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[mikehhhh]

Hello,
I've been looking all over and I haven't found many alternative tires to the OEM Bridgestones.

I have a 135i with the sport package ( 245/35 R18's rear and 225/40 R18's front I think ) and I want to get a tire that is:

1. Run Flat like the Bridgestones - I don't want to go with non-run flats.
2. Wears longer than the OEM Bridgestones - the Bridgestones wear pretty fast.
3. Provides better rain/snow traction like an all season. Note, I do NOT want a dedicated winter snow tire, I feel its too much money to buy a snow tire/rims for the limited snow times in Richmond, Va. I just want something that will do a little better on the snow and rain - so the few times it starts snowing, I can feel better about driving until I get the car home and garaged.

Has anyone else found a good alternative to the Bridgestone tires?

[zamboni]

Michelin Pilot Sport 2 and you can go with 225/40 F & 255/35 rear.

[Tom K.]

It sounds like you really want all-seasons, but I notice that Tire Rack does not list any all seasons in the 18" sizes you have. So perhaps you might wish to sell the 18" wheels and purchase 17" wheels with 4 225/45R17 RFT all-seasons. The downside will be handling which is not as crisp, but the upside will be a better ride and treadwear as well as the ability to drive in freezing temps and light snow. In addition, you will not be as susceptible ro damage from potholes.

Tom

[Dackelone]

OP - there are runflats and there ARE runflats. What I mean is that there are a few different types of runflats out there. Not just the 2nd or 3rd generation ones... but you should also look for the "STAR" logo in the sidewall of the "RSC" (runflat) tire.

The "star" logo means the tire meets BMW specs for ride and handling, ect. Kind of like the way Porsche uses the N1, N2, N3, N4 rattings for their OE spec tires.

Last year when I bought my car new, BMW AG did not have any runflat snow tires instock(in Germany). They ended up getting me almost the exact tires (205/50HR17's) - except my snow tires DID NOT have this "star" log on them - but they are RSC (runflat tires). And let me tell you... I swear my 17" snow tires ride harder than my 18 inch summers do! Even with me experimenting with tire pressures.

So I would make sure you get the latest generation runflats but also that they have this "star" logo along with RSC (runflats) logo. IF I had it over to do I would have made sure I had gotten the star stamp tires.

Dackel


PS: I don't believe in A/S (no seasons) tires. They just do not work for the kinds of road conditions - I must drive on over here. I would reccomend summer and winter tires for you. IF you can swing that.

[mikehhhh]

Hello everyone, thanks for the answers to my post. I'm still thinking about this, but I'm learning towards trying Pirelli's or maybe the Michelins for most of the year. Then maybe 17 inch set for winter. I'm just not too happy with the Bridgestones.

Thank you,
Mike

[IDBMW]

Why do you want to stay with the run flats? Normal tires ride better and cost less. There may be the fear of being stranded I guess but I am on my third BMW with no run flats and no spare and never been stranded.

[new128]

Only you know why you prefer to stay on RFTs - and for you, your reasoning may be valid. But, if the reasoning is a fear of having a puncture and not having a spare, there are MANY strings in this forum that discuss alleviating this fear.
Other than actually carrying a spare in your trunk, the easiest method is to buy a portable compressor and a Dynaplug kit and keep checking your tire pressure. The compressor/Dynaplug kit will resolve "puncture" issues (actually should be easier than changing a tire). And tire pressure will help prevent blowouts. You are less prone to them in non-RFTs anyway. (Right now, I am using non-RFT snow tires with this setup.)

I personally have NEVER had a blowout in 40+ years of driving. And in the last 20 years (memory doesn't go back any further than that ), I have not had to change a tire on the road. I've always been able to get home on any puncture I have had.

Of course this is all anecdotal, but I think there are enough people who have had the same type experiences to say that the tire technology of new non-RFTs is pretty good and being stranded without a spare is becoming more and more a rarity.

[zamboni]

In CA you only need one set of tires for the season.

[top1usa]

I guess being an AAA member would help as well!

[CrazyIvan]

Not to mention that with non-RFT tires you are saving unsprung weight..

[x2ms]

Ditch the run-flat tires. Will be the best thing you ever do to the car.

[top1usa]

After reading all of your advices and opinions...I'm leaning towards ditching my RFT's! What do u guys recommend for Southern California weather???

Thanks in advance...

[FDM68]

This is not alawys the case. First allot, not all, non-RFT's weigh about the same as the OEM RFT's. The next point is most peeps here when they go non-RFT go to a wider size usually increasing weight. There of course are many variables in this.

Originally Posted by CrazyIvan

Not to mention that with non-RFT tires you are saving unsprung weight..