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Sedans BMW 3-Series BMW 3-Series Run Flat Tires
2421 messages, Last post on Dec 02, 2009 at 1:06 PM
You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
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Replying to: dan12 (Jul 16, 2007 4:44 pm) If the kit allows you to air-up your RFTs to normal pressure, than they are not "running-flat" and the mileage clock is not ticking. But some TPMS sensor designs (more than half) can get fouled by the goo. After using such a kit, a new sensor might be required. $15 or $20 on top of a new tire installation. Also, I understand that RFT sidewalls are stronger, so maybe they would have less of a chance of getting damaged? Hard to put a number on that. A sharp bit of debris can still slice through. I've heard anecdotal evidence that harder sidewalls lead to a higher incidence of bent rims.
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Replying to: actualsize (Jul 17, 2007 6:33 am) I guess that still leaves the problem with the damaged sidewall. It sure would be nice to have a spare, just in case. But if I had such a terrible blow out, it is also nice to be on a RFT I presume. In the worst case, can't I get towed to the nearest auto shop and have a doughnut installed until I can get to a place that carries my RFTs? As far as the bent rim problem, I noticed that BMW warns that the rims and suspension are more susceptible to damage with the SP. I hope that it still takes quite a bit to cause any damage. |
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Hello all, Glad to peruse all of your valuable insights into BMW's and the RFT issues as they stand in North America. We treated ourselves to a 2006 BMW 320d when we relocated to the UK last year. Compared to all the dogs we test drove (everything from Skodas to Mercedes), I love this car: it's fun, fun, fun as far as handling is concerned. Having never driven a BMW before, I thought maybe the bumpy ride was just a European thing I had to get used to (small tires, little cars, raised in my father's Buicks!). However, after reading this and realizing I have the better option (it seems) of tires, the Continental Premium Contact SSR 205/55 R16(91V), I want to ask the experience amongst you what you would do given my replacement options (now at 24,000 miles): 1. The dealership will only offer me like for like: The Continentals for 115 pounds each (that's over $236/tire for those not up with the current exchange rate vs. $111 at Tirerack.com-God Bless the USA!). I asked if we could have GFT's installed and got the BS line that BMW really recommends installing factory issues, and that GFT's might require new rims and there's no place for a spare. (Is that hollowed out area under the trunk flap not big enough for a donut?) 2. We have Costco here, and they assure me they're trained to install the RFT's, but they only provide Michelin products and have offered me Michelin Pilot Primacy ZP* for 92.22 pounds each ($189 each). When asking the Costco tech who chatted with me how many miles Michelin is saying these tires will get, he answered quite convincingly that they're too new to tell, but that Michelin had developed them specifically for this car. What would you do? I'm thinking you'll all tell me to go for the Michelins to be a guinea pig for you! Just FYI: I'm finding that there's no such thing as mileage warranties here or road hazard insurance. Like others have noted, the BMW tire insurance would require you to destroy 2 tires to make it worth while and doesn't cover "normal" wear. On the other hand, I must admit I love zipping around all the mini-roundabouts here and seeing my mileage pegging out at greater than 50 MPG on road trips!
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Replying to: bobbi_p (Jul 19, 2007 11:38 am) Mid and North Wales, and the Peak District of Derbyshire have some good driving roads -- 60 mph limit, narrow, frequent camber changes, tight turns to keep you on your toes. Speed limits can be confusing at first in the UK -- 70 motorway, 70 divided road, 60 undivided road of any width, 30 anywhere if there are regularly spaced street lights (within ? yards of each other I think) unless otherwise posted. A white circle with a black slash through it means the default national limits apply (70/70/60 as above). You'll always see an initial sign, followed by small repeaters, except for 30 limit roads with street lights and national limit roads without, where you'll just see the initial transition sign. There is increasing use of 20 limits in cities now. Watch the speed cameras, which are supposed to be accompanied by visible warnings. Let's see how the Michelin's do. ...and I see you've been over there for some time, so probably are familiar with all this already. |
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Replying to: tturedraider (Nov 02, 2005 4:44 pm) Jerry
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Replying to: jerrycook (Jul 20, 2007 6:20 am) Regards, OW
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Replying to: circlew (Jul 20, 2007 6:29 am)
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Replying to: jerrycook (Jul 20, 2007 11:21 am) Regards, OW |
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Although many strongly recommend the ContiPro over the el42 rft's, no one has mentioned that the ContiPro tramlines less than the el42. Tramlining on grooved concrete California freeways is the main issue I have.
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Replying to: jerryf2 (Jul 20, 2007 4:33 pm) So far, 9,000 miles, one rotation at 5,000 miles, wear is very even on all 4 tires. Rotation is front to back on both sides. Next rotation will be switched back to original positions when new tires were mounted at 13K on the odometer. (so at 23K) Tires look to go at least 30K. These tires are quiet, grip great and track very well for All-Season fare. Regards, OW |
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