RunFlat Advice

IceReign · 05-09-2012, 09:56 PM

I plan on buying 4 All Season 17" RunFlat tires in about a month or two for a 2008 base model 328Xi Coupe. I'm trying to find the best one's in terms tire life, noise, and feel. These are the four I'm considering atm. If anyone has any advice or other recommendations it would be more than helpful.

smallseafishie · 05-09-2012, 10:05 PM

I'll never get run flats again. The one time I had a flat, the side wall shredded rendering me helpless...

Non runflats run much more smoother and less noisy. They're also cheaper. I carry a spare and a can of fix a flat for peace of mind. Best decision ever.

Im currently running the Yokama Avid Envigor all seasons (regular non-rft) on mine and I'm really happy with them right now. Quiet, great wear, and they're good in the rain. I can't comment on how they are in snow as I've never been in that situation. Continental DWS also pretty good though they're not on your list...

smallseafishie · 05-09-2012, 10:07 PM

Check out discounttiredirect.com. I've gotten the last several of sets of tires for all my cars from them. For me, they're no tax and free shipping. They also have really good prices on tires.

superjay · 05-09-2012, 10:31 PM

get rid of the run-flats...I put Michelin PS2 on mine and haven't looked back. The ride SUCKS with run-flats

shata · 05-09-2012, 10:50 PM

Get AAA and set of non-run flats, I dont like the hard ride and noise from them either besides the cost over 4 tires is less so you can get 50$ AAA membership.

fdc · 05-09-2012, 10:52 PM

stay away from the Bridgestone, they never fully solved the noise issue. Since I switched Continental all if good. I agree with the rest ideally you want to avoid run flat but you need to add a spare + tools (~300$ ...)

Tom K. · 05-09-2012, 10:55 PM

I would not consider the Bridgestone EL42 RFT. While they are much better than the original version which was discontinued about 4 years ago, they aren't not worth the price - mainly due to indifferent wet road traction. Ride, noise and treadwear are OK, but I plan to replace mine with the 960 RFTs when the time comes.

Tom

ctuna · 05-09-2012, 11:55 PM

They are extensive and you can sort them by car type.
Plus the reviews and tech articles are thorough .
The new bridgestone 960's are getting good reviews if you
must have an RFT.

335BBS · 05-10-2012, 07:54 AM

RFTs are evil. Evil I say.

middleagedhippie · 05-10-2012, 08:23 AM

I've the contis oem, more than 5k miles. I love the ride so far. Keep in mind the suspension has been adjusted for run flats so go to non runflats cautiously. And i must admit its great not having to worry about a flat tire at just the wrong time. Go runflat and never look back.

335BBS · 05-10-2012, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by middleagedhippie

I've the contis oem, more than 5k miles. I love the ride so far. Keep in mind the suspension has been adjusted for run flats so go to non runflats cautiously. And i must admit its great not having to worry about a flat tire at just the wrong time. Go runflat and never look back.

Many of us have gone non-runflat with GREAT success. Car handles and rides WAY better. Having said that, mine are 19s. May not be such a big difference on 17.

IceReign · 05-10-2012, 08:53 AM

Thanks for all the info, I think I'm going to stick with the RunFlats I have contis atm also and the are fine the only issue I have had is that they have lasted 4 half years and about 27k miles which I'm not sure if that's low or not.

The Wildcard · 05-12-2012, 01:00 AM

That's actually very very good. I expect to replace my tires within 1-2 years. I've read some people replacing their RFT's before 15k.

superjay · 05-12-2012, 01:10 AM

I'm on my third set of tires...the runflats lasted about 20k, then I switched to PS2. They're fantastically sticky, and the first set lasted me 30k. I'm aggressive with them, and my ride is 100% better than the runflats.

When trying to decide between the 750 and CLS550, my dad chose the CLS because of the runflats.

RWDog · 05-19-2012, 06:19 PM

Are rims with run flats also more susceptible to bending/other damage due to the thin tire wall?

superjay · 05-19-2012, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiorsamo

Are rims with run flats also more susceptible to bending/other damage due to the thin tire wall?

the wall on a run-flat is thicker, not thinner.

bmw325i · 05-20-2012, 01:31 AM

Had continental run flats I actually liked them. Everyone seems to hate the bridgestones. I have non rft now and I like them just as much, the sidewall flexes a little more though.

Tom K. · 05-20-2012, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw325i

Everyone seems to hate the bridgestones. I have non rft now and I like them just as much, the sidewall flexes a little more though.

When anyone generalizes about Bridgestone (or any other tire manufacture) without identifying the specific model, I tend not to pay any attention as Tire rack lists more than a dozen different Bridgestone RFTs with additional of sub-classes as well.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/bridge...tone-tires.jsp

It's as bad as the "runflats are all crap" proclamations. Have these people actually actually driven on ALL the diffeent RFT models, or are they basing an opinion on experience with only one or two tires? Or simply repeating what they have read on line?

Tom

Gary@TireRack · 05-21-2012, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom K.

When anyone generalizes about Bridgestone (or any other tire manufacture) without identifying the specific model, I tend not to pay any attention as Tire rack lists more than a dozen different Bridgestone RFTs with additional of sub-classes as well.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/bridge...tone-tires.jsp

It's as bad as the "runflats are all crap" proclamations. Have these people actually actually driven on ALL the diffeent RFT models, or are they basing an opinion on experience with only one or two tires? Or simply repeating what they have read on line?

Tom

+1

Well stated.

tres · 05-21-2012, 08:26 AM

well said I had the oem bridgestone rft's and switched to ps2 rft's and the ride quality did improve.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom K.

When anyone generalizes about Bridgestone (or any other tire manufacture) without identifying the specific model, I tend not to pay any attention as Tire rack lists more than a dozen different Bridgestone RFTs with additional of sub-classes as well.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/bridge...tone-tires.jsp

It's as bad as the "runflats are all crap" proclamations. Have these people actually actually driven on ALL the diffeent RFT models, or are they basing an opinion on experience with only one or two tires? Or simply repeating what they have read on line?

Tom

JJFESQ · 05-23-2012, 12:11 AM

E93 has no room for a spare so Rft's are the only choice.

superjay · 05-23-2012, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJFESQ

E93 has no room for a spare so Rft's are the only choice.

not the only choice. You could avoid potholes, maintain your car, and carry good insurance with roadside assistance.

05-09-2012, 09:56 PM	#1
IceReign Registered 1 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 328Xi Coupe Join Date: May 2012 Location: DMV/NY iTrader: (0)	RunFlat Advice I plan on buying 4 All Season 17" RunFlat tires in about a month or two for a 2008 base model 328Xi Coupe. I'm trying to find the best one's in terms tire life, noise, and feel. These are the four I'm considering atm. If anyone has any advice or other recommendations it would be more than helpful.
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05-09-2012, 10:05 PM	#2
smallseafishie Colonel 110 Rep 2,017 Posts Drives: AW 07 e92 335i + AW 11 X5 35d Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Atlanta GA iTrader: (13) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [0.00]	I'll never get run flats again. The one time I had a flat, the side wall shredded rendering me helpless... Non runflats run much more smoother and less noisy. They're also cheaper. I carry a spare and a can of fix a flat for peace of mind. Best decision ever. Im currently running the Yokama Avid Envigor all seasons (regular non-rft) on mine and I'm really happy with them right now. Quiet, great wear, and they're good in the rain. I can't comment on how they are in snow as I've never been in that situation. Continental DWS also pretty good though they're not on your list...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-09-2012, 10:07 PM	#3
smallseafishie Colonel 110 Rep 2,017 Posts Drives: AW 07 e92 335i + AW 11 X5 35d Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Atlanta GA iTrader: (13) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [0.00]	Check out discounttiredirect.com. I've gotten the last several of sets of tires for all my cars from them. For me, they're no tax and free shipping. They also have really good prices on tires.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-09-2012, 10:31 PM	#4
superjay Resident Car Audio Guru 7 Rep 597 Posts Drives: 2007 E93 335i Join Date: May 2012 Location: Coral Springs, FL iTrader: (0)	get rid of the run-flats...I put Michelin PS2 on mine and haven't looked back. The ride SUCKS with run-flats __________________ Jay Kent Sales and Tech at Nav-TV 954-323-1010x103 jay@navtv.com
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05-09-2012, 10:50 PM	#5
shata Captain 38 Rep 823 Posts Drives: 06 330i 6MT-ZPP/ZSP/ZCW Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: VB, VA iTrader: (0)	Get AAA and set of non-run flats, I dont like the hard ride and noise from them either besides the cost over 4 tires is less so you can get 50$ AAA membership.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-09-2012, 10:52 PM	#6
fdc Second Lieutenant 22 Rep 217 Posts Drives: E90 325xi Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	stay away from the Bridgestone, they never fully solved the noise issue. Since I switched Continental all if good. I agree with the rest ideally you want to avoid run flat but you need to add a spare + tools (~300$ ...) __________________ 325xi, leather. Departure: Bremerhaven Sept 28, 2005 Vessel: Franconia K-line (http://www.kline.com/PCC-RoRo/schedu...ticshuttle.asp) Arrived at the Port of Charleston at 04:40 on Oct. 10, 2005 Arrived At VPC: 10/11/05 Left the VPC: 10/14/05 3:40pm Arrived at the Dealer: 10/15/05 3:00pm Delivery: 10/18/05 10:00 am
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05-09-2012, 10:55 PM	#7
Tom K. Major General 124 Rep 5,627 Posts Drives: '07 328iT, '13 Boxster Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	I would not consider the Bridgestone EL42 RFT. While they are much better than the original version which was discontinued about 4 years ago, they aren't not worth the price - mainly due to indifferent wet road traction. Ride, noise and treadwear are OK, but I plan to replace mine with the 960 RFTs when the time comes. Tom
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05-09-2012, 11:55 PM	#8
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,103 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Read the reviews on tire rack They are extensive and you can sort them by car type. Plus the reviews and tech articles are thorough . The new bridgestone 960's are getting good reviews if you must have an RFT.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-10-2012, 07:54 AM	#9
335BBS Brigadier General 55 Rep 3,606 Posts Drives: 2009 335 coupe. Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario iTrader: (0)	RFTs are evil. Evil I say.
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05-10-2012, 08:23 AM	#10
middleagedhippie Private 9 Rep 98 Posts Drives: 2011 328i Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: central florida iTrader: (0)	I've the contis oem, more than 5k miles. I love the ride so far. Keep in mind the suspension has been adjusted for run flats so go to non runflats cautiously. And i must admit its great not having to worry about a flat tire at just the wrong time. Go runflat and never look back.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-10-2012, 08:53 AM	#12
IceReign Registered 1 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 328Xi Coupe Join Date: May 2012 Location: DMV/NY iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the info, I think I'm going to stick with the RunFlats I have contis atm also and the are fine the only issue I have had is that they have lasted 4 half years and about 27k miles which I'm not sure if that's low or not.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-12-2012, 01:00 AM	#13
The Wildcard Private 0 Rep 97 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: California iTrader: (0)	That's actually very very good. I expect to replace my tires within 1-2 years. I've read some people replacing their RFT's before 15k.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-12-2012, 01:10 AM	#14
superjay Resident Car Audio Guru 7 Rep 597 Posts Drives: 2007 E93 335i Join Date: May 2012 Location: Coral Springs, FL iTrader: (0)	I'm on my third set of tires...the runflats lasted about 20k, then I switched to PS2. They're fantastically sticky, and the first set lasted me 30k. I'm aggressive with them, and my ride is 100% better than the runflats. When trying to decide between the 750 and CLS550, my dad chose the CLS because of the runflats. __________________ Jay Kent Sales and Tech at Nav-TV 954-323-1010x103 jay@navtv.com
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-19-2012, 06:19 PM	#15
RWDog Enlisted Member 2 Rep 39 Posts Drives: E92 328i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0)	Are rims with run flats also more susceptible to bending/other damage due to the thin tire wall?
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05-20-2012, 01:31 AM	#17
bmw325i Major General 223 Rep 5,120 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: United States iTrader: (8)	Had continental run flats I actually liked them. Everyone seems to hate the bridgestones. I have non rft now and I like them just as much, the sidewall flexes a little more though.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-23-2012, 12:11 AM	#21
JJFESQ Big Poppa 9 Rep 140 Posts Drives: F15 3.5i AW/Mocha Join Date: May 2012 Location: Long Island iTrader: (1) Garage List 2014 535xi [0.00]	E93 has no room for a spare so Rft's are the only choice. __________________ F10 535xi AW/Mocha
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