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Comments
I just turned in my 03 Z4 3.0 and had a very bad experience with BMW. I have had recurring problems with the sidewalls of the Bridgestone Potenza runflats bubbling. I have had all the tires replaced but the same problem. I had to pay $200each for 3 tires. I feel they are a defect of the company and should not be liable for the tires as excess wear and tear as a result of them being defective tires.I belive 03 was the first year they had runflats on BMW's and I dont think they have been perfected yet. I believe you get them from hitting potholes or bumps in the road; I live in Southen California and the roads around my area are by no means bad. Freshly paved most of the time.
I feel that in this condition the tires were subject to NORMAL wear and tear. I have a friend who just bought a 06 330i sport with the same wheels and one of the is already starting to bubble. Just wanted to get feedback because I was considering a class action suit.
Another thought is that if I love the car but not that tires, just put normal tires on there and get an AAA membership for incase I ever do have a flat. The traction issues I have read do not particularly apply to me since there isn't much snow in Houston.
DL
I've put 17,000 miles on my 325Xi with "regular" stock goodyear tires in Northeast driving and the front tires look "new" while the rears just show mild wear. They'll easily go 30 k. I honestly think BMW will lose lots of sales over this.
SO...back goes the E46....in comes a new Audi A4 2.0T quattro. Is it as fun as the bimmer? No. but its close. I think its more fun than the E90 325xi. and no run flats. I just couldn't get the E90 knowing i would need likely 1 or 2 sets of tires at current day cost of 165 each on tirerack.com
BMW missed the boat. yes we are used to "you should drive it this way, you should do this this way etc because its a german car " but I should use poor riding, poor handling expensive tires that are not fully mature or proven? Nope. cya. I'll be back in a few years once everyone else has paid all the crazy prices.
I believe RF's are a safety improvement, but the cost seems quite high considering the general fierceness of the competition.
dave
1. Most OEM tires are a specific model . And are more costly than the in stock tires at your local discount tire. My OEM tires on my former 1999 E46 cost MORE than my current run flats.
2. In the event of a tire destroying flat ( which Ive never had in all my years of driving) either tire would have to be replaced. If it is a small nail for example on the tread part of the tire, discount tire will repair your flat for FREE regardless of the tire.
So, in summary I don't see where the monumental cost is that would make someone choose a vehicle they really aren't that enthused about driving.
DL
Admittedly, i'll probably end with with a new 3 in any case. I suppose i'm just whining.
dave
Again, I too would have preferred and option,but for what ever reason they did not provide one. :confuse:
DL
So far I haven't found the noise or track wear problem as others have described. BMW needs to come up with better handling tires, run-flat or not to compliment the superb handling of the new 3 series.!
**
But when it comes time to replacing, I would prefer some options. No room for a spare and jack in the Z4, so I'm stuck with RFT's. I prefer not going through my BMW dealer who is most likely marking up the price 100%, that's a little to salty!! There must be some other high performance RFT's out there ????
Sometimes, the car would feel like the smallest bumps would be jarring and would create real concern on the part of any passengers - Really!!!
In short, the run flats were an absolute disaster. After going over a pothole (not a huge one) shortly after I took delivery of the car, I ended up destroying the rim and doing damage to the front cowel. The total damage exceeded $1500. More importantly, the difference in ride quality between my 2005 car (regular tires) and my 2006 car(run flat tires) was night and day.
So much so that BMW corporate switched out my Bridgestones and gave me a full set of Blizzak run flat snows at no charge. These tires were almost as bad but, the rough ride was slightly better. Subsequently, I was told that the car could be turned in a a new car would be given to me. Nice offer but, so what. I've been wrestling with this proposal but, I would probably just be substituting one problem for another.
What is really going on here?? I just don't get it .... why take a perfectly performing car and then sabotage its handling and then refuse to own up to the problem??? Shades of Audi refusing to step up to the plate and acknowledge the "unintended acceleration" problem years ago.
Here we have perhaps the best sports sedan on the market which has been jeopardized because some BEAN COUNTER @ BMW Corporate decided that the company could save (X)amount of dollars on each car by equiping the 3 series cars with four (4) run flat tires instead of FIVE (5) regular tires with rims. Just goes to show you that the CAN'T LEAVE WELL ENOUGH ALONE philosophy is alive and kickin'. Too Bad!!
Firstly, the 330i with SP and 18" Bridgestone RE050A tires is a firm riding machine; every bump will be transmitted into the cabin. These tires will cause moderate tramlining when the car is driven on rutted or grouved pavement. When I switched over to 17" wheels with Dunlop M3 snows, the improvement in ride was dramatic. So too was the elimiantion of any tramlining.
Secondly with respect to my present 325 XiT, this car rides well with the standard 17" all-seasons. I tried swapping these tires for Pirelli Euphori@. The car's ride was immediately transformed into a harsh ride with severe tramlining. Now, it's back to ContiProContact SST all season RFT.
So from my experience with two different cars and four different tire/wheel combinations, I offer you some advice. If you want the ultimate in summer handling, go for the SP in the 330i, but you will get a very firm ride with the Bridgestone RE050A tires. Don't even think of going near snow with these tires - they are for summer only !! If you still want the other benefits of the sport package (better seats, steering wheel, suspension) and a more compliant ride, consider swapping the 18" wheels/tires for a 17" combo.
For the 325 XiT, I would suggest the sport package, but not the summer performance tires (definitely not the Pirelli Euphori@).
For those who question the benefits of RFT, it comes down to safety and greater trunk space. There is no doubt that RFT tires will saves lives - you will never lose control if you have a blowout and you will never have to pull over at a dangerous location to change your tire. The added trunk space should be an obvious benefit. For those who travel great distances away from any tire dealer, consider purchasing the BMW mobility kit. This kit has a pump and liquid foam to inject into the tire, so you can continue your journey with the tire at normal pressure.
If you ever have the opportunity to view BMW's video on run flats v's non-run flats, the demonstarted safety benefits of RFTs will likely convince you of their value. However, it is true that there are very limited RFT choices currently in the market. As I have found, the choice of tire/wheel size for the E90/91 can make a dramatic difference to the feel of car.
The next day I began to drive the 06 through different roads and I immediately noticed a rougher ride and the feel of every bump, stone, hole, expansion joint and different road surface materials through the steering wheel and my audio sensors (ears). I immediately took it back to the dealer thinking the suspension and tires were defective and out of adjustment. I was informed that it was equipped with RFT’s. I immediately told the manager to replace the tires with the same type I had on the 2002. I was informed there was no option, could not be replaced, would void warranty etc. I was requested to give it a week or two and see if I would acclimate to the RFT’s. I was also informed it was the latest technology and all manufactures would eventually go this route.
After driving it for two weeks (I Loved every other aspect of the car), It seemed to fade away, ( I adjusted to the RFT) and other than expansion joints on some poor concrete pavement it felt like I was driving a super 3 series.
I rotated and balanced the wheels at 6K and 12 K miles. At about 15K I started to hear various noises at different speeds, and a growling sound when breaking between 40 - 0 miles per. I wasn’t sure if it was tires or wheel bearings. I took it to a local tire dealer who did my rotating and balance. He informed me the front tires were wearing on the outside and had some cupping. Rear had some cupping also. I checked the air cold every month. Inflation was proper. I have a choice to make. Do I replace the tires now with RFT‘s, or do I drive them another 7K noisy miles (expected tread left), or do I find a non RFT solution. I plan on going to the BMW regional service contact and request a new set of “FREE” rubber.
As a long time BMW owner I can only say some German “Bean Counter” really shafted us. I love the car but I do see a new set of tires every 15K miles in addition of any flats replacements. I do not have a sport package so I would have expect to get 30K.
DL
Being a BMW loyalist for many years and now own three BMWs in the family, this is the first time I am thinking about switching to another brand when time to replace our older one.
The primary reason for these tires no longer even exist in my view. Like some posters mentioned, you can't often find replacement tires even you can drive to a tire store or dealer. If they do (BMW dealers), you have to pay such exorbitant price for the replacement. One simply doesn't have the sense of security and safety these tires are supposed to offer. I don't know if this is a profit item for dealers, since all maintenance work is free for the first 4 years. Of course BMW has also changed and extended the maintenance requirements on most items. For instance, air filter is to be replaced every 60,000 miles and I know I won't get the free replacement in four years!
Well, I'll have to see how things develope in a couple of years. What I can say is that had I known about these RFTs six months ago, I would have chosen another brand of cars in place of my 2006 330i. Many competitions are getting really close to BMW's performance and the problems with these tires could just be the tie breaker IMO.
With so many positive car reviews for the E90, why don't
any of them mention any issues with the tires?
The E90 consistently gets very positive reviews for ride and
handling but I don't think I've come across a review that
mentioned any issues with these run flat tires?
Thoughts?
Bryncerdd
The BMW dealer gave me a printed quote $360. each X 4 = $1,452.00 Installed for Turanza EL42. no tax in Delaware. Or Pirelle Euforio 270 X 4 = $1,080.00.
My local Easton MD tire dealer gave me a quote for EL42's installed $978.20. Saving $473.80 over BMW dealer.
When I replace the tires I will be keeping several for spares.
Owner6
If your still alive please answer this one #86 message. Or anyone else that has replaced EL42 with non RFT's.
Owner6