Newby help needed

I

iantrinsic

Member
Hi everyone, new to the Forum and worried about the 2litre Z4 2006 (25,000 mls) I've just bought. Gorgeous looking car and seemed to handle well when I test drove her on a good road close to the sellers house. I've just taken her on a very long run today and was astonished by the horrendous ride and occasional tramlining on poor roads. The road noise was the worst I've ever heard and the handling very unpredictable on bumpy roads. I had her checked out at a BMW dealer who assured me the car was in brilliant condition for the year with no issues.
The tyres fitted are : Rear, Michelin Pilot Sport 255/35 ZR 18 Front Potenza 225/40 R18. I want to keep the 18inch alloys.
Can anyone help with advising with non-runflats? If they will make a big difference? What make to go for? Will it improve handling?
 
Hello Ian,

I've got the same behaviour and am on the lookout to replace the RFT. It wasn't such a shock to me having owned a mini before with RFT and reading up on here before I bought the Zed. Sure others will say the same thing!
 
I have no first hand knowledge but everything I have read on here says ditch the run flats and then enjoy to the max. I am sure that you'll get loads of advice.

In the meantime we only have your word that you have a georgeous looking car. Some pics will allow the considered feedback of the Forum.

Enjoy :driving: without the run flats.
 
Welcome to the forum ,
First move is to fit new rubber on the fronts , that should show a massive improvement straight off .
I would fit Vredestein http://www.tyreleader.co.uk/car-tyres/vredestein/ultrac-sessanta/225-40-zr18-92y-177571
or Uniroyals http://www.tyreleader.co.uk/car-tyres/uniroyal/rainsport-3/225-40-r18-92y-187764

but many others swear by Goodyear F1s http://www.tyreleader.co.uk/car-tyres/goodyear/eagle-f1-asymmetric-2/225-40-r18-92y-60460

good luck :thumbsup:
 
Iantrinsic, you won't go wrong with the recommendations of mr wilks. You will see a big difference in the ride and steering of your Zed when you sort out non runflats but the steering will still tug and follow bad imperfections from time to time so keep both hands on the wheel when making the most of the handling or you'll be dragged into the edge of the road.

At the moment GoodYear Eagle F1 Assymetrics 2s are very popular. I use them on my 3.0 litre and I've also used Falkan 452 (now 453s) though they wore faster than the GoodYears.

It took me some time to get used to and start to explore the capabilities of my first Zed a 2.0 - I found the steering and ride very concerning at first just like yourself. Changing tyres made a massive difference as did time in getting to know the Zed. Now I love the 'involved' driving experience of my Zed so, once you get your tyres sorted (and the psi as this can make a big difference to the feel of the Zed - I use 32 front and 34 rear on my 3 litre - you could start there - 2 psi either way does make a difference so experiment a little) I'm sure you'll grow to love your Zed.

:driving: :thumbsup:
 
Thanks for the advice so far!!! Brilliant.
I might go for the Vredestein http://www.tyreleader.co.uk/car-tyres/v ... 92y-177571
AS they seem a good price. MY rear Michelins might be RF's too, not sure as I can't find the info on the tyre.
Please post more advice as to any other makes of tyre.
 
Ditch them as soon as you can. Car will improve a 1000% with normal tyres!
Goodyears or Vredstein seem to get a good write up. I was worried when I got my Z4 after driving it home and thought it was horrendous. Changed to non run flats and it was like a different car. Stopped the tram lining and crashy ride.

Welcome to the forum. Look forward to seeing some pics of your new purchase! :thumbsup:
 
Latest update! :)
Tyres on the Drive have quoted me Goodyear F1's £464 for all four fitted etc etc and £415 for the Uniroyles.
Can't make my mind up!!
Just want the best ones for the better ride.
They also mentioned I have to sign a disclaimer, and to inform the Insurers.
Life is complicated.
:cry:
 
I told my company when i changed from run flats to non-run flats. They had no problem with it (got it in an email) as long as i was using the correct size tyres for the car.

There was no change in premium.
 
I got rid of the RFs within a month of getting my Z4 just over 5 years ago. Transformed the car, from a nervous, twitchy, tramlining, foul handling car, into a smooth, predictable and good handling car, and quieter too!

Mines a 2.5 and has 225/45/17 all round and I went for the Vred Ultra Sensatta. Can't fault them and three weeks ago replaced the fronts with the same. £177 the pair, all in. Rears next month!

Cheers
 
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