Wheel dilemma

[debonair]

So, I'm waiting to pick up my 2009 30i auto, should be either this weekend coming or the next, depending on how quick the DVLA are!

My dilemma in the mean time and having spent much time reading posts on this forum over the weekend is this.................

The Zed I'm getting currently has 19" 296's with Runflats on. I've read all the horror stories about this set up! When I took the car for a test drive the ride was very harsh, too harsh even for me who likes it firm. The front 2 tyres on the car came up as advisories on the MOT as they are near the legal limit so the trader has agreed to provide either 2 new Runflats or 4 new standard tyres, whichever I prefer. I had Mini's for many years and always swore by the Runflats, however they were only on 17's and a completely different ballgame. I'd love to have Runflats on the Zed but the ride is just too harsh. The reason I am changing cars in the first place is that I wanted an auto because I have back problems and was struggling a little driving a manual. So, the current setup on the Zed I think would leave me with even more back problems! And wheel problems potentially!

My question is, how much difference will changing to standard tyres on the 296's make? I don't mind a firm ride but I don't want crashy and to have to constantly worry about dodging every imperfection in the road. Would I be better changing to 18's?

Thanks in advance for your help

[mr wilks]

Not all runflats ride the same , i recently ran a set of 19inch 296 fitted with Pirelli Runflats & didn't find them at all bad in comparison to Bridgestones .
Personally i would switch out to standard rubber

[DPG]

I run Pirelli runflats and find them 100 times better than the Bridgestone's.

Cant comment on Non-RFT's as I've never had a Zed with them on.

[ekimj10]

I run Pirelli runflats and find them 100 times better than the Bridgestone's

Agree 100%, quieter, better ride and I located a pair cheaper than Bridgestone.

[debonair]

I can't even remember what Runflats are on the car. I always had Dunlops on my Mini's and liked them a lot. Only thing is I don't have any more money to throw into the car as I blew my budget as it was so can't afford to pay for even 2 new Runflats for the rears to match any difdifferent ones if the trader put those on for me

[mwadZ4]

Debonair, you always have the option of changing the wheels to 18" as this would help with the harsh ride.

This would also remove any possible concern with the 296 cracking.....(a known issue)

[debonair]

Yeah that's what I was asking about in my post as I had considered it as an option and still am. Just trying to find out how much of a difference standard tyres will make on the 19's.

Have you driven one on 19's?

[jimbo1958]

Only had my E89 35i for a month or so. Replaced the 19" runflats straight away and the difference for me in the pothole ridden roads I used was night and day.

Changed over to Michelin PSS and a much more comfortable ride and hopefully reduce the risk of cracking the alloys.


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[debonair]

Thanks for your replies, I think I'll just get standard tyres put on the 19's and see how I go with them for now and change to 18's if needs be.

How much should I expect to get for the 296's if I did want to sell them?

[mwadZ4]

It is worth bearing in mind that as there is no spare, it would pay to have a can or two of puncture goo for emergency use

[lux]

Thanks for your replies, I think I'll just get standard tyres put on the 19's and see how I go with them for now and change to 18's if needs be.

I'd also let your insurance company know coz if you have an accident (god forbid) they will find anyway of getting out of paying up!

Also, 19's look way better than 18's on the e89.....I like my RFT's and I know I can get home should I get a puncture!

[debonair]

Yep thanks, no way I'd drive around without any 'goo'

I work in the insurance industry so know the do's and don'ts and yes they can be buggers if you don't tell them things

[Slane77]

Hi, I have the opposite dilemma, I have just bought a 2010 35i DTC, mine is the non M Sport and has come with the 18 turbine alloys. I would prefer the 19 msport. If you don't get on with the 19 inch, I am sure we can come to an arrangement!

[debonair]

Ah well, here's the thing................the 19's are fine without the Runflats on, so I'm happy with the size BUT I've got my eye on a different style of 19's which I'm toying with the idea of getting. Unsure yet, it kind of depends on what I'd get for the 296's as to whether I've got enough dosh to get the one's I've been looking at!

[SO8]

I prefer 326's and they seem to have less of an issue with cracking - though still do. I am biased though as my car has 326's.

I found the whole setup is seemingly more an issue than RFT's - I tried a 35i with 296's and RFT's ... it was terribly hard. I tried a 35iS with 326's and RFT's and it was fine - though that may be down to the adaptive suspension in it's default normal setting being softer than a std car perhaps ?