'03 Z4 run-flat technology and chrome tips

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Hey Guys

I've been browsing around the internet for a bit here and I'm having some difficulties finding out exactly the information I'm in need of. I currently own (as the subject states) a 2003 Z4 2.5i and have been in the process of sprucing it up a bit for this summer. It has 17" wheels on it now, and I'm fully aware that it uses the run-flat technology tires but I'm unsure which type of technology it may be using.

Reading around I'm aware (as far as I know) of 3 types of run-flat tires. I am in no way a car mechanic, so my theories are most likely flawed. However, with that said I've researched self-supporting, self-sealing and auxiliary-supported. My question is this: Is there a standard for what particular type of rim would be on it? I'm wanting to purchase new rims but I'd hate to purchase ones that aren't supported for the type of tire I may be running. Just sitting here now (at work actually) I suppose I could take the serial # off the tires and back trace which type of rim they'd run on buttttt I'll go ahead and post this anyway!

Also, what are your thoughts on chrome tips? Any suggestions? I've been browsing around ebay just to see what they have and under the results queried from "2003 BMW z4 exhaust tips" the pictures just don't really align with how mine look now. I did find this one however, http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-...r_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item335bc5c92a.

I've done a few little things to the vehicle so far this year, main one being the bottom rocker panels painted due to some road rash. I just ordered up some front mud flaps for it, unsure if I'm going to like the way it'll look or not with mud flaps though. I know, I know.. mud flaps?! Unfortunately I'm from a town in New Brunswick which has some unforgiving roads when it comes to some loose dirt. Some say I should watch where I drive, I say it's made to be driven!

Thanks for any feed back guys!
 
koldiak, welcome to the forum :thumbsup:

From when I have looked at tyres there have usually been run flats on the list usually with the vehicle that they made for, I know this is a UK company but this illustrates what I mean:
http://www.camskill.co.uk/products.php?plid=m61b0s3808p0
I believe the BMW has self support run flats, but wouldn't really worry about it - just buy the ones listed for the car.

If you are sticking with BMW OEM alloys they just buy the tyres listed for those rims. Check gannets posts, he has some which he is very happy with.

If you are going for aftermarket rims you will more than likely need standard tyres. Many of us on here has swapped to non-run flats - plenty to choose from and you just need the correct tyre size.

My understanding is that run flat tyres need rims with a lip on the inside, therefore you can only fit run flat tyres to rims designed to take them - which all non-M Z4 wheels are. You can however fit non-run flat tyres to Z4 rims if you wish. I've used Eagle F1s and now Vreds, both have been far superior to the OEM RFTs in terms of ride and grip IMO.

Had chrome tips on my standard exhaust, think they look really good. But it is person preference. Stick OEM.

Good luck with the other bits and get some pictures up in the newbie forum :wink:
 
Hey PawnSacrifice, that's some great information! Thank you very much!

So, that's kind of what I was worried about. Run flat tires more than likely need run flat rims (as you said, with the lip) but I could however put standard tires on the stock rims. Hmmm. I really wanted to get new rims altogether so I might have to go to a standard tire. And funny enough, I've heard that the RFTs don't have quite the ride that a regular tire would. What did you do for a spare, did you even bother to toss one in the trunk or is that a silly question?! My guess would be no, buttt I thought i'd ask!

I was going to stick some chrome tips on the stock exhaust, like you did. Do you have a link or something, would the ones in the link I posted work you think? I'm not looking to replace the entire exhaust system, just pretty up the visible stuff!

Thanks again! And yes, I'll need to get some pictures up and about.. show off my baby :)
 
Ride is almost universally accepted to be far better away from the OEM run flats. Discussed plenty on here, but look for 'tyres' as well as 'tires'. I keep tyre weld in the boot by the battery. I'll bag a E46 space saver for my trip to Europe.

RealOEM will help you, the eBay part appears to be correct - E85 Z4 2.5i Exhaust pipe tip
I'd check the price from the main dealer though - in the UK they're £30 each.

If you are new to the Z4 world have a look at the FAQ in the General Discussion forum... can get expensive though :wink:
 
gannet said:
PawnSacrifice said:
Ride is almost universally accepted to be far better away from the OEM run flats.
Click to expand...

unles you switch brand to Michelin ZP :D



:exitright:
Click to expand...

Would that not be moving away from the OEM run flats? :poke:

Thanks though, I did suggest to the OP in my first post to see what you were using. If you don't mind I may get you to take me for a quick spin if I make it down to the bank holiday meet (am sure I will), so I can see first hand how good the ride is.
 
PawnSacrifice said:
gannet said:
PawnSacrifice said:
Ride is almost universally accepted to be far better away from the OEM run flats.
Click to expand...

unles you switch brand to Michelin ZP :D



:exitright:
Click to expand...

Would that not be moving away from the OEM run flats? :poke:
Click to expand...

strictly speaking a suppose so... but they do have the * on them which is 'ok' speak for BMW fitment I believe :D

PawnSacrifice said:
Thanks though, I did suggest to the OP in my first post to see what you were using.
Click to expand...

Hadn't read your post totally :oops:

PawnSacrifice said:
If you don't mind I may get you to take me for a quick spin if I make it down to the bank holiday meet (am sure I will), so I can see first hand how good the ride is.
Click to expand...

no problem regarding a ride out if you make the meet :thumbsup:
 
Has anyone had Michelin ZP vs non-ZP Pilot Sports?

For all we know, ZP's might still be "half-crap" for being run-flat :o :P


Until people try different tyres of each type you can't really say. I doubt I'll ever try ZP's though at almost £900 for a set of four haha! Hahaha! Hahahahaha! :D

Dave
 
Mattt said:
How much are the non-ZP Pilot Sports?
Click to expand...
Front ZP: £201.63 each
Front Non-ZP: £148.61 each

Rear ZP: £242.30 each
Rear Non-ZP: £207.21 each

All round ZP: £887.86
All round Non-ZP: £711.64

Difference: £176.22

you pays your money and makes your choices :thumbsup:

All prices from Black Circles and include fitting...
 
gannet, did you run those PS2s in the winter? I was going to follow your advice and try them out but I expect to use the car in the winter as much as the summer - will I need to move to winter tyres in September?

thx
S
 
spanna2000 said:
gannet, did you run those PS2s in the winter? I was going to follow your advice and try them out but I expect to use the car in the winter as much as the summer - will I need to move to winter tyres in September?

thx
S
Click to expand...

I have never put winter tyres on any of my cars...

that being said in all the snow I left the zed on the drive and used our Mazda 2 Sport to get about in. I don't use the car often during the week. When the snow cleared I just drove the zed taking all the usual precautions for cold weather/ice etc and had no problems...
 
gannet said:
Mattt said:
How much are the non-ZP Pilot Sports?
Click to expand...
Front ZP: £201.63 each
Front Non-ZP: £148.61 each

Rear ZP: £242.30 each
Rear Non-ZP: £207.21 each

All round ZP: £887.86
All round Non-ZP: £711.64

Difference: £176.22

you pays your money and makes your choices :thumbsup:

All prices from Black Circles and include fitting...
Click to expand...


Eeek, I thought £400 > £550 was a big jump from FK452 > Eagle F1!


I think my main issue with ZP would be if one got punctured it's so much more to replace, and only offers it's "RFT" capability for a short while...

Iirc though, if you can get a 3 for 4 deal on them then ZP's would be fairly reasonable all said and done. I was going to do that at one point but decided to go with FK452 just to see :D

Dave
 
Looks like I am out of luck - seems from my enquiries that the Michelin PS2 ZP are not available in 225/45R17. Is that correct or am I just being a bit thick using the online quote tools at blackcircles etc?

I don't want to ditch RFTs so looking for an alternative to the Bridgestones - any experience out there of Dunlop's?

S.
 
From the write up of the Primacy HP it seems to be a tyre for sporting saloons - to me that means heavier and I've rightly or wrongly deduced that this is a lesser tyre than the PS2/PS3. One thing for sure the tyre manufacturers don't provide enough information to help make a choice about which tyre to take from their ranges.
 
search on Michelin's website and it suggests the primacy though :?

agreed that it is slightly ambiguous though :o
 
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