Sorry - RFTs again
Discussion
Evening All.
Sorry this is probably crashingly dull for most of you but I was after some educated opinions on the following. Taking it as given that run flats have been sent by Satan to ruin the ride of our BMWs what do you think of their general performance as tyres - specifically grip levels ?
My otherwise lovely 330i is a bit in the doghouse at the moment due to two things: crap ride (see above) and a lack of traction (1st gear out of a junction is virtually a waste of time). So would changing to non-RFTs sort both out or at least offer some improvement in grip ?
Any thoughts appreciated !
Thanks in advance, DD
Sorry this is probably crashingly dull for most of you but I was after some educated opinions on the following. Taking it as given that run flats have been sent by Satan to ruin the ride of our BMWs what do you think of their general performance as tyres - specifically grip levels ?
My otherwise lovely 330i is a bit in the doghouse at the moment due to two things: crap ride (see above) and a lack of traction (1st gear out of a junction is virtually a waste of time). So would changing to non-RFTs sort both out or at least offer some improvement in grip ?
Any thoughts appreciated !
Thanks in advance, DD
I can only reply with regard to 5 series, but we've just changed all our work Goodyear RFTs to Dunlops. The ride and handling has been transformed. Only downside is that they wear out quicker.
We're not allowed 'normal' tyres as BMW won't sanction it and the Health and Safety Nazis would have a fit.
We're not allowed 'normal' tyres as BMW won't sanction it and the Health and Safety Nazis would have a fit.
ding things out !
When looking on mytyres at run-flats recently I noticed all sorts of different performance tyres now come in run-flat versions - Pirelli PZero, Goodyear F1 Assymetric etc. I've found the grip of the Goodyear NCT5 run-flats on my new car to be pretty rubbish, particularly compared to the Goodyear F1s on my old E39, so it'd be nice to know if they're worth going for. I'd like to stick with run-flats if I can, because it saves buying a spare wheel, jack etc.
SJobson said:
When looking on mytyres at run-flats recently I noticed all sorts of different performance tyres now come in run-flat versions - Pirelli PZero, Goodyear F1 Assymetric etc. I've found the grip of the Goodyear NCT5 run-flats on my new car to be pretty rubbish, particularly compared to the Goodyear F1s on my old E39, so it'd be nice to know if they're worth going for. I'd like to stick with run-flats if I can, because it saves buying a spare wheel, jack etc.
It's nice to know I'm not the only one! I'm ashamed to admit it but I've been lusting after something with 4WD just so I can get the bloody power down. In my old Scooby wrx you just nailed it and it flew - at the moment I'm slipping around all over the place even on part throttle. Frustrating!B3pete said:
What gets me is we are the only country that has to have these RFTs. BMW insist the UK have them but nowhere else!!!!
I think it's actually BMW UK that insist on it! On some models now they even make you pay extra for them. I had RFT's on my old 535d Sport and changed to normal tyres, transformed the ride.
I have also replaced the RFT's on my X5 SD and the change hasn't been as dramatic......I have 20" wheels on my X5 which have a stupidly low profile on them....doh!
Beardy10 said:
I have also replaced the RFT's on my X5 SD and the change hasn't been as dramatic......I have 20" wheels on my X5 which have a stupidly low profile on them....doh!
My heart sank when I read this - the 20" on my X5 genuinely ruin the driving experience and I was hoping that non RFT's would improve the situation. Not a lot you can do with a 315/35/20 !
I Think the Dunlops I have on my 1er are far better than the Bridgstones my mate has on his 123d. More grip, quieter and more importantly the car doesnt skip all over the place.
I will be looking to change to NON RFTs as soon as mine wear out though as the understeer when pushing on is more than an annoyance. My last two cars were M3s and I never had this problem. I believe most of the understeer comes from these bloody RFTs.
I will be looking to change to NON RFTs as soon as mine wear out though as the understeer when pushing on is more than an annoyance. My last two cars were M3s and I never had this problem. I believe most of the understeer comes from these bloody RFTs.
I swapped the run flats on my 135i for Conti sport contacts and the difference is huge. It's much better in terms of cornering and general handling but the biggest benefit is in the everyday ride. It doesn't crash over road imperfections anymore, it just absorbs them. I would thoroughly recommend changing.
3ftandclean said:
I swapped the run flats on my 135i for Conti sport contacts and the difference is huge. It's much better in terms of cornering and general handling but the biggest benefit is in the everyday ride. It doesn't crash over road imperfections anymore, it just absorbs them. I would thoroughly recommend changing.
Thats good to hear. It certainly makes me feel more confortable about my decision. I will be going for some asymetric Goodyears though. Always run them on my ///M's and love them B3pete said:
Once again I'm saying looking forward to bridgestones 3rd gen coming out in thr summer, reviewer said felt "just 5%"off a normal tyre"
Damn....thats interesting too. I can't deny that the added security that comes from the knowledge of having a blow out at 150+ isnt going to happen is one of the things that makes the decision to ditch my RFTs a tough one.
///Mike said:
B3pete said:
Once again I'm saying looking forward to bridgestones 3rd gen coming out in thr summer, reviewer said felt "just 5%"off a normal tyre"
Damn....thats interesting too. I can't deny that the added security that comes from the knowledge of having a blow out at 150+ isnt going to happen is one of the things that makes the decision to ditch my RFTs a tough one.
Pete - do you have any definitive source for this ?
B3pete said:
Thanks Pete - it all sounds very promising doesn't it You mention the summer as a possible release date, any idea if that's definite ?
dibbly_dobbler said:
B3pete said:
Thanks Pete - it all sounds very promising doesn't it You mention the summer as a possible release date, any idea if that's definite ?
Edited by B3pete on Wednesday 10th March 13:00
B3pete said:
dibbly_dobbler said:
B3pete said:
Thanks Pete - it all sounds very promising doesn't it You mention the summer as a possible release date, any idea if that's definite ?
Edited by B3pete on Wednesday 10th March 13:00
Looks like the Falkens are still favorite when I wear out my RFTs. Off to do some donoughts
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