2006 BMW 325i -- Driving on uneven pavement w/ RFTs

[pmii77]

Hello Everyone,

I recently purchased a 2006 BMW 325i w/ premium, winter, and sport packages.

Just two days ago, while driving on the highway with uneven pavement, I notice considerable vibration, as well as jerky handling. It was difficult to handle the drive. It was quite noticeable.

I then did some homework, and found A Lot of issues with the Run Flats. The car, with 34K miles, has Pirellis on the front and Bridgetons (Potenza (sp)) on the rear tires. I don't know when the originals were replaced.

I have an app't on Wed. with BMW service...

Anyway, I know I will have serious issues if I'm required to replace the RFTs every couple of years. The expense!

So, my question: can I replace the RFTs with conventional tires? If so, will I also have to replace the Rims?

Thank you!

Peter

[TeaRoy]

Don't get me wrong, the RFT's are crap....but I think the issue is also partly related to tire width. The wider the tire, the more 'pull' right and left you'll get on uneven pavement. My snows are quite a bit narrower than my summers (better 'dig' in the snow) and there is considerably less R/L pull.

[pmii77]

Like I said above, I bought the car used with 34K miles; and, I do not know when the tires were put on...

The tires:

Front:
Pirelli Eufori
225/45R 17" RFTs

Rear:
Bridgestone Potenza REOSOAII
255/40R 17" RFTs

Thanks for any more add't advice.

Peter

[TeaRoy]

So, my question: can I replace the RFTs with conventional tires? If so, will I also have to replace the Rims?


You can replace RFT's with conventional tires, and you can use the same wheels.

But, as I said above, this won't change the L/R pull on uneven roads very much unless you get narrower tires.

Your complaint of vibration and jerkly handling may not be the fault of the RTF's...though, I guess it could be if they're way worn down and quite irregular.