Should I change to non run flats on 17" wheels?

[johnbmwboy]

Hi,

I have 17" 103's on my Z4 2.0i SE and I'm contemplating changing to non run flats. I've read about the ride improvement gained by putting non RFT's on 18's, just not sure if I'll get much or any improvement on my 17" wheels? Any help or advice appreciated.

Cheers,
John

P.S. I've bought a compressor, can of goop and phoned my insurer who gave me the OK. Heck I'm three quarters of the way there just want to know I'm not wasting £400 :?

 

[ZED_NOT_ZEE]

difference is very noticable.
I went from 18" runflats to 18" regular wheels and there was a difference.
Then I put on 17" runflats for winter. It was comparable to the 18" non run flats.

I switched to new 17" winter wheels that are non-runflats (Semperits) and the ride is so much better while maintaining good grip / handling.

So good in fact I'm considering selling my stock 18" staggered rims and running 17's for the summer instead. My only concern is the smaller contact patch vs the staggered 18's.

Mind you, I also have the sport package on there---so it's not like I'm going to get a super cushy ride when hitting pot holes, but it's definitely much better for regular street driving / highway cruising. Quieter too.

 

[wantanM]

I would definitely recommend it. Improves the ride, not as crashy over potholes/road imperfections.

It changes the feel of the car mostly for the better, but I did notice, the real sharpness of a quick turn in at low speed, eg 90 degree corner in a residential street, was reduced. I guess this is because there is more compliance/give in the sidewalls. Not an absolute negative but I thought was noticeable. Overall I and I'm sure everyone else will agree the benefits are vast.

I have a set of 4 michellin PS 2 ultra high performance tyres in as new condition that I had fitted to my 103s before I sold my car. They have 8mm tread and even still have the rubber bobbles from manufacture still in place. PM me if interested. Cheaper and far better performing than falken/other budget tyres.


In any event change to non-rft - is the right decision

 

[johnbmwboy]

difference is very noticable.
I went from 18" runflats to 18" regular wheels and there was a difference.
Then I put on 17" runflats for winter. It was comparable to the 18" non run flats.

I switched to new 17" winter wheels that are non-runflats (Semperits) and the ride is so much better while maintaining good grip / handling.

So good in fact I'm considering selling my stock 18" staggered rims and running 17's for the summer instead. My only concern is the smaller contact patch vs the staggered 18's.

Mind you, I also have the sport package on there---so it's not like I'm going to get a super cushy ride when hitting pot holes, but it's definitely much better for regular street driving / highway cruising. Quieter too.

Thanks ZED_NOT_ZEE that's just what I wanted to know. The ride isn't too bad on the run flats with 17" wheels, but I notice the poor ride quality, particularly at speed such as section joins on A roads or Motorways.

 

[johnbmwboy]

I would definitely recommend it. Improves the ride, not as crashy over potholes/road imperfections.

It changes the feel of the car mostly for the better, but I did notice, the real sharpness of a quick turn in at low speed, eg 90 degree corner in a residential street, was reduced. I guess this is because there is more compliance/give in the sidewalls. Not an absolute negative but I thought was noticeable. Overall I and I'm sure everyone else will agree the benefits are vast.

I have a set of 4 michellin PS 2 ultra high performance tyres in as new condition that I had fitted to my 103s before I sold my car. They have 8mm tread and even still have the rubber bobbles from manufacture still in place. PM me if interested. Cheaper and far better performing than falken/other budget tyres.


In any event change to non-rft - is the right decision

Thanks for your advice wantanM... PM on its way.

 

[carlosfandango]

Make the change, you won't believe the improvement until you've done it. The RFT make the car wander all over the place even to the extent of having to drive with both hands on the steering wheel, I changed a month or so ago, best thing you can do

 

[JETSKIDIA]

P.S. I've bought a compressor, can of goop

Which compressor and goop did you get?

 

[wantanM]

PM reply

 

[johnbmwboy]

P.S. I've bought a compressor, can of goop

Which compressor and goop did you get?

Holts tyre goop http://www.amazon.co.uk/Holts-Tyreweld-Emergency-Puncture-Repair/dp/B000Y8WB8W/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=IL5WHPWZCDRU3&colid=36PMZZV74RRFL
and the Ring RAC600 that fits nicely in the gap by the battery, here's a link http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000UPEHJU/ref=oss_product

Thanks to srhutch for the tip!

 

[JETSKIDIA]

P.S. I've bought a compressor, can of goop

Which compressor and goop did you get?

Holts tyre goop http://www.amazon.co.uk/Holts-Tyreweld-Emergency-Puncture-Repair/dp/B000Y8WB8W/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=IL5WHPWZCDRU3&colid=36PMZZV74RRFL
and the Ring RAC600 that fits nicely in the gap by the battery, here's a link http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000UPEHJU/ref=oss_product

Thanks to srhutch for the tip!

:wink: