My Z4 is suddenly SO much better: guess what I did...

eurgain

Member
 North-East Wales
... I changed from run-flat to conventional tyres.

VERY MANY THANKS to all on this forum who gave me the confidence to do this. The conscientious tyre fitter I use was reluctant to fit the non-runflat tyres onto the runflat rims, and it was with the backing I had here that I said to him to go ahead.

I am normally very reluctant to change a car from its factory specification. Even with this change, I kept the factory spec wheels and stayed with the Bridgestone tyres 225-45 on the "Style 103" 17-inch rims. I even like the idea of runflat tyres, and have actually run on a flat tyre much to my convenience. I just don't like their implementation.

But what a difference! All of the horrid "brittle" ride on British roads has gone. No more does a tarmac seam cause a crash-crash through the car. There is no tramlining. There is much less road noise. Practicalities over, now for the fun. When pushing on, the limit of "on-rails" grip comes earlier. But what happens, is the car starts to slide ever-so gradually. Its attitude can be adjusted by steering and throttle.

The grip from the runflats lasted longer on a smooth road, but then the car just let go, hopped sideways, and landed to regain grip. This was horrible! On loose gravel, it was a positive menace, switching from understeer to oversteer faster than an '80s 911! (I owned an '80s 911!)

I did buy a BMW mobility kit, which seemed expensive. However, since I needed to replace all four tyres, four runflats would have still cost more than four conventional tyres plus the kit. Much more than that, it has saved me thousands because I am much happier with the car, and I will keep it longer.

I am more happy with my car now than at any time since I bought it, so I will stop going to look at Boxters (at least until the 987 comes into my price range :-).

A
 
glad to hear it went well - ill be doing the same when my rft's are bit more worn, damn things are going to last a while i think, i have no where to store them otherwise they would be off the car and some nice new normal tyres would be on.
 
klarky said:
glad to hear it went well - ill be doing the same when my rft's are bit more worn, damn things are going to last a while i think, i have no where to store them otherwise they would be off the car and some nice new normal tyres would be on.
Sod the tread left ! have em off and stick them on Ebay. I sold a pair with about 4 mm on and got £70 and got my Mich PS 2s sooner
 
I understand that several people switched to non-rft's. So when it was my time to change out the tires, I had a big decision to make...rft's or non-rft's. Well I decided on the rft's and I don't regret it. Going from the Bridgestones to the Michelin PS2 ZP's was like day and night. Way better ride and no more tramlining. Now, as you, I enjoy driving this automobile. For me, I like the idea of not getting out of the car to take care of a flat tire.
 
BSVA +1

I find everything everyone says above now in my car, but Im still on Run flats :D just different brand Michelin ZP's... Ive been saying the same thing on here for over a year now. You can now have the convenience of run flats without the harsh ride or tramlining and much much improved handling :D :thumbsup:
 
I have just got back from picking up the car with my new Falkens just fitted..........WOW, what a difference!!!!!!!

I am in two minds about keeping my old tyres. Still have 5-6mm on but will have to keep them for 3-4 years till I sell the car.

Think they will be going in the garage loft for now!

Now to get the springs fixed and the car is sorted!
 
gannet said:
BSVA +1

I find everything everyone says above now in my car, but Im still on Run flats :D just different brand Michelin ZP's... Ive been saying the same thing on here for over a year now. You can now have the convenience of run flats without the harsh ride or tramlining and much much improved handling :D :thumbsup:

I agree 100% in principle! Using Michelin runflats was my preferred option, but AFAIK, the Michelin tyre is not available for the 17 inch rims in a suitable size for my car's wheels.

This is my everyday transport of a car, and I do not want it to be a money pit, so a new set of wheels was out of the question for me. Over four hundred quid for a set for tyres was bad enough!

A
 
wasnt knocking your decision :)

Really surprises me that you cant get em in 17" though, seems like a fairly large part of the market they are missing out on :?
 
gannet said:
wasnt knocking your decision :)

Really surprises me that you cant get em in 17" though, seems like a fairly large part of the market they are missing out on :?

No "knock" taken at all!

17-inch seems to be a bit "old hat" just now.I had so many people pushing me towards 18s, but I really do not think that my car would be any the better for having them, and would be most likely worse (and more expensive).

A
 
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