- #1380 of 2420
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Re: KYWOODY [kywoody]
by shipo
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Sep 21, 2007 (11:05 am)
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Replying to: kywoody (Sep 21, 2007 10:32 am)
I don't think BMW has done anything. That said, at BMWs insistence Bridgestone did change the rubber compound of the OEM EL42s, and they've also started using Continental RFTs that most owners report are superior in every way to the Bridgestones.
Best Regards,
Shipo
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- #1381 of 2420
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Re: RFT's & bmw [shipo]
by dan12
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Sep 21, 2007 (1:00 pm)
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Replying to: shipo (Sep 21, 2007 8:45 am)
Speaking strictly for myself, yes, I would that BMW redesigned the floor pan of the trunk to accept a full sized spare tire and a jack, and started using GFT tires as standard equipment on all of their cars.
I would like to second that. There are two main problems I see with the RFTs (ignoring the noise issue with the Turenza's): (1) No spare, which is a real concern on long trips to remote places. (2) The tires are often not repairable and have to be replaced instead, which can get extremely expensive.
BMW could have at least offered #1 (a spare) as an option. That would have addressed most of my concerns, although I am still really worried about getting a flat since a nail can cost me $300+.
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- #1382 of 2420
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Re: RFT's & bmw [dan12]
by Mr_Shiftright HOST
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Sep 21, 2007 (4:41 pm)
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Replying to: dan12 (Sep 21, 2007 1:00 pm)
You can repair the RFTs unless the nail hits the sidewall (which is rather rare). My local tire shop does these all the time for the BMW dealer. The dealer won't do it.
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- #1383 of 2420
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Re: RFT's & bmw [Mr_Shiftright]
by circlew
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Sep 21, 2007 (4:53 pm)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Sep 21, 2007 4:41 pm)
I submit you can repair but after riding on an RFT for the recommended zero pressure condition miles, do you still recommend repair?
Regards,
OW
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- #1384 of 2420
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Re: RFT's & bmw [dan12]
by kywoody
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Sep 21, 2007 (5:23 pm)
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Replying to: dan12 (Sep 21, 2007 1:00 pm)
Thanks. I agree with the general negative comments on the RFTs but if the tires you get on the new cars give a better ride and are more durable, it makes the BMW a more reasonable choice, especially with limited driving in remote places.
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- #1385 of 2420
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Re: Try getting a nail in your RFT after only 500 miles [Mr_Shiftright]
by capriracer
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Sep 22, 2007 (4:18 am)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Sep 11, 2007 7:37 am)
With all due respect to your "highly respected tire retailer", but RFT's will not show the damage that is being done by operating the tire flat. The damage is hidden under the supporting insert and can not be seen. Repairing a RFT involves some degree of risk, and since there is no way to proper assess how much damage has been done, I hope the "highly respected tire retailer" realizes he has assumed the risk and has good insurance.
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- #1386 of 2420
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Re: Try getting a nail in your RFT after only 500 miles [capriracer]
by Mr_Shiftright HOST
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Sep 22, 2007 (12:12 pm)
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Replying to: capriracer (Sep 22, 2007 4:18 am)
I'm sure he knows what he's doing. He's been doing it for 40 years and outfits race cars, Ferraris, etc. I would guess that he examines each tire carefully and interviews the drivers about what happened. He seemed quite matter of fact about it...no big deal to repair RFTs that take a nail. He seemed more concerned over the proper training of his technicians who handle the machines that break down the RFTs.
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- #1387 of 2420
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Re: Try getting a nail in your RFT after only 500 miles [Mr_Shiftright]
by circlew
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Sep 22, 2007 (1:09 pm)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Sep 22, 2007 12:12 pm)
Breaking the bead/seating the bead, mounting/remounting on the alloy wheels is the area of concern because the damage done is high value to the shop due to improper technique/equipment.
Regards,
OW
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- #1388 of 2420
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Re: Try getting a nail in your RFT after only 500 miles [circlew]
by Mr_Shiftright HOST
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Sep 22, 2007 (2:21 pm)
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Replying to: circlew (Sep 22, 2007 1:09 pm)
Oh yeah, you can do damage so many ways on an RFT. You can damage the wheel, you can break the sensor, and you can damage the RFTs sidewall....all in a few seconds.
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- #1389 of 2420
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Re: Try getting a nail in your RFT after only 500 miles [Mr_Shiftright]
by shangti
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Sep 22, 2007 (5:42 pm)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Sep 22, 2007 2:21 pm)
While you can repair an RFT you have to find someone other than the dealer, because they won't repair the RFT. Plus, some tire shops won't repair a RFT. Since there have been so many complaints with RFTs, I suspect that BMW is aware of the issue and could have addressed it, prior to placing them on the 328. In fact, Toyota consumers faced the same problem regarding RFTs in 2005.http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=7on_your_side&id=3463443
There ended up being a class action from Toyota Sienna owners against Toyota and Goodyear. There ended up being a settlement http://www.rftprogram.com . Recently, there was another class action lawsuit filed against another car manufacturer - http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/11/automobiles/11FLATS.html?em&ex=1190433600&en=4- 497fc78a38f28bd&ei=5087%0A
I believe there is a class action lawsuit against BMW on RTFs - is anyone aware of that? Funny thing about the other lawsuits - they involve the same issues that we are talking about in regards to RFTs.
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