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DON't do it. The sidewall stiffnesses are far different, and the car's handling could be extremely squirrely. Way back in the day, when radial tires were first being introduced, it was generally known that one shouldn't mix types on a car. I tried (one time only) using my bias-ply spare when I had a flat on one of the radials.
Never again.
After this winter in NJ please I recommend to not by this car. The suspension travel is much to short it is SUBSTANDARD ! does not travel enough to allow for 1 ½” change in the pavement.
The suspension will bottom out with a big bang no mater what and it will result in cracked bushings at the top ff the strut, or busted tire or cracked rim.
Well I'm here to tell you....patience has it's virtues! I just took delivery of my new 2011 X3 which came equipped with Bridgestone Run Flats and they are close to perfect as far as smooth ride and great handling. Drove the car right from the showroom 1200 miles to south Florida without a bump in the road.... Despite their arrogance, BMW may just have been right!
I'd hate to be broke and have sucky tires...
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I then asked if he has replaced many RFT with GFT. His response was puzzling. He said they will not replace RFT's with GFT's because of the liability involved.
I don't know what liability for who because I didn't ask since that converstion had ended at that point.
2020 Ascent Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
Sucks for me, because they are within walking distance and open on Saturdays and weeknights.. The independent guy I use is only open M-F, and closes at 6:00pm... He doesn't worry about liability... lol.
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I don't know what liability for who because I didn't ask since that converstion had ended at that point.
Well, I gues its his choice. Many tire dealers refuse to repair flats now for the very same reason.
But, in fact, there are no reasons as it relates to liability for changing between the two as it relates to BMW's.
It would be nice to know if he sees liability both ways...ie, replacing GFT's with RFT's on cars with TPS systems.
Base euro models now come with GFT tires -- more upscale models get the RFTs.
PS I hit a pothole and blew the right front tire with less than 5000 miles. Conti guarantee was great. Because I had to get a replacement tire in a hurry they reimbursed me 100% This happy camper is actually looking forward to buying another set of DWS's
I agree.
I certainly know of no production vehicle with such short suspension travel.
It may be so, but I have doubts it was delivered from the factory that way...
Heck, my Harley has more than that!
I need a little assistance. I have a 2007 328i Convertible and need replacement tires. I have seen all the chatter about RFT vs. GFT. However, I like the convenience and security of the RFT's. Also, it seems they have made great improvements in the technology and resultant ride.
I would immensely appreciate it if someone could provide me some feedback on the replacements. Specifically, what brand and model of tire would be the best all-around. I live in Henderson (Las Vegas), NV and we do not experience severe weather often.
Thanks,
Todd_Ski
But do what you will
I always buy the insuance too. I think I paid $10.00 a tire ever since, I hit the curb at a drive in bank. You can't fix a sidewall.
Although, my state says they are broke and watch out for the pot holes. So, I'm going to hug the center line.My neighbor said he already bent a rim on his Escalade and this is March and more snow or rain is going to make it worse.Maybe RFT's will take pot holes better?
Not only do many of us know what a clutch pedal is, we also know the correct spelling for it as well....
Sorry... I couldn't resist.
As for finding the abbreviated leased vehicle, a great place to start would be a BMW dealer, since that's the place where a car would be returned in that situation...
That may or may not be cheaper than what a dealer is asking for a comparable car. Most lessees don't terminate within the first 18 months, because it can be very expensive... If you find a late model car on a BMW lot, it's likely to be a factory official or demo/loaner (not that those can't be good buys).
regards,
kyfdx
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I can assure you that if the demand for manuals was high, you would see more of them on the car lots.... whatever the brand.
Car dealers want to sell as much as possible, and they could care less about the type of transmission in demand.
Back to BMW, though.... The company realized that there are only so many who want the "Ultimate Driving Machine", but far more with the means to buy something thats a "Joy" to drive.
Remember, if you want a manual but there isn't one available, you may complain (possibly loudly and often), but if you want an automatic, and there are tons of automatics available, most likely you would say nothing.
So it goes with BMW's market.
Back in the late 60's/early 70's, instead of transmission type, the complaint about muscle car evolution was finding few cars on lots without power steering and A/C. I suspect in 10-15 years the complaint will move towards finding cars without electronic gizmos on a car lot.
For sure, folks will always find something to be a bit dis-satisfied about.
Lost their focus for the market....
I do agree that BMW's position on RFT's is difficult to understand, as in not having an option.
Usually, options on products increase as the price increases. If BMW wants to equip all of its cars with RFT's, fine... just arrange for a space-saver spare option for those who may not like RFT's. I'm neither "pro or con" on RFT's, as I see both sides of the issue.
Personally, I'd really like to know how the decision was made to offer no spare capability. It just seems like common sense was omitted in the decision making process.
Its not a "insufficient space" thing, as my wife's 05 MINI convertible came with RFT's and has a space-saver spare as well. If an engineer can find space to put a spare in a MINI, well.....
I can only wonder how many prospective buyers RFT's have run off from BMW...
Well, I'm one, but the anti-DIY bias and the reluctance to bring the smaller diesels w/ manuals over here sealed the no deal.
It's not bad enough that the dipstick was replaced by an unreliable (for the first year or so) expensive oil level sensor; nowdays when it's time to replace a battery it can only be done at the dealer, thanks to how the computer(s) need to be synched. Granted, with the battery in the trunk it doesn't come up so often as it does in most cars. However, here in AZ batteries fail more often due to the heat, and if I can't stop at the nearest AutoZone or Checker or whatever in the middle of a Sunday afternoon to replace a battery, that's just one more nail in the BMW coffin, at least for me.
How long will it be until the hood is hermetically sealed? It may as well be now.
It's not bad enough that the dipstick was replaced by an unreliable (for the first year or so) expensive oil level sensor; nowdays when it's time to replace a battery it can only be done at the dealer, thanks to how the computer(s) need to be synched. Granted, with the battery in the trunk it doesn't come up so often as it does in most cars. However, here in AZ batteries fail more often due to the heat, and if I can't stop at the nearest AutoZone or Checker or whatever in the middle of a Sunday afternoon to replace a battery, that's just one more nail in the BMW coffin, at least for me.
How long will it be until the hood is hermetically sealed? It may as well be now.
I think its only a matter of time before the DIY-er is complete history. Some of it is due by design, but much is the result of stricter EPA regulations... and they are only going to get tighter as time goes on.
I understand the other issues you brought up (battery, etc). and I agree that a good engineering staff could have figured out a way to register a battery-type within the car's charging system that wouldn't cost the owner a $500 forced dealer charge to register the new battery.
Up until a couple of years ago, diesels had real issues with EPA regs as well, but as the 335d has demonstrated, BMW can't cry emissions restrictions any longer. That excuse no longer applies.
Still, here in SC, one sees relatively few diesel power cars, even from the manufacturers that offer them. Is it possible that the market really isn't sufficient today to support samller diesels?
I don't know...
And.. the fact that I also drive an E46 (and am not very handy) is totally irrelevant!
Also, my BMW has a clutch pedal.
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Maybe that "good engineering staff" did exactly what they were told to do. Find a way to ding their customers for $500+ whenever the battery has to be replaced :shades: .
Oh, I quite agree. I didn't mean that comment to sound negative on the engineering staff.
As I stated in an earlier comment, if they can devise a way to place a spare tire in a MINI convertible, they certainly have the talent available to them to do other things equally as efficient.
In WWII, the meanest tank on the the battlefield was the German Tiger, and when it was 100% functional it was a holy terror. Problem was, it was also very complex, and break-downs were quite common. I had an uncle that fought in the war on Germany's side and I remember him telling me that probably half the Tiger losses were due to mechanical breakdowns, making it easier for the Allies to take the tank out.
I then checked with a local repair shop that I trust. They told me they use the standard keep alive system when changing a battery and that BMW's were not a problem.
Do you know of any changes that would prevent a non-dealer from changing the battery? If so, what model years are affected?
If a third-party shop has the %50K diagnistic tool, it can also register the battery properly, but few shops have it available.
Whenever you remove the battery, no matter what the reason, you must "save" the memory. To do this, buy a simple "under $10.00)(you will need a 9 volt battery that does not come with unit) memory saver available through Bavarian Auto. Plugs into lighter socket. This ite makes it a "Do It Yourself" task.
BMW ALWAYS states that they do more than merely doing what you want done. In this case a battery change. They therefore "justify" their pricing for jobs. Sometime it pays, other times no way.
Keep that in mind when attempting to use a device as described in the previous post....
If replacing a battery in a late model BMW, it does require registering. You may change it yourself, and all may work fine, but if its under warranty (the car) and you have electrical issues with an unregistered battery in the car.....good luck!
I have '06 and '09 vehicles. There isn't anything in my manuals regarding battery registration. Neither vehicle has hot DC sockets. I would ask my dealer about battery registration, but I sometimes get bad info from them.
For johnsam, the vehicle was under warranty at the time. The dealer refused to honor a battery replacement because the vehicle had typically only been only driven about 500 miles in the previous month. I expect that they assumed the battery wasn't getting charged properly. IMO this is preposterous. The battery lasted over 3 1/2 years which is better life than most my batteries in hot Florida.
Guess we have strayed off-topic long enough.
The way you were handled is unacceptable.
I have a 2006 330i that is driven (possibly) 700 miles per month and at 28,000+ my battery gave out. Local dealer replaced faster than I could ask. And I only own 1 Bimmer. I now use a $4.99 trickle charger (bought on the Net at Harbor Freight Tools) just for peace of mind as replacing Bimmer batteries can get very spendy.
John G