I have read all the posts with respect to RFT's and have yet to decide whether my 5th BMW will be the 335xi coupe? Has anyone had experience with newer runs, with the Conti all weather tires, i.e., 2008 Coupes built in November or later...I will be taking yet another test run at 70mph, as a result of some of the posts here...
DO IT ! Just took delivery of my 335xi (sedan). Light year's difference from my 2006. INSIST on the CONTI CONTACT SSR RFT's. DO NOT ACCEPT WITH Bridgestones. They have improved suspension (or tuned it to match the tires). No more teeth jarring potholes... great handling. Cannot advise on wear yet...only 5000 miles and they look like new. BMW May have redeemed themselves. I also bought a spare wheel(style 159) and a full size tire. I refuse to go anywhere without a spare and, though it does take susbtantial trunk room, with the fold down rear seat it's not a handicap and I can drive anywhere in peace!
Looks like I am back in the test drive mode on Wednesday, checking for Conti's and high speed handling...i love the 335xi coupe, except in NJ, there is nothing available with the PDQ, for parking...i would prefer to deal with one on the lot, but no dealer has one??? any of you have it? i got used to it on my 2005 545...
I changed to go-flats on a 2007 328i sedan with sports package, and I have more or less the same experiences as others have. The tramlining, bump steer, and nervousness is gone. The edge is taken off the ride, making it feel more compliant. The steering effort is significantly reduced, and the steering feels more precise near center. The car now tracks straight and true. Road feel however (that "alive in your hands" feel in the steering wheel) is still not present.
My car came with 17" Bridgestone Potenza RE050A II runflats, and I changed to ContiExtremeContact all-seasons.
I just (three days ago) took delivery on a 2008 328xi coupe built in early December, 2007.It came with Continental ProContact 17" tires. This is my first BMW, having had Audi A4s previously. I was pleased that I did not get Bridgestone Turanzas.
Any road bumps are certainly harsh. As to the performance of the tires, I find the straight line tracking to be less sure than I would have expected, but again I am hardly the voice of experience in the dynamica of BMW handling, but I am a little disappointed the car does not feel more "planted" on the road. I look forward to hearing how your test drive goes as someone who has had so many BMWs.
I just purchased a 2006 330i w/ 8000 miles on it. It is my first bmw. I have not had any trouble yet. I have the 225/40/18 rft tires potenza brigestones. I also have the premium sound system ,but it has no cd changer. I am thinking of trying to change my tires to continental to avoid any future problems. What did you tell your dealer to receive the tires and the cd changer for free?
I just purchased a 2006 330i w/ 8000 miles on it. It is my first bmw. I have not had any trouble yet. I have the 225/40/18 rft tires potenza brigestones. I also have the premium sound system ,but it has no cd changer. I am thinking of trying to change my tires to continental to avoid any future problems. Any information would be most helpful, I am virgin Bmw new owner LOL.
I purchased a brand new 2007 BMW328xi wagon in August and brought the car in for service yesterday because the ride just felt wrong. I'm told that they have had a problem with the Bridgestones and my tires need to be replaced...bummer I thought, what a bother, but my thoughts became more then just " oh bother" when I was told that they are only covered to 10,000miles ....I've just hit 12,000, so I have to bite the bullet and buy brand new tires for my brand new car because they have been having a problem with Bridgestones????????? any suggestions?
You didn't say what tires you have. There's a bulletin for Turanza EL42 up to 20K. If your tires are covered by the program I'm thinking of, BMW will pay half for tires between 10 and 20K. But paying half at the dealer is just as bad as paying full at reasonable prices
For what it's worth, I don't think you should feel shafted. A lot of people are suffering from these awful runflat tires, and are not taking advantage of BMW's replacement program for one reason or another. And many people are being charged for half or full set of new runflats at inflated prices. In spite of all the warranties that admittedly are there to protect us, we take a risk buying a new product. It's up to us, the owner of the product, to solve the problem. Maybe that means taking advantage of a (fairly generous from BMW's point of view) free replacement program.
I would say you could have consulted the dealer earlier about the problem, but dealers are famous for refusing to help until the warranty or special period is over! That way they can charge you. I have nothing against dealers, I just find them not to be terribly useful for information or help, most of the time. I'm sure they're great people. The master technicians that work there are first rate; I go to one for all my needs
My advice is: find an independent BMW specialist, and mount some go-flat tires. You can get a set installed for less than US$550 at tirerack.com.
I am so glad glad to find this forum. My BMW service guy has been insisting with a straight face that my 5 flats in 9 months on my Z4 (run flats, performance package) are my fault or bad luck and that he knows of no other customers with runflat problems. He also says the runflats cannot be patched and that I can't use any other tire on my car and that there's no reimbursement or warranty because they deem these flats as due to "road hazards." Please give me some specific , authoritativeadvice I can take to him. With all the customer outrage over these terrible tires, why isn't there a class action suit? Or is there one? I'll join!
"My BMW service guy has been insisting with a straight face that my 5 flats in 9 months on my Z4 (run flats, performance package) are my fault or bad luck..."
Up to that point I'd say he was probably correct, however...
"...he knows of no other customers with runflat problems."
If he doesn't then either he's lying to you or he's had his head in the sand for a couple of years.
"He also says the runflats cannot be patched..."
That is incorrect; RFTs can be patched just like GFTs can be patched. That said, if the RFT has any zero pressure miles, then the tire may well be damaged enough to deem it "unrepairable".
"...and that I can't use any other tire on my car..."
He's lying to you again. Your car will accept GFTs just as easily as it will accept RFTs. Keep in mind, if you opt for GFTs and you have a lease car, you MUST return it with RFTs in good condition.
"...and that there's no reimbursement or warranty because they deem these flats as due to road hazards."
I'm sorry to say that he's probably correct on that one.
"Please give me some specific , authoritativeadvice I can take to him. With all the customer outrage over these terrible tires, why isn't there a class action suit? Or is there one? I'll join!"
I don't see how this kind of a suit will help you as you are not (or at least haven't mentioned) experiencing tire noise and vibration issues.
my car 325xi 2006, got in in dec, 2005, now its about 2 years, the noise from the front of the car is loud, especially when slowing down, the service tech tell me its the Bridgestone runflat tire wearing out, and I can still have 5000 mile on it but just have take the noise, they suggest me to get the Continental Pro Contact SSR 205/55/16 91 H much quiet and cheaper around $138 each tire. meaning I have to replace all 4 tires. at total of $552 + labor , I am really piss at that, all these are not cover under warranty. when I drove their loaner car, damn was so quiet, I remember that felling when I first got the car.
For cars with between 10,000 and 20,000 miles, BMW is offering to pay for 50% of the cost of the new tires when tire noise becomes an issue (new tires are free if you have less than 10,000 miles). Beyond 20,000, you'll have to lean on your dealer for a good-faith deal.
"For cars with between 10,000 and 20,000 miles, BMW is offering to pay for 50% of the cost of the new tires when tire noise becomes an issue "
is that under their warranty? where do you find that info? I would like to point that out to my service, my service person tell me I have to pay for the whole thing.
I have a 2006 BMW 325xi. Had the tire problem around 22K miles. Dealt with the noise until now, 36K miles. Just had the Continental RFT's put on and I notice I'm getting about 40 - 50 miles less per tank of gas. My mpg indicator needs to be reset so I'm not sure about the actual mpg yet. Has anyone noticed this with the Conti's? The dealer told me its probably the additives in the gasoline for winter.... ???
I should have qualified my comment. The 50% allowance on the new tires only applies to the non-Sport Package cars that do have the Bridgestone Turanza EL42 tires. If your car has the Bridestone Potenza RE050As or any Contenintal tire, the allowance does not apply.
As for where this allowance comes from, have your dealer look up TSB SI B 36 06 06 published in January of 2007. That TSB will outline the replacement policy.
Winter fuel economy will almost always suffer. Why?
1) Many localities mandate oxygenated fuel for the winter months 2) Fuel atomization in cold weather isn't as efficient as in the summer months and as such, cars tend to burn more fuel when the OAT is lower than roughly 40 degrees.
ok, so just check my mile just went by of the 20,000 mile mark, and I called up BMW customer hotline, the rep told me the Bridgestone replacement program, they will pick up 2 tires cost, so that's 50%off but damn, I should have know, I have Bridgestone Turanza EL42 RFT, will they replace with the same Bridgestone model? my service guy tell me that the Continental ContiProContact SSR is quiet. I rather have that than Bridgestone.
Although RFTs can be replaced with GFTs, are you certain that the suspensions will behave properly with the GFTs? I read somewhere that the suspensions have been modified to account for the stiffer sidewalls of the RFTs.
Yes, I'm quite sure, you can use GFTs in place of RFTs, period, full stop, the end. The fact is that any suspension that is robust enough to (semi) tame the nasty driving characteristics of RFTs, will do even better with GFTs (even though your BMW dealership will try and tell you otherwise).
There are many reports all over the internet from folks who've done the switch, and in virtually every case they've reported a very noticable improvement in ride, handling, compliance over bumps, pot holes and otherwise rough pavement, and steering response.
I got rid of the Bridgestone Potenza's and replaced them with Continental ContiPro Conact SSR and WOW, it's like night and day . No more white knuckling the steering wheel going around the corner.
Will I be able to get a refund from BMW for 50% of the cost? Can I do this after the fact? What's the hotline number?
I don't think they will refund u for the Continental tires, its BridgeStone that offer the 50%. since I just pass the 20,000 mile mark, I think I will change to Continental after the next 5000 miles. just have to live with the noise for now.
I had the same problem on my 2006 BMW 330XI. I went through 3 whole sets of Bridgestone Firestone tires. The dealer fortuantely paid for 2 of the sets and pro-rated the third. I put a stop to it after the third set created major road noise at 7K miles. I said this was absurd and if BMW had no intention on rectifying the problems with these tires why keep putting them on their cars? They had no answer. I read on a blog that someone had had good luck with Continental Run Flat tires, so I told the BMW Dealer in Westbrook Maine to put these on the car. 20K miles later, rotated at 7K intervals, virtually no detectable wear and the best part no road noise!!. As a side note, I called BMW customer service and they essentially denied that there was any problems with these tires. My comment: "By denying that there is a problem you just make people mad and they suspect that there is in fact a major problem. But for legal reasons they remain silent. I have to say I love the car and the dealer has been fantastic, but I am not impressed with the code of silence coming out of BMW corporate. They would be a much better company if they stopped listening to their lawyers and started listening to their customers that give them the money to pay their legal teams!
I hope that helps you or any other frustrated owner with these problems.
I think you will love the Continentals and will begin to love your car again. A friend of mind who also has a 325xi 2006 also switched over to the Continental run flats from the Bridgestone run flats after 2 sets of tires had been replaced and has even placed more mileage on the Continentals than I have. He also reports no problems! Good luck and let me know if you have a similiar experience after changing over.
I have 18K on the Conti RFT's now and just finished third rotation. Perfect wear, no road noise and great performance so far. I recommend these tires.
As a footnote, I plan to change them at 24K miles for a new set. This will take me into my lease end time in December with good rubber on the car. I will have about 42K on the car and 6K on the tires so the new owner will have good RFT's when she/he gets my car.
Since I got my first set at 12K for free to replace the BS EL42's, I have no problem at all to invest $700 to change out one set of tires. It was in the plan all along anyway and the car will be pristine for the new owner with shoes to last over 20K before needing the 4th set. This way, I get about 8K miles with new rubber in the Spring, Summer and Fall 2008 and she/he gets a good set of broken in tires. I plan to rotate the new set once before I give it back to the dealer (who are not allowed to rotate rft's).
2006 330xi - All-Weather RFT - Continental ContiPro Contact SSR (Self-SupportingRunflat) 245/45R17 at 4 corners.
re There are many reports all over the internet from folks who've done the switch, and in virtually every case they've reported a very noticeable improvement in ride, handling, compliance over bumps, pot holes and otherwise rough pavement, and steering response.
If someone had invested a large amount (money, time, commitment) in making the change to GFTs, they'd be among the share of the owner population that was initially dissatisfied (how big a share is that?), and they'd be more likely to perceive the switch favorably, whatever the objective result. I still think it's about more than unsprung weight, especially with ZSP where the weight difference is minor, and that the total handling package is engineered to accommodate the added tire stiffness. I find that I can really toss my car around, and I find the steering accurate, very alive and responsive with the RE050A RFT package.
First point, the tires being discussed in the post I was responded to were the extremely poorly executed All-Season Bridgestine EL42s and not an SP equipped car with RE050s. Generally speaking, the RE050s have not garnered anywhere near the derision that the EL42s have, which by all accounts are absolute crap.
Second point, I've read many-many owner reports of folks who've replaced their RE050s with GFTs and literally in every case, the owners have reported an extremely positive improvement in both ride and handling. So, while the SP cars seem to have less of a problem, and even offer reasonable performance, that doesn't mean that improvements cannot be had by upgrading to GFTs.
Nkeen, I think you're describing the placebo effect. That effect is real, to be sure, but in the case of the 17" RE050A IIs, which I had, there was quite a dramatic difference moving to go-flats. Every aspect of steering changed (on center feel, weight, precision, bump steer, tramlining). The ride is significantly smoother as well.
Shipo, I agree. I've seen report after report of people replacing RE050s with go-flats and remarking on the surprising improvement on both 17" and 18" sizes. However, it seems like the improvement may be less noticeable on the 18" size.
I can say that the 17" RE050 RFTs are truly awful.
I'm one of the switchover guys from RE050A. Did it about a year ago and still drive with a smile on the face, rather than endure the awful drive the RFTs gave.
My difference to many, I've still got the RFT wheel set and I've had them back on the car several times, in the different seasons, The differences are so real. Hot summer weather is the only time they become acceptable, once warmed up. Otherwise no way do I like them on the car. All the negative effects as described by myself and others, just ruin the real BMW drive.
Some of the latest RFTs on the improved suspension systems, on late model BMW cars are working much better. BMW are getting there, but some of us have been stung by this RFT experience.
Mine's a 2006 325i with staggered 17" and RE050A, but right now I'm running the RFT LM22 winters on 16". The difference between the two setups (summer v winter) is quite pronounced -- the winters are more "stable", less tramlining -- seem to go with the inertia of the car rather than following the road, but I like the very active, hyper-quick feel of the summers. When I first drove the car it was a bit disconcerting -- different, but now I value it -- you have to stay on top of it though. Impact absorption on neglected interstate expansion joints is my biggest issue -- wouldn't that be even more of a problem with the 18" wheels, though? My biggest handling concern in making a switch would be to lose the accurate, edginess of the RE050As.
To Shipo's point, agree about the EL42s, run flat or not, they're no good, but if I had them, I'd be looking at the Conti RFTs for next time. I drove a 328xi wagon with EL42s a few weeks ago which felt both dead and rough compared to the ZSP RWD car -- the LM22s are smoother in fact. My biggest practical concerns with shifting to GFTs would be the lack of an engineered-in spare (i.e. securely fastened down and leaving my luggage space alone), negative effect on weight of carrying a spare, the risk to the rim of using the fixer instead of a spare if the rim is not cleaned properly afterwards, less safety in the event of high speed pressure loss, and increased risk of having to perform maintenance on congested stretches of urban highway with inadequate shoulders.
I asked about 18s because people report fewer differences moving to go-flat with those. Are your tires RE050A II, like mine were? If so, and you are happy with them, that's cool.
Mine are 17" RE050A II. Re the 18"s, I'd imagine that the shorter the sidewall, the smaller the difference between RFT and GFT. But perhaps less susceptibility to pot-hole impact damage to rims with RFT?
By the way, did you run pressures according to the manual? Dealers don't seem to have the hang of that. My summers were running 29 front/33 rear. The dealer's comment was "we run around 35 all round" or words to that effect.
Yes, I've tried the recommended pressure settings, which I think for 4 passengers is something like 32 front and rear. Now I usually set it to approx 36 front and rear though. You never know when it may become necessary to move at 150 mph...
I think it's 29/32 and 29/33 for speeds over 100. Higher at both ends for four plus luggage, I'd have to check, but there's still a pronounced difference front to rear. Higher front pressures make the front end feel more fidgety. I'd have to check my cue cards, but I think I'm running 33F/41R for the winter tires -- setting for 16" M&S on ZSP per the manual.
I just purchased a 08 BMW 328Xi. The delaership told me that RFT may have problems if i hit pothole etc., i.e., I have to change the entire wheel. To replace one wheel cost approx 450/tire. Therefore, convinced me to buy an insurance for $1200 for 5 years w/ no deductible. No limit on replacement. Do you think this is worth it? I don't think this can be used to replace worn out tires, the insurance only covers tire going flat. please let me know. I went with GE Wheel insurance. Are there any cheaper ones?
Personally I think the tire insurance is absolute rape.
If you decide to stay with the RFTs, you'd have to ruin at least four tires before you even broke even on the insurance. Ask yourself this, how long has it been since you ruined four tires on one car in only 40,000 or so miles of driving?
Were I in your shoes I'd take the $1,200 and do the following: 1) Go to TireRack and buy four Michelin Primacy MXV4 GFTs (a very well regarded All-Season tire) for $504 2) (Optional) Pay an additional $60.48 for "Tire Road Hazard Service Program" 3) Buy the Continental Tire ContiComfortKit for $79 and use in in the event of a flat 4) Pay ~$100 to have your new tires mounted and balanced 5) Stash your factory tires in your basement or attic and have them remounted just prior to A) selling the car or turning it back in at lease end 6) Take the remaining $200+ and treat your significant other to a nice dinner
Nkeen, according to my owner's manual, for high speed + 4 people + luggage, for the 17" staggered sizes, it's 32 front and 36 rear recommended. The low front number is to increase understeer, I don't need that. For everything else it's 32 front and 32 rear recommended.
Higher front pressures make the front end feel more fidgety.
Oh dear, that's a shame! Time to consider some real tires, perhaps? :P Seriously, I've felt the same thing on the runflats, which are even worse at high pressures.
I have a bmw xi 2006 with less than 15,000 miles on it....the tires, all 4 ,are being replaced....the dealership tried to make me pay for all 4. then 2 ..I told them there is not a court in the world that would side with them.......the stering column keeps malfunctioning....you get the red light steering lock icon, (says in the manual don't shut off the car and driving may be hazardous)...I have brought it back 2 times in the last 2 months and they still have not fixed it.....I will have to pay for a front end allignment ...I am on day 3 (thankfully with a loaner car from the dealership) but BMW North America has yet to approve them putting in a new steering column....anyone else out there having those problems...and does anyone think that the steering problems could be sending errant signals to the system thus the tires wear quickly because the system isn't adjusting properly?
Good reply on the insurance...don't buy it....make BMW PAY...it is not reasonable or acceptable the performance of these RFT .... there should be a recall...even it means they have to adapt a kit to fit new tires....I have been buying cars since 1972 and never bought new tires before 40,000 to 50,000 miles and I have had cars such as a chevy vega to a MB 560SL...still have that one and never should have got rid of the big boat caddie but these RFT on the bmw's stink worse than burning rubber! BMW should bow their heads in shame and make good on all replacements
Not so sure about that -- my 2006 manual recommends 29/32 or 29/33 for high speed use at lighter loads; 33/41 for 16" M&S tires on same suspension. The numbers are the way they are to support the handling and ride characteristics engineered into the car by the manufacturer. My car isn't a great understeerer -- the 1 series is reputed to be much more so.
After replacing a tire, I bought the insurance for $700 with a $100 deductable. I noticed my bridgestones were very noisey and the dealer told me there was a recall. They replaced all of my tires with continentals that are very quiet.
I have been on the fence, with respect to buying my 5th BMW, the prior 740, 2-540's & current 545 great cars, but too big & UGLY for me...when the 335xi coupe came out, I drove it and it was great! I have now spent 2-months hearing about the RFT's but after the shop foreman at my dealership, whom i really trust and have known for 13-yrs told me that the Conti's all weather tires are very good, no noise etc, and if you get a flat either plug it to get back home, or use the Conti kit which will seal it, I am in...I drove the g35x, good car, alot cheaper, but it aint a BMW...
I ordered a 2008 335xi for lease, and it's en route. I was not able to ride my lightweight road bike to any dealer with a similar auto, 328 or 335 (they don't have any in inventory with rear seats folding forward!!) to see if my bike will fit into the trunk, with the front wheel removed. I'm told there is "no problem." I have a standard 12-speed 26" frame, and I eliminated any vehicle from consideration which did not have folding rear seats to accomodate the cycle, with seats folded flat. Are there any cyclists out there who can confirm that a bicycle will comforably fit into the expanded cargo space of the current models? The only other sports sedan in the class with enough room or fold-down seats is the new Infinit EX, which is a nice car, but not a BMW, and the Audi, which I passed on due to the new A4 coming late Summer, which looks like a winner.
I just drove the 335xi coupe one more time, it smokes on both the highway and in the streets! this comes from a guy who has had a 545i for 3-yrs and its time to turn the lease over...i did hit a large pothole and even with the Conti's its hard, but in normal driving its not that bad...the car lists for 51,175 and the buy price is 47,485 which the dealer claims is cost...on a lease, he came down to 645, i do 7 multiples as a security deposit, plus the typical 2000 of 1st months payment, doc fee, and all the other junk which is standard thievery...bottom-line, its $30 less than the initial deal of 675/month, 36 months, 10k mi/year...i will refect over the weekend, hard bumps and all and then likely pick it up on Tuesday...after my 740, 2-540's & current 545, this coupe os HOT...bumps, RFT's and all...anyone want to talk me out of it???
I have a 2008 335XI with the fold down seats. Don't know about your bike...but I have a full size spare and wheel in the trunk and with the rear seats folded down, I can get enough luggage into the car for a 2 month trip - 2- 29" cases in the back, two softer duffels in the trunk and lot's of other misc. stuff. I would think the bike would fit...the only problem might be with the handle-bar width (it might be too high with the bike on it's side which would be the probable way to stash it) though I doubt it. With the seats down the available area is huge. If the handle bars fit (in the height of the trunk) the depth would certainly NOT be a problem. My bike's handle bars are 25" wide and the trunk height inside is only about 20" so it will take a little jostling to get it in but it'll probably work. Hope this helps... It's a hell of a car...shame to drop it from consideration if you can't get the bike in. Guess a trunk mounted rack isn't an option?
Comments
Will perform rotation #3 this weekend.
Regards,
OW
My car came with 17" Bridgestone Potenza RE050A II runflats, and I changed to ContiExtremeContact all-seasons.
Any road bumps are certainly harsh. As to the performance of the tires, I find the straight line tracking to be less sure than I would have expected, but again I am hardly the voice of experience in the dynamica of BMW handling, but I am a little disappointed the car does not feel more "planted" on the road. I look forward to hearing how your test drive goes as someone who has had so many BMWs.
Continue to keep us posted. Sorry it's still not quite all you expected.
For what it's worth, I don't think you should feel shafted. A lot of people are suffering from these awful runflat tires, and are not taking advantage of BMW's replacement program for one reason or another. And many people are being charged for half or full set of new runflats at inflated prices. In spite of all the warranties that admittedly are there to protect us, we take a risk buying a new product. It's up to us, the owner of the product, to solve the problem. Maybe that means taking advantage of a (fairly generous from BMW's point of view) free replacement program.
I would say you could have consulted the dealer earlier about the problem, but dealers are famous for refusing to help until the warranty or special period is over! That way they can charge you. I have nothing against dealers, I just find them not to be terribly useful for information or help, most of the time. I'm sure they're great people. The master technicians that work there are first rate; I go to one for all my needs
My advice is: find an independent BMW specialist, and mount some go-flat tires. You can get a set installed for less than US$550 at tirerack.com.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/11/automobiles/11FLATS.html?ex=1331265600&en=097f- - bea9423cf1a1&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
http://www.tirebusiness.com/pictures
http://www.lemonlaws.com/2007/06/kabob_files_class_action_alleg_1.htmlcontents/T- - B_PG-01_03-26-071174917187.pdf
Up to that point I'd say he was probably correct, however...
"...he knows of no other customers with runflat problems."
If he doesn't then either he's lying to you or he's had his head in the sand for a couple of years.
"He also says the runflats cannot be patched..."
That is incorrect; RFTs can be patched just like GFTs can be patched. That said, if the RFT has any zero pressure miles, then the tire may well be damaged enough to deem it "unrepairable".
"...and that I can't use any other tire on my car..."
He's lying to you again. Your car will accept GFTs just as easily as it will accept RFTs. Keep in mind, if you opt for GFTs and you have a lease car, you MUST return it with RFTs in good condition.
"...and that there's no reimbursement or warranty because they deem these flats as due to road hazards."
I'm sorry to say that he's probably correct on that one.
"Please give me some specific , authoritativeadvice I can take to him. With all the customer outrage over these terrible tires, why isn't there a class action suit? Or is there one? I'll join!"
I don't see how this kind of a suit will help you as you are not (or at least haven't mentioned) experiencing tire noise and vibration issues.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Best Regards,
Shipo
is that under their warranty? where do you find that info? I would like to point that out to my service, my service person tell me I have to pay for the whole thing.
As for where this allowance comes from, have your dealer look up TSB SI B 36 06 06 published in January of 2007. That TSB will outline the replacement policy.
Keep us posted.
Best Regards,
Shipo
1) Many localities mandate oxygenated fuel for the winter months
2) Fuel atomization in cold weather isn't as efficient as in the summer months and as such, cars tend to burn more fuel when the OAT is lower than roughly 40 degrees.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Although RFTs can be replaced with GFTs, are you certain that the suspensions will behave properly with the GFTs? I read somewhere that the suspensions have been modified to account for the stiffer sidewalls of the RFTs.
There are many reports all over the internet from folks who've done the switch, and in virtually every case they've reported a very noticable improvement in ride, handling, compliance over bumps, pot holes and otherwise rough pavement, and steering response.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Will I be able to get a refund from BMW for 50% of the cost? Can I do this after the fact? What's the hotline number?
Thanks!
btw their # is 1-800-831-1117
I hope that helps you or any other frustrated owner with these problems.
As a footnote, I plan to change them at 24K miles for a new set. This will take me into my lease end time in December with good rubber on the car. I will have about 42K on the car and 6K on the tires so the new owner will have good RFT's when she/he gets my car.
Since I got my first set at 12K for free to replace the BS EL42's, I have no problem at all to invest $700 to change out one set of tires. It was in the plan all along anyway and the car will be pristine for the new owner with shoes to last over 20K before needing the 4th set. This way, I get about 8K miles with new rubber in the Spring, Summer and Fall 2008 and she/he gets a good set of broken in tires. I plan to rotate the new set once before I give it back to the dealer (who are not allowed to rotate rft's).
2006 330xi - All-Weather RFT - Continental ContiPro Contact SSR (Self-SupportingRunflat) 245/45R17 at 4 corners.
Regards,
OW
There are many reports all over the internet from folks who've done the switch, and in virtually every case they've reported a very noticeable improvement in ride, handling, compliance over bumps, pot holes and otherwise rough pavement, and steering response.
If someone had invested a large amount (money, time, commitment) in making the change to GFTs, they'd be among the share of the owner population that was initially dissatisfied (how big a share is that?), and they'd be more likely to perceive the switch favorably, whatever the objective result. I still think it's about more than unsprung weight, especially with ZSP where the weight difference is minor, and that the total handling package is engineered to accommodate the added tire stiffness. I find that I can really toss my car around, and I find the steering accurate, very alive and responsive with the RE050A RFT package.
Second point, I've read many-many owner reports of folks who've replaced their RE050s with GFTs and literally in every case, the owners have reported an extremely positive improvement in both ride and handling. So, while the SP cars seem to have less of a problem, and even offer reasonable performance, that doesn't mean that improvements cannot be had by upgrading to GFTs.
Thoughts?
Best Regards,
Shipo
Do you have the 17" or 18" wheels?
I can say that the 17" RE050 RFTs are truly awful.
My difference to many, I've still got the RFT wheel set and I've had them back on the car several times, in the different seasons, The differences are so real. Hot summer weather is the only time they become acceptable, once warmed up. Otherwise no way do I like them on the car. All the negative effects as described by myself and others, just ruin the real BMW drive.
Some of the latest RFTs on the improved suspension systems, on late model BMW cars are working much better. BMW are getting there, but some of us have been stung by this RFT experience.
Highland Pete
To Shipo's point, agree about the EL42s, run flat or not, they're no good, but if I had them, I'd be looking at the Conti RFTs for next time. I drove a 328xi wagon with EL42s a few weeks ago which felt both dead and rough compared to the ZSP RWD car -- the LM22s are smoother in fact. My biggest practical concerns with shifting to GFTs would be the lack of an engineered-in spare (i.e. securely fastened down and leaving my luggage space alone), negative effect on weight of carrying a spare, the risk to the rim of using the fixer instead of a spare if the rim is not cleaned properly afterwards, less safety in the event of high speed pressure loss, and increased risk of having to perform maintenance on congested stretches of urban highway with inadequate shoulders.
By the way, did you run pressures according to the manual? Dealers don't seem to have the hang of that. My summers were running 29 front/33 rear. The dealer's comment was "we run around 35 all round" or words to that effect.
I just purchased a 08 BMW 328Xi. The delaership told me that RFT may have problems if i hit pothole etc., i.e., I have to change the entire wheel. To replace one wheel cost approx 450/tire. Therefore, convinced me to buy an insurance for $1200 for 5 years w/ no deductible. No limit on replacement. Do you think this is worth it? I don't think this can be used to replace worn out tires, the insurance only covers tire going flat. please let me know. I went with GE Wheel insurance. Are there any cheaper ones?
If you decide to stay with the RFTs, you'd have to ruin at least four tires before you even broke even on the insurance. Ask yourself this, how long has it been since you ruined four tires on one car in only 40,000 or so miles of driving?
Were I in your shoes I'd take the $1,200 and do the following:
1) Go to TireRack and buy four Michelin Primacy MXV4 GFTs (a very well regarded All-Season tire) for $504
2) (Optional) Pay an additional $60.48 for "Tire Road Hazard Service Program"
3) Buy the Continental Tire ContiComfortKit for $79 and use in in the event of a flat
4) Pay ~$100 to have your new tires mounted and balanced
5) Stash your factory tires in your basement or attic and have them remounted just prior to A) selling the car or
6) Take the remaining $200+ and treat your significant other to a nice dinner
Best Regards,
Shipo
Higher front pressures make the front end feel more fidgety.
Oh dear, that's a shame!
Ditto on all of your points. I would take the 335 EVEN with the RFT's.
Call me a glutton for punishment, but have mercy! I'm hooked!!
Regards,
OW