Ditching run flats

BSEZ4

Member
Was chatting to a colleague at work about my soon to be new Z4 (54 plate so new to me anyway) and mentioned about ditching the run flats at some point. Not right away as the dealer has just fitted a full set of Pirelli run flats to the car so will try them out. Anyway my question is does it affect your insurance in anyway reverting to standard tyres? Ive been told that its changing away from the recommended spec and that if you dont tell them they wont pay out in the event of a claim, and if you do tell them they will ramp up the premium as they see it as less safe? What are people's experiences?
 
Some insurers have reportedly said 'no', but I can't think of any off of the top of my head. Most don't care (but still tell them so you're covered). Some will charge a teeny tiny premium.

Best bet is find the cheapest insurer at a comparison site, and complete the transaction over the phone. Tell them you're going to put non RFT tyres on, chances are they'll say 'ok, doesn't matter put whatever you like on' and then you'll be golden :)

There is a case where if the insurer isn't notified and you have non-standard tyres the company will say 'well that's how you had that accident, we're not paying'.
 
Thanks for that, thought as much. Ive got 5 months to run on my current insurance from my Compact, only have to pay £45 extra for the Zed so happy with that, Il give the Pirellis a chance, they handled well on the test drive, had it for 30 mins, got some A14, town roads and B roads in and didnt find them bad at all. Googled the tyres and theyre around 160 a corner so not gonna dismiss them without giving them a chance to impress me. Anyone else had any experience with Pirelli RFs?
 
Yea, they rode well during the test drive, but i think i might have been slightly blinkered as everything else was spot on (bar front bumper stone chips, this has been resprayed now). Like i said have to give them a go and take it easy until i get used to them. Going to be very differed to my Compact, great little car (a massive step up from my 1.1 fiesta i had sat at my parents as i went through uni. I think the Zed is gonna be another great step up, then grin ive had on my face for the last 72 hours since the deposit was paid is testament to this! Weather looks good down here in Bury St Edmunds this weekend too so there will be some hood down action for sure!
 
So i picked the Zed up at the weekend and must say i have absolutely no problems with the run flats at all. Turns out they were Pirelli's, they are Continentals fitted at the moment. Either the dealer told me wrong and i didnt look or i didnt pay that much attention other than they were new. They grip well, absolutely no tramlining (unlike my old Compact which was a bitch, especially on A roads) so i wont be rushing to put normal tyres on it, however i may consider if the cost difference makes it worthwhile. I really am in love with the car though, its quick, responsive, looks stunning. Overall its everything i was looking for and more.

Now onto a few simple mods i think. The standard stubby along with some carbon badges (the enamel isnt in the best condition on the current badges so they need replacing either way) and possible some clear side repeaters will all hopefully be done in the near future. Il get some photos up soon, just need to pick my camera up as iphone pictures never look great.
 
Congrats on the new car!

I didn't realise Continental do rfts?? Did you say less than £200 a corner? Do you have matching tyres sizes on all four wheels?

When I got my beloved, he had 4 Bridgestones. The members on this forum who have worn me down (including Gannet) convinced me to try Michelin rfts. I must say, the Michelins were also pricey like the Bridgestones (£500 for a pair of rears last year 255 size ones). *ouch. But, as some have said previously, they are less tramlin-ey and crashy. More 'cushioned' than the Bridgestones. However, downside is less 'feel' in the corners. The Bridgestones are more 'raw.
Anyway, couldn't afford four Michelin tyres.

Still debating with myself about whether to change the fronts to Michelins when they need changing. :? :driving:
 
Yeah they are Continental Sport Contact 3 225/45R17 91W all the same. They are about 120 a corner fitted from Kwik Fit (if bought online, or £202 instore apparantly :? ) and from my 150 miles ive done on them this weekend they are faultless. No tramlining on roads my compact used to struggle with, LOADS of grip, plenty of feel in the corners, maybe a tad firmer than id like, but thats not just the tyres and i knew id be getting that with a Z4 so im not bothered. So basically yea, id recommend Continentals to anyone looking for a change but not sure about going to standard tyres.
 
It seems quite plausible that the premium brand RFT technology has improved significantly over the OEM Bridgestones we all love to despise so much. I don't think many of us that went non-RFT have any experience with the latest RFT offerings on our E85/86 cars. The era of RFT hating may be ending.

I'm still not going back though.
 
Oakandacorns said:
Congrats on the new car!

I didn't realise Continental do rfts?? Did you say less than £200 a corner? Do you have matching tyres sizes on all four wheels?

When I got my beloved, he had 4 Bridgestones. The members on this forum who have worn me down (including Gannet) convinced me to try Michelin rfts. I must say, the Michelins were also pricey like the Bridgestones (£500 for a pair of rears last year 255 size ones). *ouch. But, as some have said previously, they are less tramlin-ey and crashy. More 'cushioned' than the Bridgestones. However, downside is less 'feel' in the corners. The Bridgestones are more 'raw.
Anyway, couldn't afford four Michelin tyres.

Still debating with myself about whether to change the fronts to Michelins when they need changing. :? :driving:

I have just changed to Michelin RFTs ,the behavior is so different to the OEM Bridgestones I would suggest caution mixing front and back
The two makes are really very different and could be unpredictable if mixed
I decided to dump all 4 although fronts still had life in them
 
Just spoke to my insurers- AA as I'm alos thinking of changing from to- non rft tyres- they said -no problem- so long as speed rating is same or better.
Wayne
 
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