Philip Foglar
///Member
Aksh said:
You are most welcome!! Pity one can't "test drive" tyres, since there is definitely a noticeable difference between brands, models, and types whether it be RFT's or so on...
Hope you come right! :thumbs:
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Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
Run Flats or Normal Tyres ??? Help
- Thread starter Aksh
- Start date
You are most welcome!! Pity one can't "test drive" tyres, since there is definitely a noticeable difference between brands, models, and types whether it be RFT's or so on...
Hope you come right! :thumbs:
Hi,
Great info.. Run-flat technology have their suspension and braking components set up to accommodate Run-flat tyres. Should you decide to change to non Run-flats, it may alter the driving and handling characteristics of your vehicle. It is for this reason that this modification is not recommended by BMW as a manufacturer. Thanks.
__________________________________
Have a look at: flat washers | round tube
Great info.. Run-flat technology have their suspension and braking components set up to accommodate Run-flat tyres. Should you decide to change to non Run-flats, it may alter the driving and handling characteristics of your vehicle. It is for this reason that this modification is not recommended by BMW as a manufacturer. Thanks.
__________________________________
Have a look at: flat washers | round tube
mo_s
Member
domsmith said:
emphasis on 'may' ..same thing BM told me..they don't rely kno how or what will be affected..also they told me it 'may' (again) wear your suspension components faster..I don't understand how if a normal gives more traction which means your suspensions not feelin every bump like your tyres are made of rocks..but then RFT's also cause wear..so I gues you'l never know till you try..and normals feel much better and grip, aquaplaning etc all improve with a good normal tyre, so regarding the 'may alter driving and handling characteristics' In my opinion, I believe it altered this positively
..just my 2cents..lol
abmi0000
///Member
domsmith said:
Disagree completely!
My E60 comes standard with RFT from the factory + spare wheel like a normal car, however, the tyre pressure info on the inside of the door provides tyre pressure info for both RFT AND normal tyres.
It logically makes no sense to state that a car's suspension is 'setup' for RFT technology when the only underlying difference between this and conventional tyres is the strength of the side wall to maintain proper shape in the event of pressure loss.
I also know of people that were allowed to replace their RFT with non RFT tyres that are just approved by BMW.
personally will stick to run flats as i drive alot at night,so from that point of view it is safer,as i dont have to stop.
bmw told me m/p falls away if you put non run flats on,also my insurance have issues if non run flats,claim the car is now unsafe as it was disigned to run on run flats.(dont know what they will say when i put on the 18 inch)
bmw told me m/p falls away if you put non run flats on,also my insurance have issues if non run flats,claim the car is now unsafe as it was disigned to run on run flats.(dont know what they will say when i put on the 18 inch)
msm
Well-known member
AFAIK, the whole "insurance won't pay issue" is just a scare tactic used by some of the tyre places, like TWT. Just don't fit rubbish tyres on the car.
Granted that there is an added margin of safety with runflats and it does add a factor of convenience, but in no way is a BMW with non-RFT's a lesser/less safe vehicle. Even the M3 did not come with runflats ...
Granted that there is an added margin of safety with runflats and it does add a factor of convenience, but in no way is a BMW with non-RFT's a lesser/less safe vehicle. Even the M3 did not come with runflats ...
Philip Foglar
///Member
Well, the insurance thing made no sense to me from day one - reason being, am I paying less in terms of my insurance premiums for having RFT's? Not at all, so why should this make any difference whatsoever?! As long as you have tyres of the correct size and overall spec that is SABS Approved you are fine! To play safe, it is sensible to get an acknowledgement letter from your insurance that they are aware that you have fitted normal non-RFT tyres of the correct size and spec.
As for motorplan, they told me that you can fit non-RFT tyres provided that they are BMW Approved (now from what I understood, this meant brand etc, but ultimately I think they mean that it must have the star symbol on the sidewall). If you fit tyres that are not BMW Approved, then they will not cover suspension or even drivetrain issues, so basically the expensive bits! How can softer and more comfortable tyres cause more damage that harder RFT's, and for that matter the drivetrain?!
At the end of the day, the agents and the tyre fitment centres want you to buy RFT tyres - BMW because they want you to support their OEM suppliers, tyre fitment centres because RFT's are more costly and not as much in demand.
And another thing, as for the suspension characteristic, my E90's suspension is definitely firmer than the my Wife's E46, and the horrible Conti RFT's behave and feel much the same on her car as they do on the E90. So as far as I am concerned, this whole thing that you "have to" fit RFT's on the E90 is the biggest load of nonsense!! Maybe this might be more the case with the new F30 (but even then I doubt this), since it makes use of 3rd generation RFT's and the suspension has been developed for this in particular!
As for motorplan, they told me that you can fit non-RFT tyres provided that they are BMW Approved (now from what I understood, this meant brand etc, but ultimately I think they mean that it must have the star symbol on the sidewall). If you fit tyres that are not BMW Approved, then they will not cover suspension or even drivetrain issues, so basically the expensive bits! How can softer and more comfortable tyres cause more damage that harder RFT's, and for that matter the drivetrain?!
At the end of the day, the agents and the tyre fitment centres want you to buy RFT tyres - BMW because they want you to support their OEM suppliers, tyre fitment centres because RFT's are more costly and not as much in demand.
And another thing, as for the suspension characteristic, my E90's suspension is definitely firmer than the my Wife's E46, and the horrible Conti RFT's behave and feel much the same on her car as they do on the E90. So as far as I am concerned, this whole thing that you "have to" fit RFT's on the E90 is the biggest load of nonsense!! Maybe this might be more the case with the new F30 (but even then I doubt this), since it makes use of 3rd generation RFT's and the suspension has been developed for this in particular!
I remember some time ago spending hours researching the forums and the web in general regarding switching with the E90's.
Cost was an issue when that time came to choose (and sad to say cost would be even more of an issue now!).
320i with Sportpack, so if memory serves correctly 225/something/R18 in front and 255/35(i think)/R18 at the back.
To do all 4 tyres in one go - just under R20 000. Several posts on this forum dealt with the issue and there were many recommendations to look at Hancook V12's - it was getting the most mention and 'satisfied' feedback on this specific point of debate. All 4 tyres, just over R8 000.
Harder ride and cost aside, I would easily go with RFT's, there's a huuuuuge convenience and safety benefit in being able to drive some distance in-spite of a puncture. I remember for example being stuck on the N12, reduced to 2 lanes with their neverending roadworks, concrete barriers either side, and the pressure warning light coming on. How much of a relief it was that I could drive happily to a garage, happily continue my journey. And even if things go really wrong while you're driving - you're nowhere near as likely to lose control of the car - watched a 5th Gear test on youtube where they basically deflated, stabbed, drilled and just downright destroyed the tyres on an E90 fitted with RFT, starting with one wheel - and zooming around to feel the difference - then 2, then 3, then all 4 wheels flat, and they concluded though you could feel a difference, you could still comfortably completely control the car.
Simply put, I don't believe they last as long as normal tyres. When the tyre pressure light goes on and you have RFT's, peace of mind and safety may be a guarantee but your stress levels also skyrocket wondering if whatever's wrong can be fixed or if the tyre will need to be replaced -they're less likely to be repairable... The biggest problem is cost. The other trade-off's on choosing RFT's in my opinion can't compare with the luxury and safety of being able to continue your journey, especially in this country.
Cost was an issue when that time came to choose (and sad to say cost would be even more of an issue now!).
320i with Sportpack, so if memory serves correctly 225/something/R18 in front and 255/35(i think)/R18 at the back.
To do all 4 tyres in one go - just under R20 000. Several posts on this forum dealt with the issue and there were many recommendations to look at Hancook V12's - it was getting the most mention and 'satisfied' feedback on this specific point of debate. All 4 tyres, just over R8 000.
Harder ride and cost aside, I would easily go with RFT's, there's a huuuuuge convenience and safety benefit in being able to drive some distance in-spite of a puncture. I remember for example being stuck on the N12, reduced to 2 lanes with their neverending roadworks, concrete barriers either side, and the pressure warning light coming on. How much of a relief it was that I could drive happily to a garage, happily continue my journey. And even if things go really wrong while you're driving - you're nowhere near as likely to lose control of the car - watched a 5th Gear test on youtube where they basically deflated, stabbed, drilled and just downright destroyed the tyres on an E90 fitted with RFT, starting with one wheel - and zooming around to feel the difference - then 2, then 3, then all 4 wheels flat, and they concluded though you could feel a difference, you could still comfortably completely control the car.
Simply put, I don't believe they last as long as normal tyres. When the tyre pressure light goes on and you have RFT's, peace of mind and safety may be a guarantee but your stress levels also skyrocket wondering if whatever's wrong can be fixed or if the tyre will need to be replaced -they're less likely to be repairable... The biggest problem is cost. The other trade-off's on choosing RFT's in my opinion can't compare with the luxury and safety of being able to continue your journey, especially in this country.
Interesting, never hear about the insurance issue before.
Wanted to get a space saver kit for mine, but dealer said it would not clear the brake discs for the rear. Am sure he was just lazy/stingy to get me one though cause i wanted it included in the deal. Got the mobility kit instead.
Wanted to get a space saver kit for mine, but dealer said it would not clear the brake discs for the rear. Am sure he was just lazy/stingy to get me one though cause i wanted it included in the deal. Got the mobility kit instead.
Philip Foglar
///Member
17" space-saver should fit! :thumbs:
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