Run Flat Tires

[jlc45]

Sorry if this topic has been covered previously, but I ran a search and did not find anything.
What is the consensus around run flat tires?
I find them quite harsh and I'd rather have something more comfortable.
Sharp edged expansion strips or other defects in the roadway are reducing my enjoyment.
My tires were brand new installed by the dealer when I bought the car in 2016, 2012 135i coupe:
245x35 - 18, and 215x40 - 18 Bridgestone Potenzas. They look very pretty!
So the wheels and tires on my car are worth around 4000 -5000 dollars MSRP
and I don't like them! Crazy.

[________]

Run the search again, maybe your browser was acting up... this is literally the term you'll find most answers to.

[NVHoo]

Originally Posted by OnerDriver

Run the search again, maybe your browser was acting up... this is literally the term you'll find most answers to.

in the 1Addicts "wheel and tire" forum

[awns729]

Short answer is that most people remove run flats. Run flat rubber is about 3x as thick and doesn't absorb bumps as well. Some people who do keep them find that increased tire pressure helps with the ride.

I had damage to my strut tower mounts because of NYC potholes after a bad winter that I would partially attribute to run flats lacking any sort of absorption. Non-RFTs are more pliable and make for a much more comfortable and softer ride.

I'd suggest getting rid of them. Michelin PSS used to be the most popular summer tire but I think the PS4 is the new model (I could be wrong). There's lots of choices for all seasons as well.

[rowsdower]

Run flats are garbage for the reasons stated above. If you find the ride harsh, you might also look into 17" wheels. That extra 1/2" of rubber and air between you and the road softens the ride quite a bit.

[Cavpilot2k]

Originally Posted by awns729

Short answer is that most people remove run flats. Run flat rubber is about 3x as thick and doesn't absorb bumps as well. Some people who do keep them find that increased tire pressure helps with the ride.

I had damage to my strut tower mounts because of NYC potholes after a bad winter that I would partially attribute to run flats lacking any sort of absorption. Non-RFTs are more pliable and make for a much more comfortable and softer ride.

I'd suggest getting rid of them. Michelin PSS used to be the most popular summer tire but I think the PS4 is the new model (I could be wrong). There's lots of choices for all seasons as well.

It's the PS4S (not the PS4) that replaced and improved upon the MPSS.
PS4S FTW!!!

That said, I still do runflats in the winter on 17" wheels. I don't want to be stuck on the side of the road in a snow storm trying to change a tire (or even waiting for roadside assistance).

[JimVonBaden]

Huge difference between runflats and decent regular tires on my car.

[N54Yankee]

Got rid of the run flats within six months of buying the car. That was after two flats, one bent wheel and an alignment needed after forcing myself to try to live with them.

[JimD]

I am on my second set of non-run flats. They are cheaper, there is more variety, they tend to ride better, and can perform significantly better. There is a chance that you will have a flat someday and wish you had a run flat. I carry a compressor and plugs and have only used the compressor when the weather changes and I need to add a little air.

[jlc45]

Thanks. I did find the threads with most posts suggesting to get rid of the run flats.
I agree based on the experience I've had with some winter tires I put on.
I bought a set of used winter tires 17" on BMW rims and the feel is very different from the stock 18" RFT. My decision will be when to remove a perfectly "good" set of expensive tires with low miles on them. But I do hate the way they feel.

[rowsdower]

Originally Posted by jlc45

My decision will be when to remove a perfectly "good" set of expensive tires with low miles on them.

Right after you finish roasting them in a smokey burnout