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BMW 3-Series Run Flat Tires

3108 messages,  Last post on Apr 21, 2013 at 1:52 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Tires

Messages Page 203 of 312

#2017 of 3108 Re: Replacing RFT with regular... replace rims too? [Mr_Shiftright] by shipo

Sep 02, 2008 (8:35 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Sep 02, 2008 8:23 am)
Go over to the PAX discussion steve_, "Run-flat, self-sealing, PAX tires for Minivans" #1, 29 Nov 2004 8:27 pm and poke around there. Granted it's a very different crowd, however, I've run into quite a number of folks who are staunch supporters of the Michelin PAX setup.
 
As far as the BMW camp goes, I rather doubt that there is a single informed individual that would prefer four RFTs and no spare versus five GFTs (or even four GFTs and a space-saver spare). That said, like you said, if there is someone out there who likes BMW's current direction on tires, we'd love to hear from you.
 
Best regards,
Shipo

#2018 of 3108 Re: Replacing RFT with regular... replace rims too? [shipo] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Sep 02, 2008 (8:54 am)

Replying to: shipo (Sep 02, 2008 8:35 am)
PAX is being retired, right? (no pun intended).

#2019 of 3108 Re: Replacing RFT with regular... replace rims too? [Mr_Shiftright] by shipo

Sep 02, 2008 (9:06 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Sep 02, 2008 8:54 am)
He-he. Yup, although said retirement will probably take a number of years to accomplish. Michelin has announced that they are no longer going to develop new PAX products, however, PAX tires are still being produced; in fact, Honda is still offering the PAX system on new Odysseys. What's odd is that in spite of the fact that PAX is now a lame duck system, Honda is steadfastly refusing to help folks who bought vans with the PAX system convert their cars (Acura RL) and vans back to a conventional wheel/tire setup. Annoying.
 
Best regards,
Shipo

#2020 of 3108 BMW & RFTs by steveo90290

Sep 02, 2008 (10:37 am)

Hi there! I'm new to edmunds and this is my first post here.
 
My wife and I live in a mountain community in the Los Angeles area, both drive BMWs.
 
My wife's 2007 328ix wagon w/sport package 225/45/17 conti RFTs
 
No major issues with handling, or noise. I noticed that the shoulders on the front tires were wearing more.
 
When we took the car in for 15k service, and asked them to rotate, and align. BMW service rep stated that BMW does not recommend tire rotation? I suppose with many BMWs having staggered fitments that is their S.O.P.
 
She recently had a low tire pressure warning. Upon inspecting the tires I found one low. I plan on taking to my tire shop to see if it has a puncture. The tire was only low, never zero PSI, hopefully it can be repaired if needed.
 
I'll update after I have the tire checked out.
 
Overall I'm glad we got one with Conti's after reading all of these issues.
 
My BMW dealer tries to pimp nitrogen to all of their customers, unsuccessfully to me. I'm curious if that has anything to do with the Bridgestone RFT blister problems.
 
SteveO

#2021 of 3108 RFT by lehrer1

Sep 02, 2008 (11:23 am)

I have 06 325, never had a flat (jet). But long drives make me nervous.
To me solution for RFT is full size rim with RFT in the trunk.
Is there in the market a chip rim (aftermarket) that is interchangeable with a regular BMW rim?
Lehrer

#2022 of 3108 Re: Replacing RFT with regular... replace rims too? [shipo] by circlew

Sep 02, 2008 (11:46 am)

Replying to: shipo (Sep 02, 2008 8:35 am)
Hi Shipo. Hope you and yours are well. As you know, I am not a proponent for RFT's but the Continentals gave me good service and virtually no noise as well as extremely even and long lasting wear. Of course, that includes tire rotations that you recommended way back.
 
Regards,
OW

#2023 of 3108 Tire Rotation by lokki

Sep 02, 2008 (12:18 pm)

BMW - as a company- has been indifferent to tire rotation for at least a decade now.
 
They say, probably correctly, that the rotation costs enough to offset any money you'd save by rotating the tires.
 
The dealers are a different matter. They want the money from rotating your tires, so they sing a different song.
 
My experience is tha the rears wore faster on my E36 and E46, but not enough to get excited about. I just replace all 4 at the same time anyhow. I might get some thousands of miles more out of the fronts, but not enough to offset the costs of rotation.
 
  My 2008 3 Series (E90) doesn't have enough miles yet for me to be sure, but I'd speculate that the trend wear pattern will be the same.
 
Now, if the rotation was FREE, (say as when purchasing replacements) - then I'd do it.

#2024 of 3108 Re: Replacing RFT with regular...? [Mr_Shiftright] by jlbl

Sep 02, 2008 (12:49 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Sep 02, 2008 8:23 am)
I'm so/so about RFTs. Not the best tires I have ride on, but far from being upset by them either. However, having put only 7,500 miles on my 2008 BS Potenza, I cannot say how happy I will be when time goes by. No possible rotation in my car (335d). On the positive side, I consider RFT could prevent bad consequences if a blowout happened.
 
Regards,
Jose

#2025 of 3108 Re: Replacing RFT with regular...? [jlbl] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Sep 02, 2008 (12:51 pm)

Replying to: jlbl (Sep 02, 2008 12:49 pm)
Okay, that's a pretty fair assessment, thanks. Keep us posted as you put more time on those tires.
 
VISITING HOST

#2026 of 3108 Re: Tire Rotation [lokki] by steveo90290

Sep 02, 2008 (5:02 pm)

Replying to: lokki (Sep 02, 2008 12:18 pm)
What tires came on your '08 3 series? It seem like the majority of ultra poor RFTs I have read about are Bridgestones. It seems many people are walking away from a great car do to all the talk about RFTs.
 
GFTs have many of the same problems as RFTs. I rarely got more than 12-15k out of my performance tires. Any tire that has stiff side walls, or a solid center tread, will tramline. I replace performance GFTs upon damage, as I feel they won't be reliable at speed.
 
Now BMW not owning up to OEM faulty tire(s) is bad. It sounds like many have had them replaced by BMW, if the problem was brought to their attention in a reasonable amount of time.

Messages Page 203 of 312

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