X3 M40d - new tyres, stick with runflats?

[MHB]

After almost 30k miles I need new tyres for my X3, and would be grateful for opinions on moving away from runflats and whether there were realistic ride improvements that outweigh the issue of not having a spare?

If I stick with runflats, it seems to be a choice between Bridgestone Alenza 001 / Pirelli P Zero - prices looks similar, I'm on Bridgestones currently and they've been fine, but don't know if Pirelli are better / worse?

Any opinions from the great and good of PH would be gratefully received.

[d_a_n1979]

What tyre sizes do you need?

For me, all I know is that for myself; when I moved from RFTs to non-RFTs on my F01; the ride and handling was much, much better and didn't tramline anywhere after that! It was even better when I dropped to 19s from 20s!

My Dads previous X3M was moved from RFTs to non-RFTs and he noticed a much better, smoother & quieter ride and better handling and similar for my father in law on his F10 530D

However, where we live; the country roads are horrendous and generally unloved/not looked after and atrocious in winter. The main roads aren't much better!

But a decent tyre repair kit (BMWs own via eBay or similar) and run non RFT tyres

There are pros and cons to both; everyone has their own opinions etc

[mekondelta]

PZeros are good RFTs but all RFTs I think have a limit in terms of how comfortable the ride is when the profile of the tyre gets very small. I run 245/50/R18 all round and it's very comfortable. If I ran 20's I think it would be verging on unacceptable. Kwikfit always been the cheapest PZero RFT seller that I've found.

[kilarney]

I went from pirelli run flats on mine to michelin pilot sports. I was slightly underwhelmed as the improvement was there but not night and day. Two aspects, ride was certainly a bit smoother at low speeds however tyre noise my biggest gripe in my F series M sport x3 was no better really. Would I do it again yes but not before the rfts,s were worn out. Im now on rfts again but in a G21 3 series and imo Pirelli is a better choice than Bridgestone for rft. The G series is far better resolved chassis wise so Im may not bother with go flats when the time comes.