On future models, should BMW return to either compact spares or mobility kit exclusively, getting rid of runflats altogether?
Should BMW get rid of run flats?
- Thread starter powerontap
- Start date
Mikenmass said:
Won't work. Ask Ford and Firestone. Yes, those tires blew, but I don't know of any that weren't under-inflated when they did. They still paid out millions.
I really don't have any problem with my runflats. The change in spring rate on facelift must have fixed that. Perhaps the better choice would be continued research into runflat design and change in provider.
AJZ4London
Member
Do not understand the big deal. Drove down to South West France Thursday (back tomorrow) and the car was solid on the motorway and handled beautifully on the country roads...
However. This is France where the roads are flat and beautiful, so the solution is.
BUILD BETTER ROADS!
However. This is France where the roads are flat and beautiful, so the solution is.
BUILD BETTER ROADS!
I think I've said it before, but the Z4 isn't actually that bad - I know that its hard riding and it does tramline - but tramlining wasn't invented by run flats! For me the convenience is overwhelming. I agree with Smokin - further development of the tyres and the required damping and spring rates is whats needed.
In my experience, Audi's are much worse on normal tyres!
In my experience, Audi's are much worse on normal tyres!
AJZ4London
Member
ahhh yes. Prices...good point
Before the switch to Michelin ZP I would have said yes get rid of them... but the michelin's totally transform the car. Just been on a long run over mostly motorways and the car has been nothing but stable and comfortable. The same run on the Bridgestones was tiring and hard work 
The cost of them could do with coming down though... For the added convenience I will still with them
The cost of them could do with coming down though... For the added convenience I will still with them
All tyres will be run flat soon (or a technology that avoids the need for a spare). They offer so many advantages in weight saving, costs to the manufacturer (wheel and tyre) and most importantly car packing, where all the room is freed up for passengers, storage or styling.
Of course in the future RFT's will get better and cheaper.
For now I'll risk punctures for ride quality
Of course in the future RFT's will get better and cheaper.
For now I'll risk punctures for ride quality
AJZ4London said:
Its not just the ride, it's the hassle of finding someone who has the right equipment to mount them, paying $300 for a replacement for a flat tire and then having to wait for them to order the tire. Corvette owners really hate them because it's $700 when they get a flat. Notice the M does not come with them...
My god this sounds like the run flat appreciation society,Last week someone(can t remember who) described them as the spawn of satan and i ve got to say I agree since fitting proper tyres that rely on good old fashioned air pressure. The only thing I will say is that ,on the face lift at least, The spring/damper ratings seem a bit on the soft side for my taste once you get the feel of them with conventional tyres on
Who want to get out the car and get hands dirty to change wheel (especially on motorway) nowadays? You still have to get out and plug the BMW mobility system to the tyre. Cars now use bigger wheels (17" now as standard for most cars) and storing a full size spare takes up boot space, or space-saver spare wheel just does not work anymore.
Mik said:
I'm on the standard runflats on a facelift car with Sports Suspension - but I do sometime feel that now when I'm pushing on - the car does feel a little soft. I'm talking moving at say 50 - 60+ on a country road and taking well sighted corners at that sort of speed. Anyone else think this too?
I hated my runflat tyres, it completely transformed the car when i got rid of them. I'd have loved to be in the design meeting when they decided to go with runflats over a spare wheel. Shall we give them a little less luggage space or shall we ruin the handling, ride, increase road noise and make the car tramline like a tram on the motorways, oh and there's the increase in unspring mass of the drivetrain? :roll:
Hell, i'd rather they did what fiat does and just provide a can of get me home tyre gunk. it's what i've got now. (tyre gunk that is; not a fiat) :!:
Having said this... I'm not against run flats in theory just the current standard of design. They need far more development to be included as a non option on any car.
Hell, i'd rather they did what fiat does and just provide a can of get me home tyre gunk. it's what i've got now. (tyre gunk that is; not a fiat) :!:
Having said this... I'm not against run flats in theory just the current standard of design. They need far more development to be included as a non option on any car.