Runflat Survey

JSpira · 03-31-2006, 08:32 AM

For an article I am writing, I am surveying whether you like the tires your car came with. Please only post comments related to the questions below.

If you have 17" sport tires, please vote with the 18" group. IF YOU DON'T CURRENTLY HAVE AN E90 OR E9X, PLEASE DON'T VOTE!

Your help is appreciated and the findings will be published (presuming we get enough people taking the survey to make it valid).

JackMac · 03-31-2006, 08:34 AM

Don't like them. I also notified BMW NA too. Just ordered replacements for both summer and winter setup. Primarily a poor ride quality issue with the RFT's.

JSpira · 03-31-2006, 08:43 AM

Thanks for the reply but it doesn't help without a vote in the poll. Please vote as well.

petesamprs · 03-31-2006, 08:45 AM

I voted I don't like mine (see sig) but I'm keeping them since I can't carry a spare.

The sports suspension makes the ride harder, but not too harsh. Add the RFT and it's too harsh.

KL2DC · 03-31-2006, 08:47 AM

I have the standard (wimpy) 16" 156s (EL 42 RFT I believe)...I am not 100% crazy about them (eventhough I haven't pushed the car) but I'm keeping them for now esp since I bought the tire/wheel warranty on them...

They are rather hard esp on DC metro streets and I think the grip levels are not where they should be ... I'll know more when i go through the full cycle of variable weather and conditions driving...

kobechrome · 03-31-2006, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KL2DC

I have the standard (wimpy) 16" 156s (EL 42 RFT I believe)...I am not 100% crazy about them (eventhough I haven't pushed the car) but I'm keeping them for now esp since I bought the tire/wheel warranty on them...

They are rather hard esp on DC metro streets and I think the grip levels are not where they should be ... I'll know more when i go through the full cycle of variable weather and conditions driving...

Same opinion here. Don't like them but I'm too lazy to change them. DC streets leave alot to be desired - esp in the high construction area where I just moved to.

JackMac · 03-31-2006, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSpira

Thanks for the reply but it doesn't help without a vote in the poll. Please vote as well.

Vote has been cast. The poll was not showing up at first, but it is there now.

Looking forward to your article!

ashecnc · 03-31-2006, 08:58 AM

I don't see sport package tires 17"

JSpira · 03-31-2006, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashecnc

I don't see sport package tires 17"

Oops. Forgot about those. Please vote with the 18" sport. I meant it to be inclusive.

E90Fleet · 03-31-2006, 09:09 AM

Ive got 17" Summer Sport tires on the M sport Suspension and find them absolutely perfect.

I wouldnt change a thing.

One thing I have noticed though is a lot of people who dotn like their ride have the wrong tire pressures set from the dealers. A lot find the ride good after adjusting the pressures

ward · 03-31-2006, 09:09 AM

"sport pack tires" are not very high performance at all.

a michelin pilot PS2 or bridgestone S-03 or many other tires would out perform the stockers signifigantly.

Stock pirellis make a TON of noise when cornering hard and don't really provide very much grip.

I will not replace them with runflats when the time comes, (I drive a LOT, 25000 a year so hopefully they'll be gone soon)

E90Fleet · 03-31-2006, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ward

"sport pack tires" are not very high performance at all.

a michelin pilot PS2 or bridgestone S-03 or many other tires would out perform the stockers signifigantly.

Outside the US the Michelin PS2 is one of the OEM 18" tires

JamieA · 03-31-2006, 09:20 AM

I have 17" wheels with standard suspension. Tyres are Bridgestone Potenza 225/45

I don't like them at all. I know BMW designed the suspension to work with RFTs, and sometimes it is really good at absorbing road acne, but other times the ride is very harsh. So harsh in fact that I worry that the car will eventually suffer in the fit and finish and rattle-free quality stakes because it is being crashed and bashed to death with the suspension.

So I guess it is the inconsistency that gets to me. Every time I think I will get rid of them when the tyres wear out, they go through a good patch and ride well. I am worried that because of the suspension design, going to standard tyres will make it too soft... would be interested to hear opinions on this one.

So how would I describe it - On a bad road it could loosen teeth

BMerDRMer · 03-31-2006, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSpira

For an article I am writing, I am surveying whether you like the tires your car came with. Please only post comments related to the questions below.

Your help is appreciated and the findings will be published (presuming we get enough people taking the survey to make it valid).

Can anyone summarize what options are out there in RFT SUmmer Performance Tires in the US other than the Bridgestone RE 50A's that come with the 330i 18Inch 162's?

Like to know if there are any other RFT perfromance options for next time around.

porscheneer · 03-31-2006, 09:26 AM

I Dont like them but im keeping them because to be honest this is my commuter car so I doubt I will dump any serious cash down to enhance it. It should not be too long before Im back in a porsche.
That being said I love the car for the daily drive!

thrill30 · 03-31-2006, 09:35 AM

I like my 18 inch Run Flats, and would not take anything else.

Yes, they are harsh when you drive on bad roads, but most of the time I drive on fairly good roads, so it's not an issue.... also tyre pressure can be a deal-breaker... a very small error of over-inflation can quickly make you hate them.

On my E36, I had 235/40 tyres, and when I changed to an E46, I opted for the standard 16 inch 225/50 because I thought my E36 was too harsh ... I enjoyed the comfort on the E46 tyres, but they got me frustrated as they flex too much when cornering closer to the limit.... so, low-profiles all the way for me.

However, on roads that are really bad, I sometimes feel like I'm breaking the suspension, no matter how slow I try to drive

.... but as soon as I get to a normal road, it's smiles again

.

Well, it's a trade-off that I can live with.

gdnyc · 03-31-2006, 09:37 AM

I have the Continentals (225/45/17). They really do make the ride harsh. Almost feels like the suspension is bad sometimes. The noise they make is horrendous. Sounds like a bad wheel bearing. Horrible
I am keeping them though. I leased the car for now. If the car treats me (and my wallet) good for the next three years, then I will but it out and put performance tires on it and get a spare. I am sure there will be a solution by then.

Gitta · 03-31-2006, 09:43 AM

I have the 18" Bridgestone and I think they handle well, but I'm not thrilled with the ride of the RFT's. A small lip across the road sounds like a bomb going off in my wheel well. I may try another brand when it's time to replace them, but they will also be RFT's. I will probably go for an all season instead of just summer.

bilbarstow · 03-31-2006, 09:50 AM

I have the 18" Brigestones on Sport Pkg - have only had the car a few days, but it seems to ride quite nicely (pressure is right) and I can feel the sportiness in the corners. Have had a couple of (minor) jolts from potholes on the highway, but the wheels don't seem to exhibit the "floaty" tramlining that others have complained about and so far I'm satisfied. Thanks to the forums, I have known what to look out for and have been really paying attention - and so far have been pleasantly surprised !

WallyF · 03-31-2006, 09:57 AM

Hi,

The Bridgestone EL42 on my 156 rims seem to be OK for the way my wife and I drive; moderate. I do notice that the RFTs seem to give a somewhat harsh ride on smooth pavement. I will be switching to non RFTs (probably the Bridgestone G009 or Michelin Exacto) tires in the 205/55-16 size when the EL42s wear out. I purchased and carry an inflation/sealant kit from TireRack.

Wallyf

thrill30 · 03-31-2006, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gitta

A small lip across the road sounds like a bomb going off in my wheel well.

Very true... I've noticed the same thing

.

Broken1 · 03-31-2006, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

Ive got 17" Summer Sport tires on the M sport Suspension and find them absolutely perfect.

I wouldnt change a thing.

One thing I have noticed though is a lot of people who dotn like their ride have the wrong tire pressures set from the dealers. A lot find the ride good after adjusting the pressures

What tires did you get?

I have 17" Continental SportContact2 and with the pressures set correctly, I find them an absolute pleasure :-) Dry grip is perfect, wet grip is adequate :-)

View Poll Results: How much do you like your runflat tires? Please post details as well - thanks!
I have the standard 16" or 17" all-season tires and like how they ride and handle	25	22.94%
I have the standard 16" or 17" AS tires, don't like how they ride (post why) but I'm keeping them	18	16.51%
I had the standard 16" or 17" all-season tires, did't like how they rode, and installed non runflats	6	5.50%
I have the 18" sport tires and like how they ride and handle	41	37.61%
I have the 18" sport tires, don't like how they ride &/or handle (post why) but I'm keeping them	15	13.76%
I had the 18" sport tires, didn't like how they rode, and installed non runflat tires	4	3.67%
Voters: 109. You may not vote on this poll

03-31-2006, 08:32 AM	#1
JSpira Freude am Fahren 336 Rep 5,254 Posts Drives: Fünfer, Dreier, + Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New York, München, Wien iTrader: (1)	Runflat Survey For an article I am writing, I am surveying whether you like the tires your car came with. Please only post comments related to the questions below. If you have 17" sport tires, please vote with the 18" group. IF YOU DON'T CURRENTLY HAVE AN E90 OR E9X, PLEASE DON'T VOTE! Your help is appreciated and the findings will be published (presuming we get enough people taking the survey to make it valid). __________________ Freude am Fahren. Jonathan E90 2006 330xi E90 2006 325i E39 2003 530i Sport* E46 2000 328Ci* E36 1996 328iS* E36 1992 325i* E30 1991 318is E21 1982 320iS* E21 1979 320 (6-Zyl)* retired Nominated: Most Contributing Member Last edited by JSpira; 03-31-2006 at 09:27 AM..*
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03-31-2006, 08:34 AM	#2
JackMac Recovering BMW Addict 151 Rep 1,914 Posts Drives: <OO (\|\|\|)(\|\|\|) OO> Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Southeast PA iTrader: (7) Garage List 2010 MINI John Coop ... [9.66]	Don't like them. I also notified BMW NA too. Just ordered replacements for both summer and winter setup. Primarily a poor ride quality issue with the RFT's.
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03-31-2006, 08:43 AM	#3
JSpira Freude am Fahren 336 Rep 5,254 Posts Drives: Fünfer, Dreier, + Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New York, München, Wien iTrader: (1)	Thanks for the reply but it doesn't help without a vote in the poll. Please vote as well. __________________ Freude am Fahren. Jonathan E90 2006 330xi E90 2006 325i E39 2003 530i Sport* E46 2000 328Ci* E36 1996 328iS* E36 1992 325i* E30 1991 318is E21 1982 320iS* E21 1979 320 (6-Zyl)* *retired Nominated: Most Contributing Member
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03-31-2006, 08:45 AM	#4
petesamprs Lieutenant 34 Rep 519 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: northeast iTrader: (0)	I voted I don't like mine (see sig) but I'm keeping them since I can't carry a spare. The sports suspension makes the ride harder, but not too harsh. Add the RFT and it's too harsh. __________________ '14 535i (ED) Retired: '08 M5, '08 550i (ED), '06 330i
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03-31-2006, 08:47 AM	#5
KL2DC Moderator 318 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	I have the standard (wimpy) 16" 156s (EL 42 RFT I believe)...I am not 100% crazy about them (eventhough I haven't pushed the car) but I'm keeping them for now esp since I bought the tire/wheel warranty on them... They are rather hard esp on DC metro streets and I think the grip levels are not where they should be ... I'll know more when i go through the full cycle of variable weather and conditions driving... __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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03-31-2006, 08:58 AM	#8
ashecnc In the delivery business :) 25 Rep 991 Posts Drives: '06 325i Jet Black/Black Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Asheville, NC (mountains) Blue Ridge Parkway iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00]	I don't see sport package tires 17" __________________ Born 10/05 '06 325i Jet Black, Black, Sport Package, Xenon's, Heated Seats & Power, Sat. Prep, Rear Spoiler, Chrome Tips, Blacklines, Chrome Grills, 19" M5 wheels NO MORE run flats, drives like a dream now
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03-31-2006, 09:09 AM	#10
E90Fleet Lieutenant General 1312 Rep 10,185 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	Ive got 17" Summer Sport tires on the M sport Suspension and find them absolutely perfect. I wouldnt change a thing. One thing I have noticed though is a lot of people who dotn like their ride have the wrong tire pressures set from the dealers. A lot find the ride good after adjusting the pressures __________________ BMW if you are reading, I need a job, Please.
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03-31-2006, 09:09 AM	#11
ward Major General 155 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	"sport pack tires" are not very high performance at all. a michelin pilot PS2 or bridgestone S-03 or many other tires would out perform the stockers signifigantly. Stock pirellis make a TON of noise when cornering hard and don't really provide very much grip. I will not replace them with runflats when the time comes, (I drive a LOT, 25000 a year so hopefully they'll be gone soon)
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03-31-2006, 09:20 AM	#13
JamieA Colonel 93 Rep 2,168 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Adelaide, Australia iTrader: (0)	I have 17" wheels with standard suspension. Tyres are Bridgestone Potenza 225/45 I don't like them at all. I know BMW designed the suspension to work with RFTs, and sometimes it is really good at absorbing road acne, but other times the ride is very harsh. So harsh in fact that I worry that the car will eventually suffer in the fit and finish and rattle-free quality stakes because it is being crashed and bashed to death with the suspension. So I guess it is the inconsistency that gets to me. Every time I think I will get rid of them when the tyres wear out, they go through a good patch and ride well. I am worried that because of the suspension design, going to standard tyres will make it too soft... would be interested to hear opinions on this one. So how would I describe it - On a bad road it could loosen teeth __________________ '05 E90 325i \| '06 E90 325i \| '08 E90 325i LCI \| '13 F30 328i M-Sport \| '14 F10 535d M-Sport Current: '19 G01 X3 M40i
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03-31-2006, 09:26 AM	#15
porscheneer Porscheneer 5 Rep 196 Posts Drives: Porsche 996 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Houston TX iTrader: (0)	I Dont like them but im keeping them because to be honest this is my commuter car so I doubt I will dump any serious cash down to enhance it. It should not be too long before Im back in a porsche. That being said I love the car for the daily drive! __________________ BMW 330i , Sport , Premium, Cold weather, NAV, Steptronic & BMW Assist porscheneer@hotmail.com
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03-31-2006, 09:35 AM	#16
thrill30 Lieutenant 16 Rep 523 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 330i 6MT Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pretoria, South Africa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 (MY 2006) 330i [0.00]	I like my 18 inch Run Flats, and would not take anything else. Yes, they are harsh when you drive on bad roads, but most of the time I drive on fairly good roads, so it's not an issue.... also tyre pressure can be a deal-breaker... a very small error of over-inflation can quickly make you hate them. On my E36, I had 235/40 tyres, and when I changed to an E46, I opted for the standard 16 inch 225/50 because I thought my E36 was too harsh ... I enjoyed the comfort on the E46 tyres, but they got me frustrated as they flex too much when cornering closer to the limit.... so, low-profiles all the way for me. However, on roads that are really bad, I sometimes feel like I'm breaking the suspension, no matter how slow I try to drive .... but as soon as I get to a normal road, it's smiles again . Well, it's a trade-off that I can live with. __________________ E90 330i 6MT\|Space Grey\|Red Brown\|Alumin\|Sunroof\|Voice Control\|Logic 7\|Xenon\|Prof-Navigation\|Storage Pack\|Luggage Pack\|Extended Lights\|Anti-dazzle Folding Mirrors\|Climate Comf. w/screen\|M-Sport Pack\|Exclusive Pack\|Innovations Pack\|Alumin Pedals\|CF Splitters\|Delivered:19 March 2010
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03-31-2006, 09:37 AM	#17
gdnyc Lieutenant 24 Rep 472 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi Jet Black Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	I have the Continentals (225/45/17). They really do make the ride harsh. Almost feels like the suspension is bad sometimes. The noise they make is horrendous. Sounds like a bad wheel bearing. Horrible I am keeping them though. I leased the car for now. If the car treats me (and my wallet) good for the next three years, then I will but it out and put performance tires on it and get a spare. I am sure there will be a solution by then. __________________ 2006 330xi BMW, please get rid of the RFT's and give us a spare tire!
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03-31-2006, 09:43 AM	#18
Gitta Kelly's 330i 11 Rep 413 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: E PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i (current ... [0.00] 2006 330i (new) [0.00] 2006 330i (interior) [0.00]	I have the 18" Bridgestone and I think they handle well, but I'm not thrilled with the ride of the RFT's. A small lip across the road sounds like a bomb going off in my wheel well. I may try another brand when it's time to replace them, but they will also be RFT's. I will probably go for an all season instead of just summer. __________________ '06 330ix \| 6MT \| TS-BDL-BW \| ZSP \| ZPP \| heated seats \|... mods \| cf splitters painted TiAg \| spoiler \| blacklines \| short shift knob \| cf trim \| *** winter setup: 17" ASA JH3 & Dunlop WinterSport M3 DSST * . '01 325xi \| auto \| TS-GDL-BW \| ZPP \| heated seats \|........... mods** \| spoiler \| mudguards \| blackout grills \| clear lights \| halo projector headlights \|
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03-31-2006, 09:50 AM	#19
bilbarstow Private 2 Rep 95 Posts Drives: 2006 330i SG 6M ZPP ZSP Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I have the 18" Brigestones on Sport Pkg - have only had the car a few days, but it seems to ride quite nicely (pressure is right) and I can feel the sportiness in the corners. Have had a couple of (minor) jolts from potholes on the highway, but the wheels don't seem to exhibit the "floaty" tramlining that others have complained about and so far I'm satisfied. Thanks to the forums, I have known what to look out for and have been really paying attention - and so far have been pleasantly surprised ! __________________ 2006 330i Sparkling Graphite/Gray Leather * 6MT * zPP * zSP * Sirius * OEM Spoiler * Fold-down Rear Seats * Lo-Jack * Pinnacle 35 FormulaOne Tint * Blackline Tails *
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03-31-2006, 09:57 AM	#20
WallyF First Lieutenant 97 Rep 399 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fort Wayne, IN iTrader: (1) Garage List 2023 BMW i4 eDrive4 ... [0.00]	EL42s are acceptable for a moderate driver Hi, The Bridgestone EL42 on my 156 rims seem to be OK for the way my wife and I drive; moderate. I do notice that the RFTs seem to give a somewhat harsh ride on smooth pavement. I will be switching to non RFTs (probably the Bridgestone G009 or Michelin Exacto) tires in the 205/55-16 size when the EL42s wear out. I purchased and carry an inflation/sealant kit from TireRack. Wallyf
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