Run Flat Tyres

Z

ZFourFan

Member
Hello all,

my last thread was about picking a Z4 against the SLK - I've passed that one (still with the Z4!)

I know this one has probably been done to death but a work mate has advised caution about the Z4 run flat tyres as they cost a fortune to replace and cause tram lining. He points out that the tyres are of limited availability and to change the whole package (i.e. alloys and 'normal' tyres could cost around £2K). Do I build this into my costings or is he scare mongering?

Thanks.
 
Thanks for the quick response. I'm not saying my mate is totally anti run flat tyres but he also added he 'thinks' from next year if you run a car that has flat tyres as a specced option (which they are on a Z4) its part of the MOT check - i.e. if you change the tyres to non run flat it would fail the MOT!!!!!!!!!!!
 
maxman said:
Non run flat tyres will fit your rims,look to pay from £400 upwards depending on the make.
Click to expand...

x 2. Use the runflats until time to change and then a decent set of Non RFTs all round. As Maxman says some good options only limited by your wallet! :P
 
Lots of changes coming in the MOT next year but having read the new regs I can't find anything about this! Tyres must be fit for purpose, correctly fitted etc etc.
 
Yep...............unfortunately my mate is a bit anal when it comes to all this minutiae he is usually right and he is adamant that new EU regs from 2012 say what the car should have forms part of the MOT. If thats the case back to the SLK?
 
That would be a bit of a worry to most on this site-including me as in the process of fitting non RFTs!
 
This would be interesting to find out, I too am considering purchasing the z4 and if I had to buy run flats it would coat a small fortune!!
 
Googled this and it seem a fair amount of confusion ...but concensus is the tyre pressure monitoring system where fitted must work and non RFTs shouldn't be a problem per se

I have had 2 new Falkens to replace the RFT's -how would I know if pressure sensor valves have been retained on the Falkens?


From another site below:
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I think I see were the confusion lies. From what I have read it appears that its the tyre pressure monitoring system thats an MOT-able item, in much the same way as ABS is (if fitted it has to work). If you have run flats, by law you have to have TPMS. So changing to non run flats is fine so long as you keep the spangly pressure sensing tyre valves.
 
Why do you need to change the wheels as well as the tires anyway? Your mate is scaremongering

You can get decent run flats, its just the Bridgestones that are s**t. I just fitted Michelin Pilot Sport ZPs to my Z4 and they are very close to a normal tire
 
An article belwo from "Honest John" website. What is the implication for owners that are in the process of or thinking of changing to non RFT's ?
Do the pressure sensors continue to work with new non-RFTS?
Cynically it just seems there will be a "commercial opportunity" bandwagon.



=====================================================================================================================================

The latest EC Directives have decreed that from 2012, Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) will form part of the MOT test.

Leicestershire based Performance Wheels has geared up for this already and is already carrying a huge selection of replacement sensors for all passenger cars on the shelf, along with the essential trigger tools to allow garages and specialists to fit them.

The latest commission directive, 2010/48/EU, states that from January 2012, any vehicle originally fitted with TPMS will have to have it fully operable in order to pass the annual MOT test. This will then mean that even one faulty sensor will be enough to score a 'fail'. Sensor replacement has always meant that, historically, most owners have then had to go cap in hand to their local main dealer to source spare parts - with the associated cost and labour charges - but Performance Wheels complete online solution, Tyresensors.com, offers solutions to both the trade and end user to allow them to purchase the same OEM sensors at a fraction of the dealer cost.

"It's easy to see how an otherwise perfectly sound car could fail an MOT test on this one small detail," explained Tyresensors.com Managing Director. "It's up to switched-on garages, tyrebays and retailers to ensure that they can provide a cost-effective solution at the time of testing. Our range of sensors and trigger tools will allow them to effect a solution in minutes, retaining the customer and providing a complete service."

The Tyresensors.com website houses sensors for every commercially available car in the UK, plus all the necessary hardware and tools to make them work. In most cases, sensors are available from stock for next day delivery. For more details, please visit the site.
 
Hopefully I am now answering my own quation! It appears from previous posts that the TPMS works with non RFTS and is reliant on the ABS sensors???????

Perhaps someone in the know could confirm therefore that we should not have a problem with 2012 MOT legislation with TPMS working with non-RFTS !!!
 
The tyre monitoring system in the EU model Z4 operates from the ABS system. It monitors the relative rotation of wheels on the same axle. A loss of pressure in one wheel reduces the rolling radius of that wheel such the wheels rotate at different speeds. It's this that is being monitored so the actual type/make of wheels and tyres have no effect.
 
blowers said:
Hopefully I am now answering my own quation! It appears from previous posts that the TPMS works with non RFTS and is reliant on the ABS sensors???????

Perhaps someone in the know could confirm therefore that we should not have a problem with 2012 MOT legislation with TPMS working with non-RFTS !!!
Click to expand...

As far as I know, the Z4 TPMS doesn't care about what tyres you're using, it's just comparing rotational speed of each tyre relative to the other tyres on the car - I think it's the same system supplied on the Z4M, which had non-runflats as standard equipment, as specified by BMW. If nothing in the MOT legislation says something to the effect of 'you must use runflats if specified as original equipment by the manufacturer at the point of purchase when new' then I don't see what the dilemma is.


edit - or alternatively, what half-colin said above :P
 
AFAIK the TPMS on the Z4 works regardless of whether run-flats are fitted because it's triggered when the ABS system detects a change in wheel rotation, rather than by a sensor on the wheel. So your TPMS should work fine, but will an MOT test center just say your car was designed for run flats, you have no spare or jack and and fail you, that's a tricky one and I suspect only time will tell.

I've just had Continental Sport Contact 2 SSR run flats fitted and there is absolutely zero tram lining and the ride is very comfortable. Price wise they were only a few quid more than something like the Goodyear asymmetric, think I paid £126ea fitted. Perhaps stick with the RFT's and sell your Falkens on ebay?

BTW I run on 17" wheels so not sure you'd get as much a benefit from the new RFT's if you're on 18's.

Good luck!
 
I have the Michelin Pilot Sport ZPs in 18. Only had them 100 miles but they are pretty amazing. Mine are 18s. They are about the same price as the Bridgestones but thats the only similarity, its like driving a different car. Before several side streets round here were impassable because it used to drive me mad with the bumps but I deliberately tried them out down there and whilst I wouldnt say its comfortable its as good as my old Civic Type R (which admittedly was pretty hard)

Tramlining is gone completely, there is a road near me that before the car would literally throw me towards the kerb if I wasnt gripping the wheel tightly, now its gone. They are also BMW recommended tyres which I would prefer and as they are run flats no s**t to cart round in the boot!

There was someone on here who is always recommending them but I cant remember who it was, but he is right, they really transform the car. OK they arent cheap but for the difference it makes its worth every penny, no idea why they arent on the car as standard really.
 
richtea78 said:
I have the Michelin Pilot Sport ZPs in 18. Only had them 100 miles but they are pretty amazing. Mine are 18s. They are about the same price as the Bridgestones but thats the only similarity, its like driving a different car. Before several side streets round here were impassable because it used to drive me mad with the bumps but I deliberately tried them out down there and whilst I wouldnt say its comfortable its as good as my old Civic Type R (which admittedly was pretty hard)

Tramlining is gone completely, there is a road near me that before the car would literally throw me towards the kerb if I wasnt gripping the wheel tightly, now its gone. They are also BMW recommended tyres which I would prefer and as they are run flats no s**t to cart round in the boot!

There was someone on here who is always recommending them but I cant remember who it was, but he is right, they really transform the car. OK they arent cheap but for the difference it makes its worth every penny, no idea why they arent on the car as standard really.
Click to expand...

Gannet has the Michelin ZP's I think and rates them highly. I would have gone for them if Michelin made them for 17" wheels.

The Conti Sport Contact 2 SSR's are also BMW recommended, so another option.
 
Thanks for all the information. I'm a little happier now that this is more about the internal electronics as opposed to the rubber at each corner! Just to clarify - my mate was opting for an alloy that would allow more brands of tyres to be available. However the price of around £130 is pretty reasonable so it looks like the Z4 is back on the retirement wish list!
 
johnbmwboy said:
richtea78 said:
I have the Michelin Pilot Sport ZPs in 18. Only had them 100 miles but they are pretty amazing. Mine are 18s. They are about the same price as the Bridgestones but thats the only similarity, its like driving a different car. Before several side streets round here were impassable because it used to drive me mad with the bumps but I deliberately tried them out down there and whilst I wouldnt say its comfortable its as good as my old Civic Type R (which admittedly was pretty hard)

Tramlining is gone completely, there is a road near me that before the car would literally throw me towards the kerb if I wasnt gripping the wheel tightly, now its gone. They are also BMW recommended tyres which I would prefer and as they are run flats no s**t to cart round in the boot!

There was someone on here who is always recommending them but I cant remember who it was, but he is right, they really transform the car. OK they arent cheap but for the difference it makes its worth every penny, no idea why they arent on the car as standard really.
Click to expand...

Gannet has the Michelin ZP's I think and rates them highly. I would have gone for them if Michelin made them for 17" wheels.

The Conti Sport Contact 2 SSR's are also BMW recommended, so another option.
Click to expand...

did someone say my name :D

I'm on my second set of rear Michelin ZP - that should tell you something :thumbsup:

won't deny they are expensive though :o worth every penny IMO though :D
 
AlanJ said:
maxman said:
Non run flat tyres will fit your rims,look to pay from £400 upwards depending on the make.
Click to expand...

x 2. Use the runflats until time to change and then a decent set of Non RFTs all round. As Maxman says some good options only limited by your wallet! :P
Click to expand...

Change them before they wear out then you can sell them. :)
 
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