F3* - Swapping out runflats

[Maracus]

As the runflats are coming to the end of the life on my F31 328i, I'm toying with the idea of swapping them for some 'normal' tyres.

I know runflats have come on a bit over the past few years, but will I notice a discernible difference in ride quality between them and normal tyres.

The positives of runflats that I see are the ability to drive off the motorway with a puncture (as long as it's not a sidewall tear), my wife can't change a tyre and not having to carry a spare/jack or inflation kit.

The positives of normal tyres are they are cheaper and *I think* better ride quality!

If anyone has swapped out their runflats on an F3*, I'd like to hear your opinion.

[smashy]

Still night and day even though runflats are 3rd generation .My F30 30d feels as though its got rubber between me and the road ( michelin 3s) 18".Crashiness gone and the howling on certain motorways an other A roads was ridiculousthats gone as well.

I have had my tyres filled with ultraseal £70 all in and is said to help them last up to 40% longer as well.

[Maracus]

smashy said:

Still night and day even though runflats are 3rd generation .My F30 30d feels as though its got rubber between me and the road ( michelin 3s) 18".Crashiness gone and the howling on certain motorways an other A roads was ridiculousthats gone as well.

I have had my tyres filled with ultraseal £70 all in and is said to help them last up to 40% longer as well.

Thanks for the input, I've not heard of ultraseal, will have a look. And yes, the road noise reduction would be good.

I was reading about the Michelin Self Seal tyres, they look a good option. I can't find out when they will be available here in the UK.

[smashy]

Maracus this is good re ultraseal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XZ_pjnsmEU

[cerb4.5lee]

Agree with smashy and I have just swapped to normal tyres on the 640d and its made a world of difference, the ride has vastly improved and the 6 series is renowned for its terrible steering feel but normal tyres has improved that no end too.

I enjoy driving the car so much more now on normal tyres.

[smashy]

......and yet my 16" runflats on my one series were fine,guess size matters If I ever get another 3 series I think id go 17s

[cerb4.5lee]

I just think with run flats its like having concrete as a tyre wall! I wasn't expecting much from the change with the wheels being 20" but its still a massive difference, I cant wait to swap them out on my 18" rims on the 3 series too.

Interesting to hear they are fine on 16" rims though and I must admit when I see smaller wheels I always have ride quality envy.

[smashy]

cerb my son in law works at Hondas Flagship dealer in Chiswick ,remember him telling me that most of the people coming in complaining about the ride are allways on 19s

[Maracus]

smashy said:

Maracus this is good re ultraseal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XZ_pjnsmEU

That looks good, where did you get yours put in?

[smashy]

Maracus said:

smashy said:

Maracus this is good re ultraseal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XZ_pjnsmEU

That looks good, where did you get yours put in?

Here you go.....http://www.ultrasealuk.com/contact.html David travels all over UK ,met up with him in a services took 10 minutes

[Maracus]

smashy said:

Here you go.....http://www.ultrasealuk.com/contact.html David travels all over UK ,met up with him in a services took 10 minutes

Thanks Smashy!

[Tengocity]

I swapped my summer tyres on 19s for pilot super sports and notice a big improvement in low speed ride comfort, especially over the sharper road imperfections. The handling by way of grip, feel and responsiveness off centre are also improved.

It's not night and day better like it was in previous generations of car and tyre, but still worth it for those who really care about how their car feels to drive.

I still have RFT on my 18s for winter, as the thought of a tyre issue in the cold and dark of winter is not appealing! I'd say my 19s non runflat still ride a bit better than those runflat 18s. With the Msportman brakes you can't go lower than 18 inch wheels.

[Maracus]

Thanks for the info.