Please be gentle with me, this is my first post in the discussion bit. I mentioned when I introduced myself that I had 12 year old runflats on my 2003 Z4 3.0se when I bought it and had changed then to Pirelli P Zeros. I have read he threads about changing to non- run flat but I decided to stay with the 'safe' option as I didnt want to go through the gunk and inflator route.
I got a good deal on the tyres with a free alignment check. My first impressions driving the car were that whilst the ride was a lot better (as I expected due to the tyres being more supple), road handling wasn't great, tram lining was still apparent and the steering was still imprecise. Knowing I was on brand new tyres I hadn't pushed them much whilst the finish from the mould wore off. However when I got home I saw BMW Z8 as the type on the top of the alignment result sheet so I took the car back to the fitters. I pointed out it was Z4, not a Z8, that it was a 3.0 SE with sports suspension on 18" wheels so could they try again. My concerns were increased by having to explain these details to the 'technician' and not seeing any sort of enlightenment appear on his face.
Long story short I was then presented with another alignment report and told there was no adjustment at all on the rear but they had done the front.
I then drove off fuming but after a recommendation took the car to an independent BMW specialist. He did the car quickly and it now drives like it should, precise, no tram lining, quieter and feels secure.
I went back to the original tyre fitters and complained to the manager and pointed out he shouldn't be offering alignment if his technicians don't know how to do one. He said it was a training issue with which he would deal. His parting shot was "I hope it hasn't put you off coming here again"
I have attached the series of alignment results below minus the Z8 one, unfortunately you have the final ones first and the original rubbish ones last.
After reading threads about tyres especially run flats tram lining I would ask "Is it the tyre or is it alignment that causes tram lining". In my case it would appear it was the alignment that made the difference. I am happy with the set up but would also welcome feedback from those more experienced than I (everybody) as to how they think it could be improved further.
Sorry for the length of the post but I wanted to give as much detail as I could
Cheers
I got a good deal on the tyres with a free alignment check. My first impressions driving the car were that whilst the ride was a lot better (as I expected due to the tyres being more supple), road handling wasn't great, tram lining was still apparent and the steering was still imprecise. Knowing I was on brand new tyres I hadn't pushed them much whilst the finish from the mould wore off. However when I got home I saw BMW Z8 as the type on the top of the alignment result sheet so I took the car back to the fitters. I pointed out it was Z4, not a Z8, that it was a 3.0 SE with sports suspension on 18" wheels so could they try again. My concerns were increased by having to explain these details to the 'technician' and not seeing any sort of enlightenment appear on his face.
Long story short I was then presented with another alignment report and told there was no adjustment at all on the rear but they had done the front.
I then drove off fuming but after a recommendation took the car to an independent BMW specialist. He did the car quickly and it now drives like it should, precise, no tram lining, quieter and feels secure.
I went back to the original tyre fitters and complained to the manager and pointed out he shouldn't be offering alignment if his technicians don't know how to do one. He said it was a training issue with which he would deal. His parting shot was "I hope it hasn't put you off coming here again"
I have attached the series of alignment results below minus the Z8 one, unfortunately you have the final ones first and the original rubbish ones last.
After reading threads about tyres especially run flats tram lining I would ask "Is it the tyre or is it alignment that causes tram lining". In my case it would appear it was the alignment that made the difference. I am happy with the set up but would also welcome feedback from those more experienced than I (everybody) as to how they think it could be improved further.
Sorry for the length of the post but I wanted to give as much detail as I could
Cheers
