Should I ditch the run flats?

[sammyz]

Had my car a few weeks now and after a good blast at the National Meet have begun to consider how I might improve the car. It seems plenty quick enough but doubtless I will get it remapped at some point :evil: I wasn't over impressed with the run flats and so that's maybe where I should start!

The stock wheels are 293s which I like. If I ditch the run flats do I go for same sized tyres but non run flats? Which tyres, Vreds seem popular but not sure I can get oem sizes.

Also, thinking of refurbishing the wheels to a dark gunmetal or black. Given the cost of this would I be better putting the money towards buying decent 19s?

Those who have ditched their run flats, worth it?

 

[sw4nny]

Yes yes and thrice yes,ditch them.
Many will have favourites,mine would be Michelin pss

 

[RickRob]

I doubt that anyone is going to reply "no"!

 

[KERMIT1970]

Bin them best money you'll spend

 

[Yorkie Z]

No definitely don't ditch them, the whole thing is a scam. Everyone on this site works for tyre manufacturing companies.

 

[mr wilks]

I went from 18s with runflats on my E89 to 19s on non runflat & improved the ride , stance & looks
Recently member A1GGS also went the same way from 17s & no downside going to 19s with non runflats
Lots of choice from CMwheels or BMautosport
I agree with your looking to go darker on the finish
I could see these looking epic on silver

http://www.cmwheels.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=60_91_92_302&product_id=1062

 

[RickRob]

No definitely don't ditch them, the whole thing is a scam. Everyone on this site works for tyre manufacturing companies.

Ah, just realised why I am so poor - I only make run flats!

 

[sammyz]

No definitely don't ditch them, the whole thing is a scam. Everyone on this site works for tyre manufacturing companies.

:rofl: you might be right!

I suppose I know that most will say ditch em! Looking for size and tyre choices I guess.

 

[TitanTim]

No :lol:

Seriously though, depends if you have adaptive suspension or not and if you did get a flat how much of an inconvienience it would be for you trying to reinflate a tyre with crappy foam on a country lane in the pouring rain at night, if not then go for standard rubber.

I had Michelin Pilot Supersports on my M135i that I've just traded in and have ordered an M140i with runflats. Undoubtably standard tyres will improve your ride but I still like the idea of being able to carry on with your journey with runflats so long as you have adaptive suspension specced.

I did find the ride slightly intolerable on my old E89 with 18" runflats.

Tim.

 

[sammyz]

Cheers Mr Wilks, I read your thread on your e89. I will probably stick to the 18s and refurbish them in a dark colour. I really like the 293s as they are a bit different. I do like the 6 series gran coupe reps though!

Do I stick to the oem tyre sizes?

 

[sammyz]

Titan Tim, yes I do have adaptive suspension. I suppose there is the convenience of run flats to be weighed against a better ride. Also, the tyres on the car are all good. I could leave them on for the rest of the year and swap to non run flats for the spring.

 

[mr wilks]

Cheers Mr Wilks, I read your thread on your e89. I will probably stick to the 18s and refurbish them in a dark colour. I really like the 293s as they are a bit different. I do like the 6 series gran coupe reps though!

Do I stick to the oem tyre sizes?

I wouldn't but that's my preference :wink:
Upping the sizes slightly gives increased comfort & wheel protection plus the benefit of closing arch gap
On the staggered (8j & 8.5j) 18s I would go 225 45 fronts / 245 40 rears

 

[KERMIT1970]

No :lol:

Seriously though, depends if you have adaptive suspension or not and if you did get a flat how much of an inconvienience it would be for you trying to reinflate a tyre with crappy foam on a country lane in the pouring rain at night, if not then go for standard rubber.

I had Michelin Pilot Supersports on my M135i that I've just traded in and have ordered an M140i with runflats. Undoubtably standard tyres will improve your ride but I still like the idea of being able to carry on with your journey with runflats so long as you have adaptive suspension specced.

I did find the ride slightly intolerable on my old E89 with 18" runflats.

Tim.

AA card & mobility kit..
Be interested to see you how the 140 with runflats is Tim. I had a M135 with runflats with adaptive suspension for a day when mine was getting serviced & compared to the M235 I had for a few days it was like night & day. Sharpness & ride quality was really Not what the 235 with mpss was ! Good luck

 

[sammyz]

I wouldn't but that's my preference :wink:
Upping the sizes slightly gives increased comfort & wheel protection plus the benefit of closing arch gap
On the staggered (8j & 8.5j) 18s I would go 225 45 fronts / 245 40 rears

Makes sense, thanks for the advice

 

[ronk]

Im quite happy with RFs on the car!
M Sport non adaptive suspension as well and 19" - 326 wheels.

On the flip side, the previous car (E85) was awful with the RF tyres and I swapped to a set of Vredestein Sessantas - The ride was transformed on that car but on the downside the turn in wasn't nearly as sharp - there seemed to be a delay even when the tyre pressures were increased.

 

[DanStarr]

Ditch them I went from hating my car to loving it best money I've spent on it.

 

[Geezah]

In a word...YES!

 

[Pastry]

I'll have a full set of Uniroyal rainsport 3's coming next week to replace my run flats. I went for 255/35/19 on rear and 235/35/19 on the front so I'll let you know how I get on

 

[SonnyA85]

I carry goo and pump. Also have breakdown cover.

My plan is to buy a spare set of alloys when i have some spare cash. Keep 1 front and rear at my home. 1 front and rear at parents.

That way i can be recovered to wherever is nearest and get it changed over. Then i take the flat to shop to get changed.

Run flats are more expensive, louder, less grip, worse braking, etc.

So the money i save from buying non run flats pays for the spare set of alloys.

 

[85genius]

I bought my car with runflats on expecting to ditch them straight away but actually they are fine can't fault em, so will have to make the decision next time one needs changing....