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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wheels and Tires Forum Sponsored by The Tire Rack > Run Flats vs. Non Run Flats - I switched and need suggestion



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      07-07-2014, 06:30 PM   #1
neiln
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Run Flats vs. Non Run Flats - I switched and need suggestion

Hi All,
Its a 2009 328i xDrive.
My car originally came with Continental ContiProContact SSR Run Flats.

The tread on the tire is worn out and it was time to replace the tire.

I was highly recommended to go for the regular tires.

1) I narrowed my search down to Conti ExtremeContact DWS but "Discount Tire" did not have them so they recommended me Conti ControlContact A/S that are comparable to DWS.
2) I got them installed and I am currently driving the ControlContact A/S regular tires.
3) I hate the ride quality. Its extremely smooth and all the sportiness is gone. Cornering feels like a Toyota or a Honda.
4) I thought its because I did NOT get the DWS.
5) I called discount tire asked them to switch me to the DWS and also told how I feel.
6) They said its not because of the ControlContacts but its coz of the switch from the Run Flats to the regular tires.

Ok Now.
They are recommending me going back to the Run Flats if I want the sporty ride quality.

1) What are the pros and cons of having the Run Flats?
2 ) Given my situation, shall I go back to the Run Flats? the price difference(including installation) for the Regulars and run flats is around $150 in my case.
3) If I have to switch back to run flats, discount tire recommended me the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position RFT as they come with a 40K miles warranty. Do you recommend any other tires.
4) They also told me that if I have plans to sell the car, then the dealer will require me to get the run flats back on and also if a private party buys it they might look for the run flats if they are knowledgeable.
5) What do I do for
a) Best Ride Quality(Sporty)
b) Retain Resale Value

PS : I am planning to sell the car by end of 2015.

Thanks,
N

Last edited by neiln; 07-07-2014 at 06:40 PM..
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      07-07-2014, 08:00 PM   #2
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When I bought my car, it had the OEM runflats. Shortly thereafter, I switched to Conti DWS. The Conti DWS are much better - better handling, especially in rain and provide great cornering.
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Last edited by snaimpally; 07-07-2014 at 08:07 PM..
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      07-07-2014, 08:10 PM   #3
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Is Discount willing to refund your money, or are you stuck buying other tires from them. If you get your money back, spend some time in the Private Party Sale area for wheels and tires here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=111

You'll find both runflats and non runflats for sale, I'm sure there will be something for you that would get you through to the end of 2015. You most likely don't need an all season tire, so stay with the more readily available 3 season or summer tire category.

If you're stuck with Discount, then change categories to a max performance summer tire like the Continental extreme contact DW's or Bridgestone RE760 Sport.

If you sell your BMW privately, and don't have runflats, make sure to include a couple of these in the sale to lessen the fear of having a flat and no spare. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Fix-A-Flat...r-Kit/21800629 If you trade in at the dealer, they may deduct money since the dealer will have to change out to runflats if they resell it.
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      07-07-2014, 11:12 PM   #4
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The only reason a dealer would require RFT's is if it's a lease.
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      07-07-2014, 11:45 PM   #5
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You sound like an automobile neophyte, so here's the quick break down:

Run Flats do not handle as well as non-RFT sports tire compound due to added rotational mass in each corner.

I couldn't find anything remotely close to ControlContact A/S, so I'm going to assume Continental ContiProContact Grand Touring All-Season, which is not even remotely close in handling compared to the Continental ExtremeContact DWS. See reviews below:

Continental ExtremeContact DWS
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....meContact+DWS#

Continental ContiProContact Grand Touring A/S
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....m=245HR7CPCV4#

Bottom line, be extra cautious when a tire shop tells you we don't have tire XYZ, but we have XXX, which is comparable. You should be able to switch them out under their 30 day satisfaction guarantee: http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/infoRefund.do

Or the shop can submit a manufacturer return and charge you the difference towards a new set based on a pro-rated calculation.

Last, the only time you will ever need to switch back to RFT is if your vehicle is under lease, and it's due for a lease return. Other than that, most of us ditch the RFTs and never turn back.

Best of luck with the situation.
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      07-08-2014, 12:59 AM   #6
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Tell you what, pay very little attention to advise and tips from people who are trying to sell you stuff, especially at a store like Discount Tires (which is like a BestBuy for tires, think you get the idea). And this applies to everything, not just car.

I would still get normal tires instead of RFT, and there is a reason why none of the M cars use RFT. It seems like you want tight steering response and good road feel, so Michelin PSS should be a good fit for you, since you live in Cali and can drive on summer tires year round.
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      07-08-2014, 02:09 AM   #7
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Thank everyone of the awesome responses.
here is the link to ControlContacts
http://www.discounttire.com/infocont...ctsportas.html

So bottom line:
1) You guys still dont recommend RFTs
2) For regular tires , whats the best for sporty feel?

As far as sporty feel goes , discount also recommended me these tires :
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....el&tab=Reviews

Cloud9Blue, is this Michelin that you recommended?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....lar=Base+Model

If Non RFTs , is the DWS best for what I want?
I see that there are too many options. Like its identified, I like the tight steering response and good road feel.
Please suggest.



Quote:
Originally Posted by narstune View Post
You sound like an automobile neophyte, so here's the quick break down:

Run Flats do not handle as well as non-RFT sports tire compound due to added rotational mass in each corner.

I couldn't find anything remotely close to ControlContact A/S, so I'm going to assume Continental ContiProContact Grand Touring All-Season, which is not even remotely close in handling compared to the Continental ExtremeContact DWS. See reviews below:

Continental ExtremeContact DWS
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....meContact+DWS#

Continental ContiProContact Grand Touring A/S
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....m=245HR7CPCV4#

Bottom line, be extra cautious when a tire shop tells you we don't have tire XYZ, but we have XXX, which is comparable. You should be able to switch them out under their 30 day satisfaction guarantee: http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/infoRefund.do

Or the shop can submit a manufacturer return and charge you the difference towards a new set based on a pro-rated calculation.

Last, the only time you will ever need to switch back to RFT is if your vehicle is under lease, and it's due for a lease return. Other than that, most of us ditch the RFTs and never turn back.

Best of luck with the situation.

Last edited by neiln; 07-08-2014 at 02:23 AM..
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      07-08-2014, 08:39 AM   #8
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Why not get summer tires if you live in Cali?

Search pilot super sport.
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      07-08-2014, 10:56 AM   #9
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There is chance that I might move to the east coast. I bought the xDrive in Michicagn, and I might go back to Michigan.
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      07-09-2014, 10:55 AM   #10
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anyone please suggest which tire to finalize.
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      07-09-2014, 11:07 AM   #11
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How about continental extremecontact DW? They are the summer version of the DWS and drive much better.
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      07-09-2014, 11:49 AM   #12
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I am going with Michelin PSS as soon as the RFT go (am in CA)
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      07-09-2014, 01:24 PM   #13
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I was leaning towards the DWS , any final thoughts on why I should get a DW as opposed to a DWS?

I live in SoCal and there is a slim chance that I might move to Michigan 2 years from now.

Thanks,
N
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      07-09-2014, 01:27 PM   #14
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Non runflats are better than runflat's in every way except in a situation where you get a nail in a tire. lol

But seriously you made the wrong tire choice. Go get Michelin pilot sport AS3's or PSS's for even more grip(although I doubt a 328i needs it) and be done with it.
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      07-09-2014, 01:34 PM   #15
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Is this the AS3?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....el&tab=Reviews


so between DWS and AS3.. AS3 are better?

Last edited by neiln; 07-09-2014 at 01:40 PM..
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      07-09-2014, 01:50 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by neiln View Post
Is this the AS3?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....el&tab=Reviews


so between DWS and AS3.. AS3 are better?
Try clicking on the "test" tab on that page...
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      07-09-2014, 02:29 PM   #17
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btw , on the current controlcontacts I noticed a drop in mpg by 1 mile. Do you know why?

my dash shows 18.5 mpg now, instead of 19.5 which I usually get on my RFTs.

How does the suspension on my vehicle behave with Non RFTs.

Last edited by neiln; 07-09-2014 at 02:40 PM..
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      07-10-2014, 12:57 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Transport3r
How about continental extremecontact DW? They are the summer version of the DWS and drive much better.
Have them. Love them. Great tires.
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      07-10-2014, 09:10 AM   #19
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If you want a good all-season non-run flat tire that is better than the Michelin Pilot sport 3's in light snow, get the Goodyear F1 A/S. If light snow is not a problem for you, then go with the Michelin Pilot sport 3 A/S.

If your moving back to Michigan, I would get the Goodyear F1's and then change over to a true winter tire in mid-November and use them until mid-March. Michigan winters have been a B@tch lately.

Goodyear F1

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes" rel="" target="_blank">http://<a href="http://www.tirerack....mpare1=yes</a>" rel="" target="_blank">http://<a href="http://<a href="http...e1=yes</a></a>

Michelin Pilot Sport 3's

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes" rel="" target="_blank">http://<a href="http://www.tirerack....mpare1=yes</a>" rel="" target="_blank">http://<a href="http://<a href="http...e1=yes</a></a>

comparison

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/CompareTires.jsp" rel="" target="_blank">http://<a href="http://www.tirerack....eTires.jsp</a>" rel="" target="_blank">http://<a href="http://<a href="http...es.jsp</a></a>

Scroll down to the bottom and click on survey. Compare numbers for both tires.

The Goodyear will last longer but its not quite as good in the wet or dry, but it is much better in light snow. The Michelin is much better in dry and the wet, but I would not want to get caught in a Michigan November where you can get snowfall, slush and cold rain with these tires on my car. I would feel much better with the goodyears on in November and March/April when my winter tires are not on the car.

Also, consider going a little wider. I think your tires are stock 225/45/17. At least they are on a 335. I bought 235/45/17 and the car is better over all in terms of handling. I may go to a 245/45/17 on my next set.
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      07-10-2014, 09:57 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by neiln View Post
I was leaning towards the DWS , any final thoughts on why I should get a DW as opposed to a DWS?

I live in SoCal and there is a slim chance that I might move to Michigan 2 years from now.

Thanks,
N
If you are not going to see snow, the DWS won't do anything for you except have less grip and wear faster.
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      07-10-2014, 02:02 PM   #21
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neiln - decision time dude. You want a good performing tire. You were talked into, and bought crap at Discount. You have 30 days to change to something else. There's a "slim chance" you'll move back to Michigan in 2 years, but you live in Los Angeles now. You also indicated you may sell the car in 2 years.

GO BACK TO DISCOUNT AND HAVE THEM PUT ON THE CONTI DW RIGHT NOW. You're in max performance summer tire climate for the next 2 years, get a tire that was made for this climate. That will be your best performance bet.

If you ever move back to Michigan, get real snow tires when you move back there. I don't know how much driving you do each year, but 2 years on the DWS will leave them next to useless in winter anyway.

Tell Discount to mount DW tires and move on with life. They are even slightly cheaper that the ConrolContact A/S, so you'll get some money back!

DO IT NOW
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      07-10-2014, 05:06 PM   #22
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Thanks john16443 and all for your great suggestions,
I looked at all the options that were thrown at me.
I went to Discount Tire 3 hours ago with an intention to get the ExtremeContact DWS on my car. But they didn't have the DWS in stock and had to order them.
While I was in the store, I looked at the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 and Michelin Pilot Super Sport. They both looked very very similar in tread pattern and I had a feeling that the Sport A/S 3 would be very close to Super Sport in handling and summer performance and will also provide me some traction if I ever went to the mountains during the winter(big bear and mountains in So Cal). But the Michelins were expensive. I asked the Discount guy if they can price match tirerack.com. With some initial hesitation, they price matched tirerack.com.

Ok the 2 resources that bought me into the Michelin Pilot Sport AS3 are
1) http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=734825
2)


So, I bought the Pilot Sport AS3. They are installed on my car now.

Initial feel for 10 miles of driving, definitely I can feel the road unlike the contis. Have to drive a lot more to really review them.
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