Tyre Options

T

Titan

Member
 North Yorkshire
I'm looking at various options and possibilities regarding tyres, and in particular the conventional/runflat debate on 19" rims.
I've read all sorts of threads and have found Quadracer's comments particularly useful but would like to seek your opinions on another possible option - tyre sealant.

Ultraseal (or Puncturesafe) have both been used successfully, especially in motor bike tyres.
Previously I believed that these products were incompatible/ineffective/unusable in low aspect ratio applications. The manufacturers now claim that this is not true.
Has anyone tried these in the typical Z4 staggered 19" set up of 225.35 fronts / 255.30 rears?

One suggestion was to go for a slightly higher profile (225.45/255.40) but I can't see how that will work with such a large increase in the rolling diameter. If I've got my sums right, the side walls would be approx 23mm higher which will surely lead to fouling inside the wheel arches with conventional suspension, and even worse if M-Sport suspension is present.

Also, I'd like to hear which conventional rubber you consider to be the best. I know Quadracer is running MIchelin Pilot SuperS. I've previously been very happy with the original Dunlops that were on the Z3 and latterly Continental Sport Contacts 2 (and 3) and Falken 912s.

Lastly, having spoken to my insurers, they were happy for either run flat or non-runflat tyres to be fitted with no consequence on the premium. It would seem therefore that non-RFTs with a sealant is a reasonable panacea provided the low profile application is viable.

I look forward to the debate!
Terry
 
Terry - a quick search will show many, many threads on this very subject including the RFT - NON RFT debate and what the alternative tyre choices are. :roll:
 
I'm no expert, but thank you for taking the time to read my views on the change.
Would larger tyres not change the gearing and put more strain on the engine etc
 
AlanJ said:
Terry - a quick search will show many, many threads on this very subject including the RFT - NON RFT debate and what the alternative tyre choices are. :roll:
Click to expand...
Hi Alan
Given my low post count I can understand your reply, although it is not in itself very helpful. I may be new to this forum, but I hope I am not new to forum etiquette.
I have searched here and other forums but posed my questions specifically in the E89 section here in the hope that something relevant and newer than January 2011 may emerge.
Regards, and a bit miffed
Terry
 
For the ultraseal debate, how many punctures have you had in the last 10 years? I've had one in what must be about 12 cars and around 120,000 miles so whilst I carry precautions (2 cans and a compressor) I don't really worry about it. Particularly as I've got breakdown cover so they'll come out and fix it anyway. For info, my Lotus was sold with normal tyres, no spare and a can of Holts Tyreweld as standard.

If you change the tyre profile, just be aware that it will change the speedo reading. My stock sized rear tyres are 255/35R18 and you travel slower than the speedo reads. My winter tyres are 255/40R18 and the speedo reads the actual speed. So increasing the profile by a total of 0.10 will mean that you will be traveling faster than your speedo reads. Not sure of the MOT rules on this but you certainly need to be careful around speed cameras. You'll probably also lose a bit of acceleration as well but probably won't notice.

As for the numerous different tyre options, as Alan has said I would have a search around and you'll find as many opinions as there are tyres.
 
Im running stretched 225/35/19's on my 8.5j fronts and 235/35/19's on my 9.5j rears (BIG STRETCH) i'm loving the grip different from running 7.5 all round especially off the lights... Plus my rear stretch is getting a lot of compliments. :thumbsup:
 
Thanks Colin - a lot of valid points there.

Leaving aside the sealant debate, not having a vehicle to physically examine makes tyre choice options even more difficult.
I don't think there will be enough clearance inside the arches to increase the profile from 35 to 45 (especially if the variable suspension is fitted) and it will undoubtedly increase the actual road speed at any given RPM. AFAIK stock tyres are always configured to produce an actual speed less than the speedo indicates. This correlates with your assertions and is what I would expect.

I guess I will just have to wait until we actually get a car and move forward from there. At the moment all I can do is ask questions. Sorry!
 
Has been talked to exhaustively on this board. A clear majority (including myself) that has swapped to non RFT have gone with Michelin Pilot Super Sports. They are one of the best on the market and transform the ride of the car significantly. No need a debate pick up a set and call it a day.
 
No probs - I just think a lot of people over analyze the "I have no spare wheel bit" when they move from runflats to normal tyres and probably have 2 levels of cover anyway: what they have in the car and breakdown cover. My view is whatever I carry in the car will be sufficient to at least get me out of danger and to a position of safety where I can re-evaluate my options.

Some people just don't like the having normal tyres and no spare wheel and if that's your worry there are some very good alternative runflat tyres out there. But as I said I've had one puncture in 10 years so I don't think it's worth you worrying about it. Wait until you've got a car and driven it for a while to see if you are dis-satisfied with the OEM runflats or not. If you are, then there are other options available to you. Just don't let it put you off trying and buying a car. :thumbsup:
 
I purchased the BMW mobility kit just in case but I have only ever had one proper puncture in my 30 years of driving. That was on an X5 and had to call for assistance anyway because it was then I found out the locking wheel nut socket was the incorrect one for the car :o
Other punctures I've had have been slow punctures.
 
In my experience if the E89s I have driven, the ride is no harder than that which we get in our current Z3 with its MSport suspension. So although ride quality is important I don't see it as a big issue.
I too have had very few punctures in my 42 years of driving. We also have comprehensive Green Flag cover on all our cars. I am more concerned about, convenience, road noise, ease and cost of replacement.
It struck me that introducing a permanent (rather than after-the-event) sealant may yield an ideal solution.

Sent from m'iPhone using TappetTorque
 
Some of you are lucky. I normally average one puncture per year.
Two blew at Christmas due pot holes and currently running with screw stuck in the front tyre! Just waiting for it to wear out to replace. Shouldn't be long looks like 17 inch Goodyear asymmetrics are going to last about 10k if i'm lucky on the front.
 
Quadracer said:
I purchased the BMW mobility kit just in case but I have only ever had one proper puncture in my 30 years of driving. That was on an X5 and had to call for assistance anyway because it was then I found out the locking wheel nut socket was the incorrect one for the car :o
Other punctures I've had have been slow punctures.
Click to expand...

Same here just one proper puncture but in almost 50 years and that was nearly 25 years ago. Needed service assistance then because I was unable to remove the spare wheel retaining bolt. Speaking to a tyre company they told me most punctures were discovered first thing in the morning after the car had been parked overnight.
 
Having finally worn the rear Bridgestone runflats within half a mm of their useful life, our Z4 is now wearing a full set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
They were only fitted yesterday but first impressions are positive.
The entire feel of the car has been transformed and cats eyes no longer feel like bricks when you run over them.
I'm not entirely sure that they are any quieter but they are certainly more pleasant to live with.
Handling comments will have to wait until they've scrubbed in a bit more.
 
Titan said:
Having finally worn the rear Bridgestone runflats within half a mm of their useful life, our Z4 is now wearing a full set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
They were only fitted yesterday but first impressions are positive.
The entire feel of the car has been transformed and cats eyes no longer feel like bricks when you run over them.
I'm not entirely sure that they are any quieter but they are certainly more pleasant to live with.
Handling comments will have to wait until they've scrubbed in a bit more.
Click to expand...
Titan what tyre pressures are you running on your michelin`s ?
Fitted them to my 335,great tyres had you mess about with the pressures though.
 
This is good to hear. In the last 18 months I've spent over £1000 on runflats and they still have loads of tread but I'm hating the ride and worrying about cracked wheels so I'm about to spend again on non run flats and get these runflats on my spare wheels.
 
KERMIT1970 said:
Titan what tyre pressures are you running on your michelin`s ?
Fitted them to my 335,great tyres had you mess about with the pressures though.
Click to expand...
Only had the Michelins fitted yesterday so too soon to experiment.
At the moment I'm using the recommended 42/36 as per the handbook.
Have you any better ideas / recommendations?
 
Lillywhite said:
Quadracer said:
I purchased the BMW mobility kit just in case but I have only ever had one proper puncture in my 30 years of driving. That was on an X5 and had to call for assistance anyway because it was then I found out the locking wheel nut socket was the incorrect one for the car :o
Other punctures I've had have been slow punctures.
Click to expand...

Same here just one proper puncture but in almost 50 years and that was nearly 25 years ago. Needed service assistance then because I was unable to remove the spare wheel retaining bolt. Speaking to a tyre company they told me most punctures were discovered first thing in the morning after the car had been parked overnight.
Click to expand...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hmm. I have recently bought an E85 Z4 running 225x50x16 runflats. I am about to change the runflats, probably either for Hankook 110's or Avon ZV5's. I like the look of 17" wheels but given the state of roads in my area with potholes and sleeping bloody policemen everywhere I want all of the suspension help I can get.
Regarding punctures I have had 3 in the last 6 months! I really seem to attract them of late. The first would have you all laughing...IF it did not happen to you. Driving along, tremendous banging noise from front of car, pulled over, stopped and got out. I had run over a trouser belt and the spike on the buckle had pierced the tyre! As the wheel revolved the belt was flailing about and hitting inside the wheel arch. Quickly fitted my spare before the tyre deflated completely. Second, about 3 months ago, a screw caused a slow puncture on my Saab. Third, last week, screw caused a slow puncture in my runflats, which my tyre fitter refused to repair. tyre down to about 4mm so not the end of the world. Temporary runflat fitted.

My local tyre fitter, who is as good as gold, dislikes runflats with a vengeance! Will NOT repair them. He will, under protest, repair a tyre which has had "goo" squirted inside, but he says a space saver spare is the way to go.
I have just bought a 125 x16 space saver. it cuts down boot space but gives me security.
As an aside Britannia Rescue (who I have found to be very good) state in their Policy Summary..."You are responsible for all costs where wheels or tyres need to be supplied because your vehicle is not carrying a legal or serviceable spare wheel or tyre" Do RAC or AA policies carry similar clauses? :driving:
 
Titan said:
KERMIT1970 said:
Titan what tyre pressures are you running on your michelin`s ?
Fitted them to my 335,great tyres had you mess about with the pressures though.
Click to expand...
Only had the Michelins fitted yesterday so too soon to experiment.
At the moment I'm using the recommended 42/36 as per the handbook.
Have you any better ideas / recommendations?
Click to expand...
Set them at 36si front & 40psi rears last week feels a bit better now,had 38 & 42 before & i felt the back end skipped a bit. :thumbsup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom