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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 100 of 312

#982 of 3108 Re: Can you put new rims on a 530xi? [rsdarch] by shipo

May 08, 2007 (5:12 pm)

Replying to: rsdarch (May 08, 2007 4:47 pm)
I dug into this a little and I don't believe that there are any 16" wheels currently made that will fit the 530xi. Said another way, the smallest wheel/tire combo that you can put on your car is 17" wheels with 225/50 R17 tires on it.
 
FWIW, I drove my 2002 530i in Manhattan several times per week and never had a problem with that car, however, when I had a 1995 Passat GLX I went through seven tires and five wheels compliments of the Manhattan pot holes. :-/
 
Analyzing this a little further, the tires mounted on the three cars in question are as follows:
 
Tire Size ------ Sidewall --- Type --- Vehicle
215/50 R15 ---- 4.232" ---- GFTs -- 1995 VW Passat GLX
235/45 R17 ---- 4.163" ---- GFTs -- 2002 BMW 530i SP
225/50 R17 ---- 4.429" ---- RFTs -- 2006 BMW 530xi
 
Hmmm, interesting. The Passat actually had a taller sidewall than the 530i and yet the 5er didn't have a single problem. That said, your 530xi has even taller sidewalls than the Passat. I'm thinking that the RFTs might could well be a smoking gun here. In the end, even if switching to GFTs doesn't fix your tire damage problems (and it might), they'll sure be a whole lot easier (and less expensive) to replace when damage does occur.
 
Not sure this helps, but there it is.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#983 of 3108 Re: Can you put new rims on a 530xi? [shipo] by circlew

May 09, 2007 (4:37 am)

Replying to: shipo (May 08, 2007 5:12 pm)
Is this a true sport suspension on the xi or is it a different tuning than the 530i?
 
My thought is that the RFT/sport suspension combo cooks the tires. My neighbor's C-70 Volvo cooked tires in Manhattan and many rims as well!
 
Regards,
OW

#984 of 3108 Re: Run Flat Tires - '06 BMW 3-Series - Opinions/Experiences [tturedraider] by nclarry

May 09, 2007 (6:55 am)

Replying to: tturedraider (Nov 02, 2005 5:44 pm)
I couldn't agree more with you. I had the same experience with Bridgestone Turanza EL42 tires. The BMW 330I began making noise shortly after I took it home, and it only got louder. Upon contacting Hendrick BMW in Charlotte at 11,500 miles, I was told that they would be happy to replace the tires at a cost of $1,304 with BMW sharing half the cost. I then contacted BMW Consumer Relations both via e-mail and telephone and was generally blown off. BMW will not respond to my e-mails nor return my telephone calls. What a way to treat someone who just bought a compact car for $42,000.

#985 of 3108 Re: Can you put new rims on a 530xi? [rsdarch] by bruceomega

May 09, 2007 (7:20 am)

Replying to: rsdarch (May 08, 2007 4:47 pm)
rsdarch,
 
You mentioned run flat tire. Do you have the optional 18" wheels with 245-40/18 RFT performance tires? Or do you have the standard 17" GFTs?
 
If you happen to have the 18" RFTs, then my guess is you would be better off replacing them with the standard 17" wheels and tires.
 
Thanks
Bruce

#986 of 3108 non run flats on 330i by cherod

May 10, 2007 (11:17 am)

Replying to: lipp (May 01, 2007 3:59 am)
I need help, I own a 2006 330i with sport pkg and need to replace the tires that have only 15,000 miles on it. I hate the Bridgestone RFT'S . I would like to know if i can put non-RFT'S (PIRELLI'S) Trying to make sure the suspension isn't going to mess up the ride. THANKX!

#987 of 3108 once again... by adethier

May 10, 2007 (4:40 pm)

my perspective is that you should get away from RFTs. Get normal tires and add a donut in the trunk. Something BMW should've done in the first place!!
Based on our past experience, you do not have 100 Miles when it goes flat and there will be a big chance only BMW will have your size in stock (~$500 installed). If you're lucky the next flat won't happen too far away from home or on a weekend trip...

#988 of 3108 Consumer Reports is Wrong about RFT's by idoc2

May 10, 2007 (5:52 pm)

In the June 2007 Consumer Reports a review of RFT's declares that "...the safety benefits can out way the downsides". I think most of those who participate in this forum would strongly disagree. Aside from the defective nature of the tires supplied for the BMW 3 Series (Bridgestone EL42's) the downsides include:
 
1)Cost
2)Lack of availability should you develop a flat on a trip away from a major metro region
3)Inability to repair
4)Poor ride quality
 
Consumer Reports has a powerful voice which I believe reverberates strongly among auto manufactures including BMW. Unfortunately, I suspect the support they have just thrown behind RFT's will ultimately embolden BMW to continue to supply RFT's on their new cars.
 
Those who read this forum and feel strongly about this issue should consider sending a letter to Consumer Reports reiterating all the downsides.
 
Idoc2

#989 of 3108 Re: non run flats on 330i [cherod] by blueguydotcom

May 10, 2007 (6:47 pm)

Replying to: cherod (May 10, 2007 11:17 am)
Go ahead and do it. did it to my 06 and it improved the ride and handling considerably.

#990 of 3108 Re: Consumer Reports is Wrong about RFT's [idoc2] by nkeen

May 10, 2007 (7:10 pm)

Replying to: idoc2 (May 10, 2007 5:52 pm)
Those who read this forum and feel strongly about this issue should consider sending a letter to Consumer Reports reiterating all the downsides.
 
I've got to say that I like the way my 325i ZSP handles with its 17" runflats. In fairness, Blueguy, who swapped to GFTs on his 330i, has done considerable grumbling about the softness and lack of response of that car compared to his previous E46. I respectfully offer (Blueguy clearly knows his cars) that that may be because the car is tuned for run-flats. I know, I can't substantiate the detail of what that means in engineering terms -- I just know that the manufacturer clearly states such. I have read at least one post on a mini forum stating just such a switch to GFTs ruined a Cooper S's handling.
 
I do like the overall feel of my car, and my liking for it improves with time, unlike my old Acura TL, which I could not wait to get out of. I like the softwall stiffness -- the fact that there's no rollover during hard cornering. However, the downside is that there is little give over sharp knocks. The biggest plus for me is reducing the affect of a high speed blowout, and reducing the risk associated with a flat when navigating shoulderless NYC parkways. Also, changing alloys can be a pain, or impossible without a hefty implement to knock the wheels off, as they can bond to the steel hub through electrolysis. I understand that there are things you can do to prevent this, but in the real world....

#991 of 3108 Re: Consumer Reports is Wrong about RFT's [nkeen] by blueguydotcom

May 10, 2007 (8:43 pm)

Replying to: nkeen (May 10, 2007 7:10 pm)
just know that the manufacturer clearly states such. I have read at least one post on a mini forum stating just such a switch to GFTs ruined a Cooper S's handling.
 
I find that impossible to believe. The 07 Cooper S with RFTs is decent but my 07 Cooper S tends to skip and tramline with the standard 17 RFTs performance tires. It's not as bad as the e90s roadfeel but I can't fathom how a grippier, lighter, more pliant tire with a real sidewall would "ruin" handling.
 
Eventually, I'll make the switch on my Cooper and know for certain...

Messages Page 100 of 312

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