[sleeeper]

I have been saved many times by RFTs--and the convenience and deal of buying takeoffs has been wonderful, thanks

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by sleeeper

I have been saved many times by RFTs--and the convenience and deal of buying takeoffs has been wonderful, thanks

For me, I've not had a single flat in 30 years so the concept that they will save me is not high on my list. Sounds like a good strategy for you however. If runflats save you then obviously its the best way to go.

[LMK5]

It's hard for me to understand how BMW sees some sort of silver lining in runflats that Consumer Reports and just about every other auto manufacturer doesn't see. It is even more bewildering that the maker of the Ultimate Driving Machine would be willing to take even a slight performance hit for what appears to be very debatable merits.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by LMK5

It's hard for me to understand how BMW sees some sort of silver lining in runflats that Consumer Reports and just about every other auto manufacturer doesn't see. It is even more bewildering that the maker of the Ultimate Driving Machine would be willing to take even a slight performance hit for what appears to be very debatable merits.

Its only a guess on my part, but it could have something to do with money and deals BMW has made with one or more tire companies. BMW wanted something exclusive. Tire companies want something they can sell at a higher unit price. For example, here is an article from 2009 discussing an arrangement BMW had with Bridgestone. http://www.moderntiredealer.com/news...er-oe-contract

So BMW was pretty much committed to this direction. Add the fact that the engineers were drooling over this extra space (no spare) for other goodies and you have a thing.

BMW says that safety is important which is certainly a factor, but I'm guessing its more than that. If BMW is bent on safety at any cost, then why do they still sell cars with halogen headlamps, for example.

[LMK5]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

Its only a guess on my part, but it could have something to do with money and deals BMW has made with one or more tire companies. BMW wanted something exclusive. Tire companies want something they can sell at a higher unit price. For example, here is an article from 2009 discussing an arrangement BMW had with Bridgestone. http://www.moderntiredealer.com/news...er-oe-contract

So BMW was pretty much committed to this direction. Add the fact that the engineers were drooling over this extra space (no spare) for other goodies and you have a thing.

BMW says that safety is important which is certainly a factor, but I'm guessing its more than that. If BMW is bent on safety at any cost, then why do they still sell cars with halogen headlamps, for example.

You bring up some good points. Obviously there's a cost savings for them in not having to provide the spare plus jack/tools, but it also lets them quote a very large cargo area. The advantages are mostly for the manufacturer, not the consumer.

Paradoxically, they give you non-runflats with the track package, a sort of admission that they can't get the performance they want from runflats. On the other hand, during the last AFC championship game, BMW had a commercial where a man and woman were in a 3-series on a rural road, and the TPMS light comes on. In an attempt to impress the lady passenger, the man stops the car, gets out of his seat, proceeds to the back of the car and sort of pretends he's doing something. He then comes back into the car and proudly proclaims they're good to go, impressing his passenger with the speed with which he was able to correct the situation. The narrator then says: "Runflat tires, standard on the BMW 3-series." The point here is that BMW spent a handsome sum for the sole purpose of extolling the virtues of their runflat tires.

[RM7]

Originally Posted by sleeeper

I have been saved many times by RFTs--and the convenience and deal of buying takeoffs has been wonderful, thanks

If that's the case, where you are having that many blowouts that wouldn't allow you to get to a shop with a normal tire, you got much bigger problems and probably need a jeep or hummer with 35's....

[wilbur_the_goose]

LMK5 is correct. Keep in mind that "Runflat Tires" is proudly displayed by BMW on new cars' stickers, right along with "Cold Weather Package", "Tech Package", etc.

[viator092]

What about RFTs ability to protect wheels from damage? I've have two road hazard incidents that resulted in sidewall perforations that amazingly didn't bend my 230 wheels with low profile Potenzas on my E92 Sport. Would love to ditch the RFTs. Guess I'm spending the money one way or the other......bent rim or new tires.

[RedKloud]

I am thinking about changing to the ExtremeContact DWS06, but can't find them anywhere in my size.

[4ZaJuve]

I swapped off the stock Conti RFTs on my 340 in favor of Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06s last December and couldn't have been happier with my decision. The result is a much quieter and more comfortable ride, along with improved traction in inclement weather (especially the snow). Handling is good...frankly I don't notice that much of a difference compared to the RFTs. I'd definitely recommend ditching the RFTs to anyone who's considering it.

[RedKloud]

I'm looking at ditching my Potenza RFTs, and talked to the "Tire Guru" at the dealership - he says not to do it as the car is designed for RFTs and handling will be affected by the softer sidewalls. People running non RFTs did you experience this?

[.BMW.]

I wouldn't trust in his recommendation!

With that argument it wouldn't be possible to run 18" summer wheels and 16" winter wheels since the sidewalls will have different stiffness depending on the profile.

You can option a F30 directly from the BMW factory with everything from 205/60-16 to 255/30-20 tires.

[paul e]

So if you order the Track Package - what? It isn't suitable to drive because it has non RFTs?

If he says it comes with Adaptive - then why are the optional wheels/tires RFTs?

Looks like your tire guru is talking out of his butt.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by RedKloud

I'm looking at ditching my Potenza RFTs, and talked to the "Tire Guru" at the dealership - he says not to do it as the car is designed for RFTs and handling will be affected by the softer sidewalls. People running non RFTs did you experience this?

Dealers want to sell you something. That is why they are there. This tire guru knows the dealer can't sell you regular tires so he laces you with FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt). Just understand he has an agenda, do your research, and buy accordingly. BTW, the answer is ditch the runflats.

[goj]

Originally Posted by metallicpea

For something more constructive, I had Conti DW on my 550i and I liked them. Plenty of grip unless you are doing lots of spirited driving on twisty roads, or very heavy into exit ramps. Quiet, comfortable and predictable control. Not the most aggressive tire you can get, but they certainly fit the bill for me. I'll be getting DWS next time, as you get more life out of them, and I don't need the extra grip of the summer only.

Really? Maybe that was the 5 series and not the tires. These are the tires continental provided for the BMW performance driving school. I autocrossed these tires on M cars and 235i's and they stuck like glue. Not as good as pilot super sports but darn good nonetheless

[AGONXF30]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

I've got 32k miles on my runcraps and its time to put proper tires on the car. I should have done it sooner but I'm a cheapskate and the RFT Continentals were not horrible when compared to the first gen run flats.

Anyway, I'm thinking about the Continental ExtremeContact DW summer or the G-FORCE COMP-2 A/S Ultra High Performance all seasons.

I researched the archives and I'm just looking for feedback from those who have experience with these two tires or any other suggestions.

Thanks.

I have the BF COMP-2 A/S and I really like them. They do very well on the snow. They are great on the wet and even better on the dry surfaces. They have made the car quieter and take the bumps even better than then GY ROF that came with the car.

[metallicpea]

Originally Posted by goj

Really? Maybe that was the 5 series and not the tires. These are the tires continental provided for the BMW performance driving school. I autocrossed these tires on M cars and 235i's and they stuck like glue. Not as good as pilot super sports but darn good nonetheless

Could be, that car was bigger and heavier than most I've owned. Didn't have the DW on any other car to compare, but Pirellis on my 325 and Pilot SS on my M3 had/seemed to have more grip. But as I said, the Continental DW had more grip than I needed the way I drove that car anyway.

[AGONXF30]

Originally Posted by RedKloud

I'm looking at ditching my Potenza RFTs, and talked to the "Tire Guru" at the dealership - he says not to do it as the car is designed for RFTs and handling will be affected by the softer sidewalls. People running non RFTs did you experience this?

Yeah handling is affected, for the better.

[335BOY]

Originally Posted by A2Z

Out of curiosity, are you going to purchase an aftermarket spare tire kit since you are ditching the run flats, or are you just going to buy one of those fix-a-tire-with-a-can type deals? Believe me, I have thought about ditching the run-flats as well, but since these cars have no spares, it leaves me a bit worried in case something happens.

I did it, loved it and never looked back. Carried a compressor and slime. RFT are evil. I used DW and loved them.

[335BOY]

Originally Posted by sleeeper

I have been saved many times by RFTs--and the convenience and deal of buying takeoffs has been wonderful, thanks

What happens if you are a couple of hours from a BMW store and have a failure on a Saturday night......... Wait, get towed, wait until BMW opens Monday am, hope they have a tire............or Get a replacement tire from ANY tire store Sunday am and carry on..........for half the price.

[munu]

I am considering one of these tire when I am ready to switch. I am in Florida so looking for Summer tire and these 3 came on top. Michelin is around $50 more per tire but I heard these are pretty good.

Please share your experience or recommendations as I want to see what best works on BMW.

Michelin Pilot Super Sport

Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position

Continental ExtremeContact DW

[wilbur_the_goose]

My wife drove our F30 for the first time since I switched to Conti DWS06. She was blown away at how much better it drove.