Non run flat tyres

[powerontap]

Non run flats not fitting on so-called ''run flat wheels''! the tire fitter should of asked you to post this one in ''the light side'' instead of general Z4 discussion. Sorry, I'm not trying to be sarcastic with you but his comment should have him apply in another line of work...today!

 

[IK.]

Gannet, if you're ever down Swindon way, mind taking me out for a spin to see what they're like?

 

[srhutch]

Am I the only person who has actually had a puncture at speed who is still alive?

There is a foreign owner on here who had a puncture at speed with RFT's and ended up in the central reservation so I have my doubts about RFT's anyway.

 

[spanna2000]

Arguing that removal and replacement with non RFT makes the car less safe is marginal at best. How many high speed blowouts are we likely to encounter?

Agree it's marginal - lot of cars don't have RFT. My other car doesn't have them and I don't plan to fit them - my main point was intended to be that the need to replace is also marginal. At least it seemed so to me until the description of the Michelins being so smooth you can tell reversing off the drive.

The rainy motorway scenario is a bigger deal for me.

interesting that the Michelin tyres might give the best of both worlds.

 

[johnsh123]

Hello spanna2000, and welcome. I've only been using this forum for a few month and find it very friendly and informative.

I think most of us appreciate the concept of runflat tyres, its Bridgestones execution, and BMW's acceptance of their performance that I have issues with.

I don't consider myself a great driver but do enjoy rapid driving on open country roads, I'm lucky enough to live where I can do this with little chance of flashing blue lights or hurting anybody other than myself in the process, for me there is nothing "marginal" or "perceived" about it, I think they deliver an appalling driving experience, and though maybe competent in the grip department turn what should be a pleasurable experience into a nerve racking battle.

If the change of tyres does not improve this behaviour significantly, then much though I like the car, it will have to go and be replaced by something that handles as well or better than my previous couple of cars, both of which were less expensive than the Z4 and inspired confidence whilst driving.

I guess all this is from a personal point of view, influenced by the types of roads I frequent and what I'm looking for in a sports car, but a lot of people on these forums seem to be dissatisfied with them.

I'm sure runflats will become good with development and time, maybe have already, but I am not prepared to spend several hundred pounds until I am sure they have got it right, I'm already chucking a set of very expensive newish tyres behind the garage!.

 

[boostedzed4]

I switched from runflats because i hit a small dip on the highway and it caused me to shift 1 compelte lane to the right. After that I got rid of the runflats and never looked back. Never had any lane shifts since then. Currently I am running Nittos 555s on 18s. I use to have Nitto 555 on 19s. The 19s are amazing as far as grip and cornering. The 18s are great too but a step under how awesome the 19s were. I have a tire repair kit in my car in case of a puncture.

 

[Sticks]

It's a fair point about a high-speed blow out, if, indeed it will prevent a serious accident. But the instability over uneven surfaces and tramlining are safety issues too. FWIW the rfts were much worse on my old 120d.

I read that the Z4 was designed not to have rfts but they were a later addition, is that the case? Having changed them, my car feels much more like you'd expect it to.

 

[gannet]

Gannet, if you're ever down Swindon way, mind taking me out for a spin to see what they're like?

of course - you have PM

 

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Had runflats, replaced for Eagle F1's.

I think the comment about safety is well, interesting. I felt less safe with RFT's, they tramlined all over the place, were hard as nails and made the car feel out of control (i exagerate to make a point). I don't drive particuilarly fast, but the grip and stability on rft's or lack of was alarming at times, both on the motorway, but particularly back roads, which havent been resurfaced, you tramline, you feel a bump, the car seems to want to go off the road (i exagerate to make a point).

With the Eagle's the ride has been transformed, softer, more grip, more stability, zero tramlining, no need to predict and react where the car will go on the road, just point and go now

99% of the cars on the road don't have run flat's and given the speed limit's and how fast we drive (truly drive), I don't think there is an issue getting rid of them tbh.

Just a thought

Steve

 

[IK.]

A good point has been raised regarding insurance. I would recommend telling your insurance, personally. I called mine up today to say I was changing and they said no problem. No cost.

 

[spanna2000]

Hi Guys, following my first post to this forum I continued to follow the debate and look around. It looks now as if I should replace my front tyre set so I have to make a decision.

I accept that the point I made about a safety difference is marginal to non existent but I think my "standing in the rain waiting for the tow truck" argument - or being very late for an appointment still makes the RFT worth considering - especially given gannet's endorsement for the Michelins.

The most recommended Michelin appears to be the SP2 - which has great reviews except for the recommendation that it is not to be used on freezing or near freezing conditions - which means approx. Sep to Mar in the UK. I can't guarantee I won't have to use mine in the winter so I think this rules out the SP2.

Having been so near to getting this sorted I just want to check - Have I got that right? My local tyre fitter suggested Michelin Primacy HP which I have yet to research.

I am also going to take the opportunity to have the new set on the rear and the existing set moved to the front. This is following advice to leave the rear grippier than the front - I mention that here also for verification.

I can see that the tyre debate is one of the most revolving discussion on this forum so apologies to the regulars for bringing it up again.