mixing RFT(front) and regular tires(back)

135ARG · 10-16-2009, 03:27 PM

After 9000 miles the RFT rear are nearly dead, I'm planing on getting the Yokohama S.drives. The wear in the fronts seam to be alright, so here's my question.
Should I get the rear Yokohama and keep the RFT in the front, or just get all 4?
Discount tire is having a $100 rebate so i would almost be getting the two fronts for the price of one, which complicates the decision.
I would appreciate everyone's opinion in this decision...
Thanks

RPM90 · 10-16-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 135ARG

After 9000 miles the RFT rear are nearly dead, I'm planing on getting the Yokohama S.drives. The wear in the fronts seam to be alright, so here's my question.
Should I get the rear Yokohama and keep the RFT in the front, or just get all 4?
Discount tire is having a $100 rebate so i would almost be getting the two fronts for the price of one, which complicates the decision.
I would appreciate everyone's opinion in this decision...
Thanks

Not too complicated, ALL 4 tires should be the same.

Tom K. · 10-16-2009, 05:27 PM

As I'll be getting about 24,000 miles out of the OEM rear tires on my 128i and double that on the front, my plan is to replace the rears with the OEM RFTs and then go for non run-flats when all 4 need replacing. But with only 9k, you might want to crunch the numbers on this option compared to 4 new tires. Either way, I'd avoid having different F/R tires on the car, especially run-flats & non RFTs.

Tom

Feyd · 10-16-2009, 05:39 PM

Don't mix tires. Its not a good thing...

SPEZNAS92 · 10-16-2009, 06:06 PM

Get four Yokohama tires and either store (if leased) the RFT's.... or sell them if your buying the car.

RFT's

WhiteOne · 10-16-2009, 06:55 PM

Have you read the Car and Driver test report?
Hankook V12 > S Drives and cost less too!

135ARG · 10-17-2009, 07:50 PM

why do all 4 tires have to be the same? can't think of any reason except just being picky. i drove with different rear and fronts in my m3 and had no problems with it.
any technical reason?

jibaholic101 · 10-17-2009, 07:56 PM

the tires will have different wear patterns and tread patterns.

it just effects handling is all, and is bad in performance applications

get all 4

135ARG · 10-17-2009, 09:41 PM

i just dont want to throw away 2 perfectly good tires

esses · 10-18-2009, 12:48 PM

You aren't throwing away two perfectly good tires. You are throwing away two stock run flat tires.

If you are just driving around you probably wont see much of a difference. If you push it, my guess is you will see major understeer and increased body roll/flex. RFTs have stiff sidewalls and not much transfer between traction and sideways - real tires are stickier and will transition. I know guys who put r compound slicks on the back of their daily drivers at the dragstrip with regular rubber up front - but they are not turning.

jibaholic101 · 10-18-2009, 01:06 PM

you can sell the two tires here under the for sale section, there are always people buying spare tires

jkp1187 · 10-18-2009, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by esses

You aren't throwing away two perfectly good tires. You are throwing away two stock run flat tires.

Until yesterday, I would have disasgreed with esses. But yesterday, I put on my 17" snow tires (Blizzaks).

The ride is almost night-and-day difference -- and remember, these are snow tires, which usually ride a little harsh anyway. But it is so smooth over bumps now, I almost don't want to go back to the RFTs in the summer.

Heck, you want to buy four RFTs, that way you want have to throw away any?

cagekicker · 10-18-2009, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 135ARG

why do all 4 tires have to be the same? can't think of any reason except just being picky. i drove with different rear and fronts in my m3 and had no problems with it.
any technical reason?

i gotta agree with you.

ManGGouste · 10-21-2009, 11:28 AM

Don't do that, man, that's simply horrible.
The balance of the car will be completly affected.

I changed my rear RFT after one got blown with 2 regular Falken FK-452 (same size of course).
Here's what I've experienced :

-car oscillating on highways : the rear of the car is always slightly going left & right so that you're correcting with the steering wheel all the time. Very tiring on long trips. And dangerous when it's windy.

- unpleasant oversteer (also due to the fact that these Falken are a bit narrower and they stick less on dry ground) in all curves. Note that I usually like oversteer.

-I even had the ESP braking some wheels on long curves on the highway (although I was driving at legal speeds !)

So I've bought some new front tires right after but I'm waiting to mount them at the same time as my Quaife LSD

in a few days.

135ARG · 10-23-2009, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManGGouste

Don't do that, man, that's simply horrible.
The balance of the car will be completly affected.

I changed my rear RFT after one got blown with 2 regular Falken FK-452 (same size of course).
Here's what I've experienced :

-car oscillating on highways : the rear of the car is always slightly going left & right so that you're correcting with the steering wheel all the time. Very tiring on long trips. And dangerous when it's windy.

- unpleasant oversteer (also due to the fact that these Falken are a bit narrower and they stick less on dry ground) in all curves. Note that I usually like oversteer.

-I even had the ESP braking some wheels on long curves on the highway (although I was driving at legal speeds !)

So I've bought some new front tires right after but I'm waiting to mount them at the same time as my Quaife LSD

in a few days.

this is intresting.. has anyone else experience simillar problems?

Berduderunner · 10-23-2009, 11:55 PM

I replaced my stock rears w. Star Spec Z1's and kept the RFT's in front for another 8000k. Not the best for handling, but I had no issues at all (and I drive like a jackass)

ptack · 10-24-2009, 06:20 AM

It all depends on how you drive. If you're going to be a little old lady you may be fine. If you at all try to drive the car aggressively you could be rudely surprised, Unless someone else has already tried mixing these same tires and can report on it, there's no way of predicting how it will work. Tires having their own tread patterns, shapes and compounds. There are too many variables to say if/when they can be mixed.

imported_mega · 10-26-2009, 07:44 AM

as long as front are paired, and rear are paired your fine, hell our cars are offset already

I would ditch those runflats fast though

ManGGouste · 10-27-2009, 03:17 AM

I forgot to mention once my rear tires get a little used, they seem to get harder so that the difference is less noticeable.
This is also probably due to the fact that the garage used some kind of grease to put on the tires, so that it would move slightly on the wheel.
At the beginig, the difference was huge : hard tires at the front, marschmallow at the rear.
Allthough it's better know I can't wait to get rid of thoses front RFT.

135ARG · 10-28-2009, 04:09 AM

decided on getting the 4 new tire... thanks everyone for the feedback, i truly appreciate it.
on that note anyone want my front RFT?

10-16-2009, 03:27 PM	#1
135ARG Private First Class 11 Rep 185 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 135i Join Date: May 2009 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	mixing RFT(front) and regular tires(back) After 9000 miles the RFT rear are nearly dead, I'm planing on getting the Yokohama S.drives. The wear in the fronts seam to be alright, so here's my question. Should I get the rear Yokohama and keep the RFT in the front, or just get all 4? Discount tire is having a $100 rebate so i would almost be getting the two fronts for the price of one, which complicates the decision. I would appreciate everyone's opinion in this decision... Thanks
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10-16-2009, 05:27 PM	#3
Tom K. Major General 124 Rep 5,627 Posts Drives: '07 328iT, '13 Boxster Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	As I'll be getting about 24,000 miles out of the OEM rear tires on my 128i and double that on the front, my plan is to replace the rears with the OEM RFTs and then go for non run-flats when all 4 need replacing. But with only 9k, you might want to crunch the numbers on this option compared to 4 new tires. Either way, I'd avoid having different F/R tires on the car, especially run-flats & non RFTs. Tom
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10-16-2009, 05:39 PM	#4
Feyd Major 348 Rep 1,288 Posts Drives: a DEEZZULL Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (2)	Don't mix tires. Its not a good thing...
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10-16-2009, 06:06 PM	#5
SPEZNAS92 First Lieutenant 11 Rep 305 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Studio City iTrader: (2)	Get four Yokohama tires and either store (if leased) the RFT's.... or sell them if your buying the car. RFT's
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10-16-2009, 06:55 PM	#6
WhiteOne Major 28 Rep 1,000 Posts Drives: 2008 AW 135i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alabama iTrader: (0)	Have you read the Car and Driver test report? Hankook V12 > S Drives and cost less too!
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10-17-2009, 07:50 PM	#7
135ARG Private First Class 11 Rep 185 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 135i Join Date: May 2009 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	why do all 4 tires have to be the same? can't think of any reason except just being picky. i drove with different rear and fronts in my m3 and had no problems with it. any technical reason?
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10-17-2009, 07:56 PM	#8
jibaholic101 Brigadier General 160 Rep 3,496 Posts Drives: women wild Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (0)	the tires will have different wear patterns and tread patterns. it just effects handling is all, and is bad in performance applications get all 4 __________________ some italian, german, and japanese ones; and on order more of the same
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10-17-2009, 09:41 PM	#9
135ARG Private First Class 11 Rep 185 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 135i Join Date: May 2009 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	i just dont want to throw away 2 perfectly good tires
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10-18-2009, 12:48 PM	#10
esses • 19 Rep 709 Posts Drives: like I stole it. Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (1)	You aren't throwing away two perfectly good tires. You are throwing away two stock run flat tires. If you are just driving around you probably wont see much of a difference. If you push it, my guess is you will see major understeer and increased body roll/flex. RFTs have stiff sidewalls and not much transfer between traction and sideways - real tires are stickier and will transition. I know guys who put r compound slicks on the back of their daily drivers at the dragstrip with regular rubber up front - but they are not turning. __________________
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10-18-2009, 01:06 PM	#11
jibaholic101 Brigadier General 160 Rep 3,496 Posts Drives: women wild Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (0)	you can sell the two tires here under the for sale section, there are always people buying spare tires __________________ some italian, german, and japanese ones; and on order more of the same
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10-21-2009, 11:28 AM	#14
ManGGouste Private 35 Rep 81 Posts Drives: 125i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: switzerland iTrader: (0)	I tried to mix RFT front with regular rear... Don't do that, man, that's simply horrible. The balance of the car will be completly affected. I changed my rear RFT after one got blown with 2 regular Falken FK-452 (same size of course). Here's what I've experienced : -car oscillating on highways : the rear of the car is always slightly going left & right so that you're correcting with the steering wheel all the time. Very tiring on long trips. And dangerous when it's windy. - unpleasant oversteer (also due to the fact that these Falken are a bit narrower and they stick less on dry ground) in all curves. Note that I usually like oversteer. -I even had the ESP braking some wheels on long curves on the highway (although I was driving at legal speeds !) So I've bought some new front tires right after but I'm waiting to mount them at the same time as my Quaife LSD in a few days.
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10-23-2009, 11:55 PM	#16
Berduderunner drk one 38 Rep 797 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Tampa/Orlando iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 e90 335i [0.00] 2008 135i [0.00]	I replaced my stock rears w. Star Spec Z1's and kept the RFT's in front for another 8000k. Not the best for handling, but I had no issues at all (and I drive like a jackass) __________________ Jet Black \| Coral \| HighGlossBlack \| Steptronic \| Premium \| Sport \| Comfort \| ActiveSteering \| Navi \| HiFi \| HD \| iPod \| SAT BMS JB3 v2.0 \| BMS DCI \| Berk Tech Sport Exhaust \| UR * DPs \| CoolingMist Meth Kit w/ CMGS \| H&R OE Sport Springs \| Breyton GTS-R \| Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Specs \| GP Thunder 8000K Low Beams/Angel Eyes/Cornering Lights \| LED Interior Light Kit \| Window Tint \| Smoked Tail Lights \| Smoked License Plate Cover
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10-24-2009, 06:20 AM	#17
ptack Brigadier General 269 Rep 4,470 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [6.50]	It all depends on how you drive. If you're going to be a little old lady you may be fine. If you at all try to drive the car aggressively you could be rudely surprised, Unless someone else has already tried mixing these same tires and can report on it, there's no way of predicting how it will work. Tires having their own tread patterns, shapes and compounds. There are too many variables to say if/when they can be mixed. __________________ 135i, SGM, Coral, Sport Package, Auto, Premium Hifi, USB/ipod, Apex EC-7s, PPK Stage II
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10-26-2009, 07:44 AM	#18
imported_mega Colonel 123 Rep 2,200 Posts Drives: various bmw's Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: neverland iTrader: (0)	as long as front are paired, and rear are paired your fine, hell our cars are offset already I would ditch those runflats fast though __________________ You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. Driving e82, e72, e85, R53 Gone but not forgotten.. 1974 2002, many various 3s.
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10-27-2009, 03:17 AM	#19
ManGGouste Private 35 Rep 81 Posts Drives: 125i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: switzerland iTrader: (0)	I forgot to mention once my rear tires get a little used, they seem to get harder so that the difference is less noticeable. This is also probably due to the fact that the garage used some kind of grease to put on the tires, so that it would move slightly on the wheel. At the beginig, the difference was huge : hard tires at the front, marschmallow at the rear. Allthough it's better know I can't wait to get rid of thoses front RFT.
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10-28-2009, 04:09 AM	#20
135ARG Private First Class 11 Rep 185 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 135i Join Date: May 2009 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	decided on getting the 4 new tire... thanks everyone for the feedback, i truly appreciate it. on that note anyone want my front RFT? __________________ 135i Coupe sport with: JB4, BMW Performance Exhaust, Cross Drill/Perforated front rotors, Black Kidney Grills, Carbon Mirrors, Carbon Tail, Carbon Diffuser.
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