Tramlining with run flats on front z4 2.5 se
- Thread starter bmer Z4
- Start date
Can I ask, why is it always considered that RFT's are the cause of tram lining? There are many factors which can contribute to the phanonemum like wrong tyre pressures (too high), worn tyres, road conditions etc etc.
I have owned and driven various BMW's and don't recall experiencing tram lining or many of the other reported issues with RFT's. I'm not saying that these issues don't exist just I've never had them.
An explanation is all I'm after not a 'let's rip the new guy to bits'.
I have owned and driven various BMW's and don't recall experiencing tram lining or many of the other reported issues with RFT's. I'm not saying that these issues don't exist just I've never had them.
An explanation is all I'm after not a 'let's rip the new guy to bits'.
When developed and built in the US in 2002 the e85 Z4 was the first BMW model to adopt RFT as the only tyre fitted as standard and they used the Bridgestone Potenza RE050 as it was the only RFT tyre available for the Z4. The stiff RFT sidewalls accentuate the feedback from linear road surface lines and ruts, and as soon as the tyre has any appreciable wear the profile flattens (like a shaved race tyre) and becomes even more 'over responsive' to tramlines.
Later RFT tyres and later suspension set-ups handle things better, but for the money a switch to non-RFt's is generally the best performance mod you can make on the e85 &86, the transformation was instant when I switched
.......but we don't hear so much complaint from the E89 drivers, presumably the later suspension and tyres are better or the drivers are less sensitive :wink:
Later RFT tyres and later suspension set-ups handle things better, but for the money a switch to non-RFt's is generally the best performance mod you can make on the e85 &86, the transformation was instant when I switched
.......but we don't hear so much complaint from the E89 drivers, presumably the later suspension and tyres are better or the drivers are less sensitive :wink:
GBZ4 said:Can I ask, why is it always considered that RFT's are the cause of tram lining? There are many factors which can contribute to the phanonemum like wrong tyre pressures (too high), worn tyres, road conditions etc etc.
I have owned and driven various BMW's and don't recall experiencing tram lining or many of the other reported issues with RFT's. I'm not saying that these issues don't exist just I've never had them.
An explanation is all I'm after not a 'let's rip the new guy to bits'.
Likewise, had three zeds all with RF's and never had that issue. Suspect the cause should be looked for elsewhere
North West Surrey
Marlon said:
Can't beat a good poll, Marlon!
I've only had two Z4s, both on Bridgestone RFT's, but my current one is so much better than my first!
But given what Ewazix said above maybe it's because the front tyres are far less worn :scratchhead:
I suppose I won't really know for sure unless/until I fit something different.
bmer Z4 said:
I've just realised you mention having RFT's on the front, presumably non-RFT's on the rear? if so that's not going to help. The front and rear will grip and behave differently in ruts and lines causing pull/weave sensations. It's legal, but not advised.
Some light reading
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=47Ethicsgradient
Member
Mine did tramline on RFT ..then I got new RFT fitted and my tracking done ...it now behaves fine and does not tramline . Now was it the tyres or was it my tracking being out ..because it was out , I don't know ..but the combnation of both things being done sorted it .
GBZ4 said:Can I ask, why is it always considered that RFT's are the cause of tram lining? There are many factors which can contribute to the phanonemum like wrong tyre pressures (too high), worn tyres, road conditions etc etc.
I have owned and driven various BMW's and don't recall experiencing tram lining or many of the other reported issues with RFT's. I'm not saying that these issues don't exist just I've never had them.
An explanation is all I'm after not a 'let's rip the new guy to bits'.
I had the same problem with run flats, and switched to a full set of Michelin cross climates (winter rated summer tyres) and since then my Z4 has tracked the road perfectly with no more tram lining, and handles excellent in the rain. Well worth the expense, IMO.
My E85 3.0 terrible on Bridgestone RFTs , I would say dangerous on anything but ultra smooth roads. Switched to Conti non runflats, unbelievable transformation, could be a different car. Tramlining now non existent, just do it and treat yourself to a compressor and some sealant just in case! :