[Tengocity]

I think almost everyone agrees that the F30 is a night and day improvement in ride quality on the RFT tyres compared to an E90... just curious if anyone has tried non-runflats yet?

I'm wondering whether they make for even better ride comfort!

I can't imagine the change will make nearly as much difference as it does on other BMW models, but they are also cheaper, which makes a significant difference to me, doing 25k miles per year.

[batty]

I'm also interested in the answer to this. I'm currently shopping around for winter tyres and not only are the non-RFT's cheaper, there's also a lot bigger range available.

You can pick up a BMW tyre mobility kit for £50-ish on ebay, and it's still a lot cheaper overall package.

[Jools-Devon]

The ED models are all fitted with 16" non run flats as standard - with an emergency "gunk" kit and compressor in the boot.

The suspension is lowered when compared to the normal spec too.

So far so good! Definitely a smoother ride than my previous 320 with run flats, but it may be other improvements other than just the tyres!

I wonder if they will last longer too....... My run flats would ware very quickly round the edge of the tyre....

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by batty

I'm also interested in the answer to this. I'm currently shopping around for winter tyres and not only are the non-RFT's cheaper, there's also a lot bigger range available.

You can pick up a BMW tyre mobility kit for £50-ish on ebay, and it's still a lot cheaper overall package.

Winter is where I would actually prefer the run-flats - as really don't fancy the faffing with spares or mobility kits, when it is cold, and quite likely to be dark. Also, in the summer is when most likely to be driving in a spirited manner, and the possible benefits of non-RFT tyres may be more appreciated. Having said that, good ride comfort is an all year round thing!

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by Jools-Devon

The ED models are all fitted with 16" non run flats as standard - with an emergency "gunk" kit and compressor in the boot.

The suspension is lowered when compared to the normal spec too.

So far so good! Definitely a smoother ride than my previous 320 with run flats, but it may be other improvements other than just the tyres!

I wonder if they will last longer too....... My run flats would ware very quickly round the edge of the tyre....

So we have experience of one or the other.. just need someone who has tried both on an otherwise like for like car (wheel size and suspension)!

[jakeb1]

I have 17" non-runflat winter tyres on my car. Quieter and slightly more comfortable v 18" Msports. I have a conti-comfort kit in the boot

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by jakeb1

I have 17" non-runflat winter tyres on my car. Quieter and slightly more comfortable v 18" Msports. I have a conti-comfort kit in the boot

So it's a smaller wheel and also non RFT but not that much difference you would say?

[Tengocity]

https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/topics/owne...ryId=9099.html

I've found this "BMW Spare wheel system" in the accessories part of their website, but no idea what it looks like or how much it costs... anybody seen it? I'm assuming it's space saver with compact jack etc that fits inside it. If so, then would I be right in thinking that this would just have to sit in the boot ie. no underboot space for it to be kept?

[jakeb1]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

So it's a smaller wheel and also non RFT but not that much difference you would say?

Definitely quieter. Suspect the ride improvement is down the taller tyre wall though.

[matk]

Hi, I changed to non runflats on my E91 and the difference was immense. It also means you can leave the rft's in the garage for the return of the car without having to fork out money for new tyres.

[Tengocity]

I did the same on mine, however the F30 on RFTs is much better than the E90... so just trying to find out if the margin of improvement by changing is diminished, such that it's not worth doing.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

I did the same on mine, however the F30 on RFTs is much better than the E90... so just trying to find out if the margin of improvement by changing is diminished, such that it's not worth doing.

Something like the latest Bridgestone Potenza S001 RFT has, according to Bridgestone, a stiffness index of 106. 100 stiffness index being the baseline non run-flat Potenza S001. The older designs such as the Bridgestone Potenza RE050 which we changed on our E9* models, is rated in the same comparison chart as 126.

So different are the tyres that Bridgestone state...

Install Bridgestone Potenza S001 RFT tires in sets of four only.

Due to the traction and handling capabilities of the Potenza S001 RFT, Bridgestone recommends they be used in sets of four to provide the best handling characteristics and tire performance. Potenza S001 RFT tires may NOT be mixed with other tire models, such as the Potenza RE050 RFT, Potenza RE050A RFT, Potenza RE050A I RFT or Potenza RE050A II RFT.

We can't expect to see the same sort of improvements changing from RFTs, with the current generation of RFTs or suspension setups, as we did on previous models of cars.

My own experience in my F11 535i, I'm running 18" Continental Sport Contact 3 SSR and 17" Dunlop Winter Sport 3D DSST, both work well with very little of the typical run-flat characteristics coming through to the driver or passengers. Well pleased in all driving conditions and temperatures. As you know I was a very vocal critic of RFT performance, both to BMW and Bridgestone. (And the forums).

HighlandPete

[Rhino at Work]

I guess you should also check whether a change from run flats to normal would count as a dreaded modification from OEM on your insurance.

Would be just typical for them to try and wriggle out of a claim!

[Peach]

Installed Michelin PSS on 18's square set up

Much stickier tire and a lot quieter. Grip is amazing. Some say gas mileage goes down because of the extra grip.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by Peach

Installed Michelin PSS on 18's square set up

Much stickier tire and a lot quieter. Grip is amazing. Some say gas mileage goes down because of the extra grip.

I've put those on our Z4 and it has transformed the car - ride is superb and the feel and grip so much better. That's what I had in mind if I did change.

[dopper99]

Yes agreed about not only the ride quality, but the feel of the car is better, steering etc. However, I'm only talking about swapping run flats in my E90 and not the F30.
Although the F30 is fitted with much better run flats these days, would be interesting to see if an slight improvement could be made by swapping to run flats.

Anyway, they are a lot cheaper too.............and 95% of all other car manufacturers use non run flats!

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by dopper99

Although the F30 is fitted with much better run flats these days, would be interesting to see if an slight improvement could be made by swapping to run flats.

I'm sure we'd get an improvement, but we'd likely need a decent alternative like the Michelin PSS to get a marked difference.

A bit different, particularly to the early build E9* models, where virtually any non run-flat would be a better drive in all ways.

An F30 328i was the first BMW of recent times where I got into it and was hard pressed to detect I was on RFTs. On the other hand an F30 320d ED I had on hire felt as if it was on RFTs, the way it hopped about and had strange responses over poor surfaces. That example was on 16" non run-flat eco tyres. But were inflated to BMW recommended 'sky high' pressures, which took the edge off the driving dynamics. Nothing like I expected from a 16" wheel and a normal tyre on a 3-series.

HighlandPete