Run Flat Tyres

[RichardHoward]

My 120d M Sport is fitted with runflat tyres. The first set lasted 15k miles and I have just changed the rears again after just 10k. Is that normal? I am thinking of changing the tyres (and maybe the wheels) for normal tyres, but have read that this will require suspension changes, is this correct?

My aim is to improve the longevity of the tyres, reduce the replacement cost and possible improve the ride comfort / tram lining, which I am sure is exaggerated by the Run Flats.

[Spokey]

This has been discussed at length on babybmw.net. We had an official reply from BMW saying that you can change the runflats for normal tyres but that you would need an emergency spare. I doubt that the mileage you get would improve, because the RFTs seem to be much harder tyres than normal ones. However, on a 1er, you should get a better ride and better handling with normal tyres. With the 5er it's much more ambiguous, and apparently the 3er is actually better on RFTs than on normal tyres.

[plowy]

Swapped the RFT's on my Z4 for Falken FK452's, the car is transformed they are awesome tyres many people gone onto them on www.bmwland.co.uk as said you will need a can of tyre weld and a 12v compressor to get you home if you have a flat..

[phelix]

You don't *have* to change the wheels but perhaps it's a convenient excuse?!

[EC2]

Interestingly the 5 series comes with runflats on 16, 17 and 18" wheels but 'normal' tyres on 19" wheels. No idea if they change the suspension but it would be nice to know. All I can say is that my 535d on 19" normal tyres is a revelation after my 645i on 19" runflats.

[abarber]

The tread wear rating for the Bridgestone RE050 run flats is 140, where as standard PS2s, Conti sports etc are all well over 200.

[phelix]

Just one point to note - tyre wear ratings are set by each manufacturer against their own control tyre so comparing two tyres with the same wear rating numbers but from different brands is a bit apples to oranges.

[Methane Bloke]

My 120d is showing 19K miles on its original Bridgestone run flats. They will need changing in the next 2-3K though and I will be replacing them with Michelins. Have Michelins on a 335d as well and they still look like new after 10K miles.

Regards

Chris

[Nurburgsingh]

plowy said:

Swapped the RFT's on my Z4 for Falken FK452's, the car is transformed they are awesome tyres many people gone onto them on www.bmwland.co.uk as said you will need a can of tyre weld and a 12v compressor to get you home if you have a flat..

I did the same on my 120d Sport. FK452's are flippin ace have been running them for ages on everything I can get in the siazes available

[abarber]

phelix said:

Just one point to note - tyre wear ratings are set by each manufacturer against their own control tyre so comparing two tyres with the same wear rating numbers but from different brands is a bit apples to oranges.

Damm good point. Just to note, Bridgestone brought tread wear rating from the S03 at 220, down to 140 for the RE50A. Make of that what you will..

[northandy]

RichardHoward said:

My 120d M Sport is fitted with runflat tyres. The first set lasted 15k miles and I have just changed the rears again after just 10k. Is that normal? I am thinking of changing the tyres (and maybe the wheels) for normal tyres, but have read that this will require suspension changes, is this correct?

My aim is to improve the longevity of the tyres, reduce the replacement cost and possible improve the ride comfort / tram lining, which I am sure is exaggerated by the Run Flats.

I have had a very similar experience, and swapping from pirelli's to bridgestones helped a lot...

I bought a 120d m sport a year ago, I had to change all for runflats after 18k (pirelli), done another 11k and the bridgestones are lasting much better... hardly any obvious signs of wear...

my better half has a 118d sport on 17's, that has 31k on the original fronts (again brigestones)... the rears lasted 23k on her car...

i find the bridgestones offer much better ride and wet weather grip v's the pirellis

[RichardHoward]

Many thanks for all your comments, I will check the recommended sites.

[apmirkin]

Maybe just go for an E30, drop a e46 325 24valve ebgie in the thing and get a regular set ot tyres and fill them up with cement and that may solve the problem!