No more run flats on my BMW

[Karjim]

I had written on the forum recently about wanting to change the RFTs on my 2013 135I to conventional high performance tires. With the help and advice of Tire Rack, I just had a set of Continental Extreme Contact DWS 225/40-18 tires installed (all four corners), and I still can't quite believe how much difference tires can make.
They have transformed the car; it is now drives and feels like a BMW; like the five I owned before my '07 Z-4 (the 1st BMW to come w/RFTs) and this 135I.
Specifically:
Pluses - quieter, smoother ride, in particular no more crash/bang on bad bumps and much reduced bump steer and resulting nervous driving character; cheaper to buy, will last longer; snow and ice capable
Minuses - softer transient response, turn-in not quite as sharp; no run flat capability.
I only wish that I had done this to my 2007 Z4; I'd probably still have it.
I LOVE my 135I now.

[tonziaboy]

How much was the tires?

[Louen]

Thanks Karjim. I have a runflat on my 2013 328i that's losing air. Looks like to best course of action is to replace all four with regular tires and get a spacesaver for a spare.
Louen

[Jim@tirerack]

Hi Louen,

First thing to do is to find out where the tire is leaking from. It may be able to be repaired. If I can help with the tires let me know.

[RCL]

After my BS potenza RE050A RFT's go bald I'll be switching to michelin PSS!

[Jim@tirerack]

The Super Sports are a big upgrade in performance. They are also better riding and longer wearing. If I can help let me know.

[drbbop]

I have a set of Mich SS on order now and should be in this week.

[Jim@tirerack]

You will like those tires.

[stewart3d]

I am needing to replace my 2012 X5 OEM Run Flat tires [Bridgestone Dueler 255/50R19] . Thinking of going non Run Flat to improve performance and mileage. I have read that I can maybe find a mini spare that would fit in my rear cargo hold? But I am concerned that a small tire would mess with the AWD transmission in the event of needing to drive it for say 20 miles on a trip if I get a flat?

Any suggestions on a good replacement tire? I need good snow/ice performance but want to run only one set of tires all year. Care more about bad weather traction and low road noise than high speed performance. Thanks.

[Jim@tirerack]

For the non run flat tire I would recommend the Bridgestone Dueler HL Alenza Plus. They will be longer wearing, better riding and quieter than the OE run flat tire. They will also be a better foul weather tire. I don't know of a spare donut wheel and or tire that will work with the vehicle. I agree with you with the AWD system and the under sized tire. If I can help let me know.

[alocksley]

Anyone have any experience with http://www.bimmerzone.com/category/BMW_Performance_Spare_Tire.html
Space saver tire + jack kit + tire cover, specific to BMW model.

[Jim@tirerack]

I have not heard of them.

[Saml C]

I am new to the forum. I have a 2011 Z4 and want to get rid of the run flats, and was told by manager of local tire shop that some wheels will not accept non run flats. Sounds strange to me

[Jim@tirerack]

The wheels will accept non run flat tires. In fact the wheels have nothing to do with the run flat part of it. If I can help with the tires let me know.

[stewart3d]

Hi jim@tirerack . Can you give me your opinion on Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus tires for my BMW X5 ? I am comparing them to the Bridgestone Dueler HL Alenza Plus tires that you reccomended above . Thanks, Steve

[Jim@tirerack]

I like the ride quality and longevity of the Bridgestone better. The handling would be a little better with the Pirelli. Both are very good options on a CUV or SUV. If you have the run flats now both tires will have smoother ride with the Bridgseton being quieter.
If I can help let me know.

[chachacharumba]

Hi Jim@tirerack
I went for a wheels re-alignment for my 2008 135i with a new set of RFT Potenza (I should read the thread before buying them but well, it will be for next set of tires then).
To my surprise the technician showed me the right front camber read -2.01 degree and should be in the range of -0.88 to -0.05 degree. And he could not set to spec also one of the 3 nuts on the top of the strut (holding the guide support for the upper spring plate) was sheared off. I suspected that it was due to driving over a "big hole".
Could the right front strut or the carrier connected to the strut at the lower section be bent? or both were bent?
I also suspected that the rigidity of the wall on the RFT tires contribute to the problem. (In between, I had the rear right rim - 5 spokes - cracked at 5 places on the inner side too).
What is your suggestion? I am in Washington State do you have a recommendation for a place where I can go?

[Jim@tirerack]

We have installers listed on the Tire Rack web site. They can help you out.With the camber being that far off something has to be broken.

[chachacharumba]

We have installers listed on the Tire Rack web site. They can help you out.With the camber being that far off something has to be broken.
Thank you Jim. I will check it out.

[Marty]

Karjim,
I did the same on my 2011 X3. The improvement in overall ride and noise was astonishing, I bought the same tires you did, in fact I have those tires on three of my cars and love them. The low rolling resistance boosted my mpg from 27 with new Pirelli RF's to 33 on highway trips!
What did you do to address a potential flat tire?
Marty





I had written on the forum recently about wanting to change the RFTs on my 2013 135I to conventional high performance tires. With the help and advice of Tire Rack, I just had a set of Continental Extreme Contact DWS 225/40-18 tires installed (all four corners), and I still can't quite believe how much difference tires can make.
They have transformed the car; it is now drives and feels like a BMW; like the five I owned before my '07 Z-4 (the 1st BMW to come w/RFTs) and this 135I.
Specifically:
Pluses - quieter, smoother ride, in particular no more crash/bang on bad bumps and much reduced bump steer and resulting nervous driving character; cheaper to buy, will last longer; snow and ice capable
Minuses - softer transient response, turn-in not quite as sharp; no run flat capability.
I only wish that I had done this to my 2007 Z4; I'd probably still have it.
I LOVE my 135I now.