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BMW 5-Series Tires and Wheels

132 messages,  Last post on Dec 12, 2012 at 4:44 PM

You are in the BMW 5-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Car Safety, Tires, Wheels, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 14 of 14

#125 of 132 Re: Wheel and tire insurance [busiris] by atalaya505

Sep 01, 2012 (2:59 pm)

Replying to: busiris (Aug 31, 2012 6:09 pm)
Past experience with non-runflat tires is NO predictor of how you will fare with run flats. Before run flats, I had been driving almost exclusively on 45 profile tires for almost 20 years and had never had a tire fail due to an impact.
 
Driving on the same roads at the same speed with BMW 45 profile runflats was a nightmare. I previously had had no idea how bad the roads I regularly drive on are.
 
When I switched the BMW to non-runflats and lighter, stronger wheels, it was like getting a new car. Impact noise is WAY down. Ride and handling are better. And, the pothole problem completely went away. It is like I am driving on different roads.

#126 of 132 Re: Wheel and tire insurance [mxyzhang] by atalaya505

Sep 01, 2012 (3:19 pm)

Replying to: mxyzhang (Aug 28, 2012 5:20 pm)
After thinking about this for a little longer, here is what I would do if I were you:
 
Cancel your insurance.
 
Use the money you save to buy a good set of non-runflat tires and mounting with expert dynamic balancing. Plus a Conti inflation kit. You will still have a bunch of money left over.
 
The new tires will make your car quieter, better riding and better handling. And, you will have no more problems with potholes than you would have had with any other car.
 
If you get a puncture, the the Conti pump will re-inflate your tire and inject sealant that will allow you to drive at least as far as you could with a run flat (or a temporary spare).
 
The only reason that we also have a full sized spare is that we spend too much time a long way from anywhere and wanted the peace of mind of knowing that we could always get home.

#127 of 132 Re: Wheel and tire insurance [atalaya505] by busiris

Sep 02, 2012 (12:24 pm)

Replying to: atalaya505 (Sep 01, 2012 2:59 pm)
So, what you're saying is that the wheel and tire "protection" insurance is a money loser for the agent selling it, since wheel and tire issues are practically guaranteed with RFT's.
 
Obviously, you don't understand how insurance works...
 
Folks either seem to love or hate RFT's. And, it isn't too difficult to pick out either side by the comments they make.
 
Past driving experience is the sole best predictor of what one might expect in the future, all other conditions being equal.
 
There's a huge difference, however, between prediction and guarantee.

#128 of 132 Re: Wheel and tire insurance [busiris] by atalaya505

Sep 02, 2012 (12:47 pm)

Replying to: busiris (Sep 02, 2012 12:24 pm)
Not saying that RFTs are guaranteed to fail. Our oldest daughter and her husband wore through the RFTs that came on their 328xi with no failures. The same is probably true of most people who drive where the roads are reasonably good. Those of us who drive in areas where roads aren't so good are much more likely to have continuing problems. Ask Car and Driver about their experiences.
 
It just seems to me that if you are worried about RFT's, it doesn't make sense to spend the money on the insurance. For considerably less money you can mount a good set of non-RFTs and carry a Conti Mobility kit.
 
When the RFTs wore down, our daughter replaced the RFT's on their 328xi with conventional all-seasons. "That transformed the car", she said. "We should have done this from the beginning."

#129 of 132 Re: Wheel and tire insurance [atalaya505] by james27

Sep 03, 2012 (12:48 pm)

Replying to: atalaya505 (Sep 02, 2012 12:47 pm)
Depending on the size of the hole, the mobility kit may not seal it. But, while it may take awhile, you do have the free towing!
 
From a functional viewpoint, the advantage of a RFT is you choose where to stop within the max range of the safety margins. With regular tires, you must stop right away, or you'll trash the tire and probably the wheel (and maybe more, if the shreaded tire takes out brake lines, etc.).
 
RFT are getting better...Tirerack said on some of the newest generation ones they've tested, they rode as well as the equivalent normal tire in the same brand's family. The Goodyears I have on mine are not the greatest, but I do have some RFT winter Michelins I run for part of the year, and they're actually quieter and handle almost as well along with being a softer compound which lessens impacts.
 
Luckily, so far, I've not had a problem and hope to keep it that way!

#130 of 132 Need tire recommendation for 2003 530i by stevenlh1

Nov 30, 2012 (4:44 pm)

I recently put new Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires on my 2003 530i with sport package (tire size 235/45-17). These tires are Consumer Reports highest rated high-performance summer tire and got very good user reviews on Tire Rack, where I bought them. So far I like them, but they are somewhat noisier and not as smooth riding as I would like. I still have a few days to exchange them under Michelin's 30-day guarantee, and I'm considering going with Michelin
Primacy MXM4 instead, to, hopefully, get a bit quieter and more compliant ride. If anyone has experience with either of these tires (or comparable Michelin) on your BMW, please let me know your thought/recommendations. Thanks!

#131 of 132 Re: Need tire recommendation for 2003 530i [stevenlh1] by goodmaj1

Nov 30, 2012 (4:51 pm)

Replying to: stevenlh1 (Nov 30, 2012 4:44 pm)
Nice to see another e39 out there. I currently run Toyos on my e39 M5 but aren't a huge fan. Lots of M5 owners really like the PSS', I'm a little surprised you're having issues. I prefer an A/S setup to summer, so I'd recommend the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus or the Conti Extreme Contact DWS. The DWS' are a little soft on the sidewalls but the tread isn't directional so you can at least rotate side/side. I love the Michelins though.
 
You should check out m5board.com, the e39 discussion area, for tire recommendations. Lots of threads there.

#132 of 132 Re: Need tire recommendation for 2003 530i [goodmaj1] by 530ir1150r

Dec 12, 2012 (4:44 pm)

Replying to: goodmaj1 (Nov 30, 2012 4:51 pm)
I use Pilot Sport PS 2s on my 2002 530i sport package. I bought my latest set last May on clearance, they may or may not still be available. They have been the best Michelins I've ever used. Also, PS2s have been the last two sets on my wife's Saab 9-3 and I intend to replace them early next year with Super Sports.

Messages Page 14 of 14

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