17 messages,
Last post on Aug 16, 2010 at 6:20 AM
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BMW 3-Series Forum.
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BMW 3 Series, Sedan, Wagon
#13 of 17 Re: rft problems [richardga73]
by fedlawman
Nov 12, 2008 (10:47 am)
The E90 suspension tuning was already softened by the factory to compensate for the run-flats.
Don't cripple the dynamics of your 3-series from the get go by ordering the soft suspension. Just put normal tires on it.
If the BMW is still too stiff for you, then maybe a Buick or Mercedes is a better choice.
#14 of 17 Run Flats- Potenza's Wear
by slcs1
Aug 03, 2010 (11:18 am)
I purchased (2) rear potenza's RFT's in 9/09, and 9K miles later the tires are evenly wore and in need of replacement. I'm aware of the Class Action Suit against BMW and Bridgestone involving the Turanza's RFT's, however, the Potenza's also manufactured by Bridgestone were not included. Although, In my opinion, perhaps they should have been, or at least investigated for possible inclusion. it's not a coincidence that the issues in the Class Action Settlement which identifies excessive noise, irregular wear and needed replacement, which is exactly what I've experienced with the Potenza's. My tire dealership suggested that I contact my BMW service provider regarding the "Bushing". Is this really a tire issue and/or both a tire and suspension issue. This is my first 3 series 2006 330 and I will never purchase again. Since purchasing this CPO in 11/08; my first tire problem occurred in 12/08, with monthly intervals and trips to the BMW dealership for inspection and poor diagnostic. Through a mutual Tire Dealership, proper inspection and diagnostic was obtained and subsequent purchases of RFT's. Now all four, with most recent purchase yesterday (F/R), and a recommendation to replace the rears "AGAIN". Initially, I had to start replacing the original tires due to unusual wear or punctures after less than 6k miles from the original purchase date of the car. I live in California and drive on smooth surfaces. I'm ready to turn the car in. There's more to this than what's been said and done. I think the Class Action suit only touches the surface. Too many of us consumers are dealing with this issue and the inconvenience of having to resourcefully resolve it at our expense financially and emotionally. I'm a 56 yr old conservative female driver, who, obviously has taken her car in to the BMW dealership for service (tire problems)and and sometimes prematurely, and at regular service intervals, as recommended. I'm not a fault for this defect in technology by Bridgestone or BMW. Finally, I'm schedule to take the car in on Thursday, 8/5 as recommended by the service advsior to check the bushings. DOES ANYONE HAS ANY SUGGESTIONS ON MY APPROACH REGARDING THE ISSUE WITH THE RFT'S AND THE BUSHINGS. THE CPO WARRANTY IS STILL GOOD AND THINK THE MFG'S WARRANTY IS TOO, BUT IN CASE IT ISN'T OR NOT COVERED BY THE CPO, I NEED A SOLID APPROACH SO I WON'T HAVE TO INCURR IN ADDITIONAL COST. I FEEL BMW SHOULD REPLACE THE (2) REARS NOT ME AT BEST.
#15 of 17 Re: Run Flats- Potenza's Wear [slcs1]
by bigkev
Aug 15, 2010 (6:52 am)
Unless you want to devote all your time to what (from my experience) will be a completely fruitless exercise, trade the thing in and buy something that drives and rides properly. I traded my beloved Lexus ES on a BMW 3 series and boy oh boy - watta mistaka to maka, as they say in the classics. To hell with European cars; always thought they were rubbish and now I've proven it. They are for 'badge buyers' only.
Toyota or Ford for me next time.
#16 of 17 Re: Run Flats- Potenza's Wear [bigkev]
by shipo
Aug 16, 2010 (3:09 am)
It appears that you're wearing your bias on your sleeve, and said bias has spilled into your post as well. Like it or not, believe it or not, European cars in general and BMWs in particular offer driving dynamics that are occasionally equaled but rarely exceeded by cars produced in other parts of the world. Are European cars for everybody? Nope; and clearly they're not for you, but to make a blanket statement that "they are for badge buyers only" is just silly.
#17 of 17 Re: Run Flats- Potenza's Wear [shipo]
by bigkev
Aug 16, 2010 (6:20 am)
Fair comment - It's my fault.
Between us my wife and I have had 2 C Class Mercedes, both of which were very uncomfortable and riddled with electrical and computer faults, (13 times in 2 years) a new 2009 Audi A4 which spent more time in the shop than on the road due to steering rack problems (shudder) and continuously stalling and which got traded on the BMW, which I grant is good apart from the ride. Our only other experience was with a Peugeot that we bought as a second car (are they sold in the States? hope not !) 2007 new car, transmission packed up on the way home from the dealers. Gave us another new car. That one spent 15 weeks in the workshop over 9 months period with transmission, computer and oil leak problems. Peugeot took it back finally. I guess I'm too old for adventure now, wondering if it will start and go OK each morning. I just want a comfortable car that goes well, can be repaired by the dealer if necessary and doesn't cost an arm and a leg like the Chev and Fords, Dodges etc that I grew up with. You do have a point about the drivability I admit.