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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 225 of 311

#2239 of 3108 Re: RFTs on snow and ice [johnsam] by nkeen

Mar 02, 2009 (8:03 pm)

Replying to: johnsam (Mar 02, 2009 10:45 am)
I have Bridgestone LM22 RFTs on my 325i. They're good tires; the car performs well on ice and snow, but truth be told, I'd probably take our 2003 Malibu on all-season Turanzas (no traction control, no ABS) over both the BMW and my previous FWD Acura TL on a long, fast, difficult winter drive, simply because its such a benign, stable platform. The BMW is competent, but you have to really stay on top of it. For instance, a camber change on a slick road with a tall crown can upset it, and when things happen they happen quickly. I feel I'd need more practice drifting it on snow and ice off public roads to feel confident driving it quickly.

#2240 of 3108 Re: Update on my new tires [docsride2] by bigkev

Mar 04, 2009 (5:38 am)

Replying to: docsride2 (Mar 01, 2009 5:51 pm)
So it wasn't me being too fussy after all! Great to hear you changed and found an improvement like I have. Boy, what a ride difference as you said. Still has a 'sports' feel but all the 'bangs and jiggles' are gone. Seems like the BMW policy is the same in at least two countries i.e. US and Aust. I bet if we REALLY ABSOLUTELY INSISTED they would fit a new car with normal tyres to sell it because sales have slumped here to the extent that the salespeople actually talk to you when you go into the showroom.Used to look you over and then ignore if you didn't have an Armani suit .

#2241 of 3108 AT LAST DONUT SPARE TIRE by larry175

Mar 04, 2009 (7:39 am)

I CALLED MY BMW DEALER PARTS DEPARTMENT AND ASKED HIM TO LOOK UP THE FOLLOWING:BM-36120416268, BM-36116750007, BM-88881899859 AND BM-71106773536.
THESE ARE THE NUMBERS FOR STEEL WHEEL, DONUT TIRE, COVER AND JACK KIT.
HE COULDN'T BELIEVE THEY HAD THE PARTS.
MY CAR IS A 2009 335IX WITH SPORT ETC.
MY RFT'S ARE BRIDGESTONES WITH A 300 RATING, NOT THE 100 RATING THAT MY 2006 330IX HAD.
NOW I HAVE TO DECIDE TO EITHER GET THE DONUT KIT OR BUY A FULL SIZE WHEEL WITH THE JACK SET. OH WELL...

#2242 of 3108 Re: RFTs on snow and ice [hemanthh] by circlew

Mar 05, 2009 (4:37 am)

Replying to: hemanthh (Mar 02, 2009 5:11 am)
Had the same car. No problem. Like a tank!
 
Regards,
OW

#2243 of 3108 RFT problems by jeremy_nyc

Mar 20, 2009 (2:33 pm)

I have a 2006 330xi and live in New Jersey and travel to New York a lot for work. I have to say that I am not a big fan of the rfts because they are just not ready for the roads here. Going through a manhole, not even a pot hole, the car hits hard, not to mention the road noise. I have new Continentals put on last month to replace the Bridgestones, slightly better, but not by much.
 
I have been considering changing them to regular tires, possibly Michelins or other ones suggested by the users here. I mentioned it to the mechanic at my local dealership and he said that most likely the ride will be better. However, he said that the tire pressure will not work with the regular tire and will be lit up and there is no way that he can turn that off. That aside, he also said even if I do not mind the light being lit up, with that one, it will not pass inspection, anyone care to comment on that, am not sure.
 
I had a 2009 328xi as a courtesy, have to say that there is much improvement in the ride. The tires are still Bridgestones, but rides a lot smoother and less road noise. Obviously they have made a lot of improvements in regards to using these tires. So I was wondering if the new Bridgestones will work better with my 2006, anybody tried them?

#2244 of 3108 Re: RFT problems [jeremy_nyc] by xeye

Mar 20, 2009 (3:46 pm)

Replying to: jeremy_nyc (Mar 20, 2009 2:33 pm)
Jeremy,
 
My wife has a 2008 328xi with the Bridgestone EL42 RFTs with about 6800 miles on the odo. My nickname for her is Maria Andretti. She had a '95 318ti before this one with 134,000 miles. I fully expect her to keep the tires for, at least, another 20,000 miles. That should take about a year. Check back then for an update. She has the wheel warranty (dealer cost) as well. More about that later.
 
I drive a 2007 335xi with the Continental ContiProContact with almost 17,000 miles. Both cars drive well, with the EL42s perhaps a little stiffer in the corners. Both ride fine, but be sure you have the right inflation. I found that, after my dealer rotated (front to rear) and balanced the tires, they failed to inspect the inflation. This is especially ignorant as the fronts are supposed to be at 33 psi with the rears at 36 psi. There was a noticeable rumble when the tires were down in pressure. At the right inflation, the ride is firm, as it should be, but definitely not uncomfortable, and the rumble is gone.
 
The reason for the rotation and balancing was a complaint I filed after hitting a pothole hard with the right front tire. I stated that there was a shimmy and a perceived flat spot on the rim. They "checked out" the tire and wheel and found no damage. Their recommendation (which I had been considering anyway) was the work they did - $129.95. My intent was to take advantage of the $795 I paid for the wheel warranty. The tire never lost pressure, and the shimmy could have been attributed to ruts and the generally poor condition of the roads in MA. In any case, the ride seems to be better once I corrected the dealerships oversights. I consider this to be routine maintenance, which BTW, was not covered in the bumper-to-bumper warranty. No S$$$!
 
The blogs seem to indicate that the '06 Bridgestones were definitely of inferior quality. I agree that they have (reluctantly?) made improvements. IMHO, I think you're OK with either brand (Continentals or Bridgestones). I figure I can hit at least 30,000 miles with the Contis, and I'm happy with that. When you buy into a car of this class and performance, you should expect to pay more in the long run for tires.
 
Hope this helps.
 
xeye

#2245 of 3108 Re: RFT problems [jeremy_nyc] by shipo

Mar 20, 2009 (10:42 pm)

Replying to: jeremy_nyc (Mar 20, 2009 2:33 pm)
I have been considering changing them to regular tires, possibly Michelins or other ones suggested by the users here. I mentioned it to the mechanic at my local dealership and he said that most likely the ride will be better. However, he said that the tire pressure will not work with the regular tire and will be lit up and there is no way that he can turn that off.
 
That's one of the dumbest things I've ever heard, I'm thinking that it's time for you to find a new mechanic. FWIW, RFTs run with pretty much the exact same tire pressure as GFTs. Tell this failure of a mechanic that believe it or not, the same tire pressure will act the exact same way on the TPMS sensors.
 
If you feel like having a little fun at his expense, ask him to put that in writing and then send a copy to BMW.
 
Best regards,
Shipo

#2246 of 3108 Re: 07 335i sport [calidude9] by luckyme1

Mar 23, 2009 (7:58 am)

Replying to: calidude9 (Feb 19, 2009 10:22 pm)
I have the 2007 335i Convertible. I've had complaints about these crappy Bridgestone RFT's since 8K miles. At 13K a small bubble showed up on a front tire as well. I had not hit any potholes. It was replaced by the dealer since there was some hazard warranty with the lease. I think it was $3.00/mo. more.
Anyway, the Bridgestone OEM tires are horrible. Noisy, rough and BMW refused to do anything about it. I've been corresponding with them, and they did nothing. I was able to suffer with those tires until 22K and purchased a new set of Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP's. What a nice change. I actually enjoy driving this car again, for the first time in 14K miles. Michelin tires made a huge improvement.
The dealer wanted $2700 to replace the tires. Same tires from a dealer were $1500.
I would have opted for non run flats, but when I turn this car in, it must have run flats on it. Besides, there is no place to carry a donut since the trunk is taken up when the top is down.
This will be my last BMW (It was my third) after this tire fiasco. BMW really needs to adress a known issue. A car like this should not have such a problem tire as OEM equipment.

#2247 of 3108 Re: 07 335i sport [luckyme1] by johnsam

Mar 23, 2009 (9:44 am)

Replying to: luckyme1 (Mar 23, 2009 7:58 am)
John here........
Have driven since I was 16 (now 66) and I have NEVER been so disatisfied with tires as I am with the Bridestones on my 2006 330i. Replaced new ones at 25,000 miles and now have 13,000 on replacements. Showing same wear as the first set did. Why not? They are rated with a 1 wear rating. Can't get lower!
By now, BMW must know what they are losing with this cost cutting measure. The negative feedback FAR outweighs the positive.
I have the Sport Package which greatly accelerates the cost of the rear tires. (Faster than the car accelerates).
If each of us that has shown a negative reaction to these tires (on this site alone) gives the same feedback directly to BMW of North America, perhaps (and I say "Perhaps") we will provide a service to future drivers who appreciate a fine car (not the tires it rides on).
John......Springfield, Oregon

#2248 of 3108 Re: 07 335i sport [johnsam] by hal56

Mar 23, 2009 (12:19 pm)

Replying to: johnsam (Mar 23, 2009 9:44 am)
I have a 99 vette that came with goodyear rfts--too hard and too noisy--swithched to Forestone rfts and got better ride, less wheele hop and quieter.
 
I hear Michelin are good also.
 
Its a trade off between perfrmance and ride.

Messages Page 225 of 311

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