer the Bridgestones.

I get a new 135i at the end of April, so will be good going back onto Bridgestones to compare directly.

Tramlining has largely gone now.

Would be happy to buy them again.

[moff]

Originally Posted by RobMason

knacker? Thats a new one on me.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=knacker

To knacker = to f**k up

Being knackered = tired, shattered, broken

[banglemangle]

Originally Posted by moff

To knacker = to f**k up

Being knackered = tired, shattered, broken

To be De-Knackered = Loosing argument with "her indoors" :-)

[Lopster]

Originally Posted by moff

Apologies with the slight delay in responding

Wet weather grip is better, no idea about wear rate yet, but will check soon.

To be fair I think overall grip is similar, but I think I prefer the Bridgestones.

I get a new 135i at the end of April, so will be good going back onto Bridgestones to compare directly.

Tramlining has largely gone now.

Would be happy to buy them again.

Don't know if anyone's keeping track of this 6 year old thread, but I started it way back, complaining I couldn't get bridgestones, and guess what, couldn't get them again today, 6 years later. I've needed up being offered Michelin sport 2 for the same price as the S001s which is about a £200 saving according to tyre-shopper.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by Lopster

Went to KwikFit with a flat rear, (as I have the tyre insurance and you're meant to go there apparently), and they didnt have any Bridgestone 245/35R18 RFTs, nor did any other kwikfit in the country, nor did any of their suppliers, nor did Bridgestone themselves. They said they are very rare and only manufacture in small batches. In the end BMW showroom said they can import one but i have to wait a week. Is this yet another reason to change to non-RFTs?

You need a reason other than they suck?

[Lopster]

Originally Posted by Lopster

Don't know if anyone's keeping track of this 6 year old thread, but I started it way back, complaining I couldn't get bridgestones, and guess what, couldn't get them again today, 6 years later. I've needed up being offered Michelin sport 2 for the same price as the S001s which is about a £200 saving according to tyre-shopper.

My new Michelin PS2s are an excellent ride compared to the old bridgestone REs. As one other poster said, they dont crash over cats eyes, but rather just thud. I've yet to try them in anger performance wise though, but very happy for comfort, feels like a new car! Even the Mrs noticed, and she didn't even notice the 50bhp evolve upgrade.