Need new RFT's for my 130i soon..........what to get?

[Heathwood]

Hi guys,

Sorry to talk tyres. I've done a few searches but going round in circles a bit (excuse the pun).

I'm going to need new rear tyres on the 130i within a couple of months and will do the fronts at the same time. I know a lot of BMW owners are moving away from run flats and I can understand why. However, my wife uses the car for long solo runs between south wales and the south east / south coast and likes the security of run flats (i.e. not having to worry about compressors / tyre weld etc).

The car currently has Goodyear NCT5's and I find them crap. Definately want to move away from these. Other options seem to be Bridgestone, Pirelli and Dunlop RFT's. Anyone got any experience of these? I've heard good things about the 3rd gen Bridgestone RFT's due out this year, but can't find any more detail about release dates / prices. Anyone know?

Currently running 225/40/18 rear, 205/45/18 front on factory standard M Sport wheels. Any idea if this is a standard set up? Also, do I need to be careful not to invalidate the BMW AUC warranty if I run slightly different sizes / non OEM tyres?

Sorry for all the questions and thanks for any help.

[dibbly dobbler]

Some useful stuff in here

I used to run a 130 and I can recommend http://www.babybmw.net - very helpful bunch (and a bit friendlier than this lot )

[gizlaroc]

The only two types of run flats I have not has to ditch are Michelin Pilot Sport Zero Pressures (which I am not sure are available in the sizes you need??) and the Goodyear NCT I have at the moment on our 123d on 17's.

The Goodyears are actually slightly more comfy than the Michelin, and I would say as comfy and as good as the FK452s I had on our previous 120d mpsort on the same wheels.

Problem is different sizes comeplete change which is best.

[Heathwood]

Looks like the only RFT that come in a 205/45 is the NCT5 (may be wrong of course). Perhaps that's why a lot of people seem to go with larger tyres (225 on front / 255 on rear) for greater choice.

The Pilot Sport ZP is available in a 225/40/18 and I reckon these would be ok on the front, but I'd like to leave the rear at that size also.

Also, some web research today seems to highlight the Bridgestone as being most disliked and I think the gen 3 is delayed, so we may not see it this year.

So, I reckon its stick with what I know (i.e. NCT5's) or go with the Michelin (if I'm ok to go 225/40 all round.

[Mr E Driver]

I would think very carefully before buying more runflats with the expectation that should you have a puncture you will be able to carry on driving on the flat tyre.
If you have a puncture it might not last long enough to get you home and get you to a tyre fitter.
IF you manage to get to a garage the chance they will have a tyre of your choice in stock will be doubtful and any at all ...slight! If you don't believe me phone them up and ask, and if it takes a couple of days now it will take a couple of days when you turn up on their front for one on spec.
If you get a flat on a new runflat tyre and drive on it then that's £250 for a replacement.

The alternative is an ordinary tyre. It's cheaper to buy and if you or your wife gets a flat then following the instructions on the Tyreweld will get you home and you will be able to get the tyre repaired at your convenience and it will be about a £15 ish for a plug repair.

[rich_vw]

I'd be going with the Bridgestone myself, was looking to ditch the RFT's all together but insurance company was being a bit funny about it so desided to stick with. I'm running 245/35/18 rear & 214/40/18 front on a 118d. The bridgestone lasted some 36k miles on the rear with the front still going, grip is very good I think (wet or dry, they don't seem to 'tramline' and road noise aint to bad, not tried the other brands yet but other owners have said they seem to be the better of the bunch.

[Mr E Driver]

Bridgestones on the mine were crap and that is why I changed them to Conti 3's.
Insurance were not bothered about me changing mine.