Hello & Runflat tyres

T

tonytee

Member
Hi Everyone,
I've got a Z4 07 E85 2.0 SE soft top, with Bridgestone Potenza runflats.
I will post some photos soon. I've had the car over 3 years, and over long distance, motorways etc it's brilliant. However, I have had the usual problems with tyre comfort, tram lining at low speeds over poor roads etc. My local ind BMW reckoned a major problem was the front lower arm back mounting bushes, which had worn ( they had small splits). He subsequently replaced them with POWERFLEX bushes. This improved the steering and ' jitteriness' no end. I then had a 4 way alignment done, and both front and back needed adjustment. Things were definitely improved for the better. Still, however, I am plagued by the terrible ride of the Bridgestones. I definitely want to keep runflat tyres ( for safety reasons, as my wife drives the car on her own). Can anyone recommend a suitable tyre? I have searched forums throughout, and can't seem to find anything definitive? Sorry for the length of this post, I am a newbie. Thanks a lot
 
I would not keep RFT's for 'safety reasons'. Many of us on here have swapped for major ride improvement, better handling and lower tyre costs. All you need do is carry a pump and goo, or a skinny spacesaver. My wife also drives the car and it's not an issue.

Can't comment on an alternative RFT, but if you replace the poly bushes with OEM, Meyle HD or other quality make the ride will be better.
 
Normal tyres are soooooo much better you'll forgive any inconvenience a puncture might cause. If you are equipped as CJ suggests, then there is a very good chance you/your wife will be able to resolve any tyre problem. If that's not possible are you able to call upon the AA, RAC, Green Flag etc?
Trust us when we say certain run flats (Bridgestone) are the work of the devil.
 
Thanks CJ & BRC,
The safety issue scenario was" my wife being stuck on the hard shoulder in pouring rain or in the middle of winter" . That could happen? Although I have to admit I wouldn't drive the car at that time anyway. I've also had bad experiences with the tyre gunge. A lot of breakdown repair guys refuse to use them, plus your tyre is usually finished after the gunge. A skinny space saver would also take up room in an already smallish boot? There's also the question of suspension set up and liability in case of an accident? ( eg. After car examination and fitting of non standard tyres. Some ins co's would have any excuse too).
 
tonytee said:
Thanks CJ & BRC,
The safety issue scenario was" my wife being stuck on the hard shoulder in pouring rain or in the middle of winter" . That could happen? Although I have to admit I wouldn't drive the car at that time anyway. I've also had bad experiences with the tyre gunge. A lot of breakdown repair guys refuse to use them, plus your tyre is usually finished after the gunge. A skinny space saver would also take up room in an already smallish boot? There's also the question of suspension set up and liability in case of an accident? ( eg. After car examination and fitting of non standard tyres. Some ins co's would have any excuse too).
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Ha ha - you certainly seem to have come up with every conceivable objection to non RFT's, so doubt you'll ever change.

Just a few comments in general:
A puncture occurs on average once in every 90,000 miles of driving these days, so not a big issue. As others have said that's what RAC is for
A RFT is also scrap after deflating, even if driven only a few hundred metres. The sidewall destroys itself internally
I keep my skinny in the garage so if I do have an issue I can run on it for a few days and source a tyre of the spec I want (never happened yet)
Goo is no longer an issue for repairing tyres. It's washable. My BMW mobility kit is an all in one of powerful air pump and goo. Use one or both.
Suspension was never set up for RFT's. They were an early adopter and poorly set up. Non RFT's are better performing, less damaging on suspension and far cheaper
I don't know of any insurance company that has ever objected to non RFT's. Mine are declared and perfectly acceptable. So long as they are the same size and rating.

I'd estimate 75% - 90% of the members here have made the swap and I know of nobody who has ever gone back
 
Good call
Phone your insure just to check then get whatever you fancy if the premium brands
Falken 452 and now 453 and Vreds are loved as are the Goodyear AS2 (latter is my choice)

Search a few big inline sellers for prices and post up what you see for opinion before buying
 
Just to go back to your original post
When I first bought my Zed (E85) it had well worn Bridgestones on and did suffer from tram lining.
Changed these for RF Pirelli's on the rear and when due Goodyears on the front. No more issues
 
I've just had my tyres and wheels changed from RFTs this weekend. I had delayed for the same reason that you were concerned about your wife but I'm quite happy to wait for the AA given how much smoother the ride is. My suspension had been knocking recently (a recurrent issue) but the tyre and wheel change has made a big difference so I don't feel an urgent need to rush off to the mechanics. I've gone to 17" alloy with Kumho 39s. Enjoy!
 
Just read a review of the new Bridgstone Driveguard runflat tyres. Has anyone tried these yet on a Z4? The review suggested a much more comfortable runflat?
 
tonytee said:
Just read a review of the new Bridgstone Driveguard runflat tyres. Has anyone tried these yet on a Z4? The review suggested a much more comfortable runflat?
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Nope I think you'll be the first :)

As you have already found out Runflats and this forum don't really go together, get them changed and enjoy driving once again :)
 
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