Runflat tyres - the Poll

[Marlon]

For those who have experience with runflats & non-runflats.

In a recent thread regarding tramlining on the E85/86 it was suggested that runflat tyres are not to blame and that other factors are the cause such as tyre pressure, worn tread or poor alignment.

I realise these other factors may cause or contribute to tramlining, however, based upon what I’ve read on the forum over the years I assumed that if you’re on runflats (with the correct pressure etc.) and experiencing tramlining then swapping to non-runflats is recommended.

So let’s take a Poll

[firebobby]

That is the mother of all polls Marlon

[Marlon]

That is the mother of all polls Marlon

Thought it would be simple Fred, but then realised all the possible permutations as I was typing (no doubt I've missed some )

[z4pilot]

In my experience, there's no single cause for tramlining - it's a collection of issues, each of which can magnify the effect of any of the others. Tyres are one element, the others being suspension components (dampers and bushes) alignment and the health of the electrically assisted steering. Any sub-optimal performance of any of the constituent parts might express itself as imprecise steering or wandering, which is why it's a bugger to sort out!

[Chris1981]

Well that throws the cat amongst the pigeons... I was hoping that switching to 'normal' tyres would be enough to sort the issues, best start on my suspension rejuvenation before getting the tyres changed so I only need one alignment session!

[WLH]

IMO the pre-facelift Zed's (03 to 05) were downright dangerous to drive with the OEM Bridgestone runflats. You felt like you never had total control over the direction the cars was going unless you were on pristine roads. There was never any discussion during those years on the previous Z-forum of other issues. You ditched the run-flats and you had a different car. The facelift Zed's (06 to 08) were a big improvement and I would remove the words dangerous to drive form my description. However, tramlining was still an issue and was sorted by either switching to Michelin Runflats which many reported to be much better or to standard performance tires. I don't have enough experience with the E89 to comment except it seemed as good or better than the facelift Zed's.

[A1GSS]

My experience (E89) is that the difference between RFT and non-RFT is night and day. RFT bad. Non-RFT very good indeed even though I went fro 17" to 19" at the same time.

Not specifically tramlining but also ride quality, noise, accuracy in corners, laziness on the motorway (fidgety)

[Nictrix]

In my opinion (E89) the change from runflats to non-runflats was not as amazing as others have said.
There was a difference but not completely transforming the car.
There was no tramlining before or after.
Maybe its because its on 18" and the ride isnt as bad as 19" to begin with.
Still glad I did as the savings on tyre cost is massive.

[Smartbear]

That is the mother of all polls Marlon

Thought it would be simple Fred, but then realised all the possible permutations as I was typing (no doubt I've missed some )

Hi, you've missed the "I had runflats but had to change them for non-runflats after they shattered my wheels"
Rob

[GJC72]

Having owned both pre and facelift E85's I agree with everything that's been said about switching to non run rf's on these models. Even running on 19's the ride and handling was transformed compared to the 18 inch rf's. Just changed all four original Bridgestones on the E89 for the latest Pirelli P Zero run flats. The difference is similar to switching from RF's to non RF's on an E85. Very impressed so far

[nick_l]

I have both. Runflats on the E86 and Non run flats on the e85 and neither suffer from tramlining.

[Mr Tidy]

Great poll Marlon.

I've responded based on my current Z - my reply would have been different for it's predecessor!

[G600]

I switched to non runflats and it made a big difference but it wasn't completely gone until I replaced the wishbone rear bushes.

[ESP]

I 'Had' Run-flats, and have since switched to Non-run flats.
This was down to price alone. Getting a better performing tire for the same or lower cost.
I never had tramlining before, and have not had it since.

The 'cost' option isn't in the poll, so i didn't submit.

[Marlon]

At the time of posting 80% of the votes are cast as follows:

It’s a 50/50 split between those on runflats who have no tramlining issues and those who have swapped from runflats to non-runflats and cleared tramlining issues.

Then we have 24 votes saying that non-runflats give a better driving experience (no doubt these votes include many of those who voted for option 4).