All-Season RFT?

[Derfel Cadarn]

17" all-season RFT
http://s1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc407/Derfel6/?action=view&current=CosyVehicleImageCAD1BUBA.jpg#!oZZ3QQcurren tZZhttp%3A%2F%2Fs1210.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc c407%2FDerfel6%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3DCosy VehicleImageCAD1BUBA.jpg

OR

18"
http://s1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc407/Derfel6/?action=view&current=CosyVehicleImageCAD1BUBA.jpg#!oZZ2QQcurren tZZhttp%3A%2F%2Fs1210.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc c407%2FDerfel6%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3DCosy VehicleImageCAE3C6QW.jpg

Ordering my 328 xdrive coupe (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1691948#) (probably) this week. These are the only (feasible) options with the M sport package. I've heard all the bad things about the run flats but I also don't like the 18's.

1) Are the run flat issues mitigated by the fact that the 17's don't have low pro tires (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1691948#)?

2) Aside from aesthetic issues with the 18's, will the low pro tires be non-usable in the snow?

3) Which should I get?

A friend has an '07 5 series that had a low profile run flat failure (and also was undriveable in the snow) and all the tires were replaced with all-season non RFT. Another friend has had a 7, a 5 and two 3's (I don't know if the 7 had RFT's around 2002) all with non-low pro RFT's and never had a flat in the last 10 years.

I appreciate any advice or opinions on which to choose. Thanks.

[floydr]

2) Aside from aesthetic issues with the 18's, will the low pro tires be non-usable in the snow?

A friend has an '07 5 series that had a low profile run flat failure (and also was undriveable in the snow) and all the tires were replaced with all-season non RFT.

You have to separate "RFT" from "not good in snow". The correct correlation is: "summer performance tires are unusable in snow or when the temperature is below about 40 F". Because you're thinking M-Sport, you get performance tires. You also got larger wheels (18" rather than 17") that require lower-profile tires. Lower profile tires (RFT or not) have harsher ride (but better handling in general). You should seriously consider not wasting money on M-Sport if you don't want the tires/wheels, especially since you won't get the sport suspension (only the seats) on the 'xi.

Pretty much any decisions on tires should be answered by going to www.tirerack.com and playing around with the tire/wheel selector. Be sure to read the tech articles on RFT, all-season, winter and performance tires (you'll have to probe around a bit.)

There's a sometimes vicious argument about RFT vs non-RFT. There's also some arguments about all-season vs. winter/summer sets. Search around the forum. IMO, RFT are fine. YMMV.

[Derfel Cadarn]

Thanks floyd. Appreciate the response.

I've done quite a bit of reading over the last few days but there's so much disagreement on everything.

I don't know if I'm misinterpreting what you said but...on the BMW site the M-Sport has the option between the wheels above. I.e. I don't have to get the 18's and I don't like those particular ones so I'm leaning toward the 17's. (also saves $600).

I am indeed considering not getting the M-Sport package but I'm gonna price it out both ways on Wednesday to see if the dealer says something different than the website. The agressive look is worth the price of admission for me.

[floydr]

...
I am indeed considering not getting the M-Sport package but I'm gonna price it out both ways on Wednesday to see if the dealer says something different than the website. The agressive look is worth the price of admission for me.

IMO (and some other people), the 17" wheel/tire combo is the best size for a combination of sport/handling versus ride. 16 inch is a little soft, 18 inch is fairly hard (I have 18" - had 17" on my E46 330xi), 19 is definitely for the young guys going for the gangsta/slammed look.

My son and I have driven 328xi loaners with 17" wheels, and in our opinion they're nice and soft (compared to the 18".) And the standard 225/45R17 tire size has a pretty low profile so looks fine.

One more thing - both the M-Sport and Sport package come with the sport seats, which (in most people's opinion) is the best part of those packages.

[Derfel Cadarn]

Thanks again floyd. I think I'm going to go with the 17's and replace the tires with non RFT if they start picking up nails left and right. This will leave the option open to get aftermarket 18" for summer and keep the 17" for winter. Truthfully though, I like the look of the 17's and I may just stick with them.

I had 18" on my a4 years ago and the overall ride was better with the stock 17".

Here's what it would look like: http://s1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc407/Derfel6/

First is w/no M Sport. Next is M with 18" and third is M with 17" all-season rft.

[Crishe]

Thanks again floyd. I think I'm going to go with the 17's and replace the tires with non RFT if they start picking up nails left and right. This will leave the option open to get aftermarket 18" for summer and keep the 17" for winter. Truthfully though, I like the look of the 17's and I may just stick with them.

I had 18" on my a4 years ago and the overall ride was better with the stock 17".

Here's what it would look like: http://s1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc407/Derfel6/

First is w/no M Sport. Next is M with 18" and third is M with 17" all-season rft.


Agree with you Derfel .

I drive with both type 18' & 17'. I am more comfortable with 17'. I gives batter grips with roads. In winter also it proved good on roads.

[Derfel Cadarn]

Agree with you Derfel .

I drive with both type 18' & 17'. I am more comfortable with 17'. I gives batter grips with roads. In winter also it proved good on roads.

Thanks Crishe. Makes me feel better about my choice. I ordered today.

As it turns out they just stopped production on the 2011's but there happened to be one just the way I wanted it in transit...w/the 17's. So it made my decision easier.