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I have run on RFs for 3 years on a 2006 330i with Sport Package.
First set of tires were "BALD" all round at 24,000. Replaced with same RFs. Now have 39,000 and are showing too much wear. I am 66 year of age. Do not beat up my tires !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have carried spare, tools, and etectric jack since first replacement. Have not had to use "yet" but love the security of the "donut" spare. In any case, my size RFTs are a day's freight away in Portland Oregon. I don't want to be stranded with tire dealer after tire dealer saying "Sorry. Don't carry that size".
Over the past several weeks I have read many of the recommendations provided in this forum. I thought buying a portable compressor and slime kit ($ 32 at Walmart) in lieu of putting a full size spare tire or donut in the truck was the best opition for me. I did pursue purchasing a 17" wheel (used) as well as contacting my local BMW dealer (with the BM #'s that were provided in earlier threads) for a donut, jack, etc. Both of these options proved to be too time consuming and difficult to continue to pursue . The BMW dealer was of little to no help.
Just as I was settling in on my preferred option a COSTCO tire mech informed me that if I used the slime it would damage the tire pressure sensor and that I would have to replace it (cost: approximately $ 50- 60). Until replaced the warning indicator in the cockpit would constant display the malfunction (an undesired situation).
Has anyone experienced or heard if slime affects this sensor? Are there any other recommendation you may have that I should consider? The RFT's have got to go. BMW has really comprimised their product's performance with these types of tires. Any help is sincerely appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
I reconsidered.
I didn't order the BMW I had wanted for a number of years, partly because of these GD tires. I'm driving a different car now, with real tires, a spare and (BTW) a dipstick.
Born and raised in Winnipeg. Lived in Edmonton, Cambridge Bay, Vancouver, Richmond, and Nanaimo. Now in Springfield, Oregon the land of crazy medical premiums. My Canada Pension goes each month to pay the monthly premium.
Anyway..............BMWs.I hope that you told the BMW dealer and BMW Canada (or BME North America if my guess on Canadian is wrong) EXACTLY how you feel. In writing would be better. I have gone through 1 set of RFTs on my 2006 330i and the second is coming up soon. (39,000 miles).
All these people who merely complain and do not put BMW on notification are of little to no good in the case for non RFTs. I love the car as I have all other BMWs I have owned......BUT!
A bit over a year ago I went with an Acura TSX, which was available with a manual transmission, fold-down rear seats & the aforementioned real tires, with a space to store a spare. The TSX is the same as the Acura Honda sells everywhere in the world outside NA, and it suits me well. However, they changed it for 2009, and I don't like the new ones as well.
I really wanted RWD, but couldn't get the combination I wanted, so broke my rule & started looking at FWD. It came down to the TSX & the Audi A3, but I generally keep my cars a long time & was a little leery of Audi's reliability reputation.
Continued good luck with the Saab.
Indeed it is. I lived in Edmonton a number of years & travelled to the four western provinces on business. Ended up moving to Vancouver (Richmond, really, then N. Van) and really enjoyed it -- should have never left. For a variety of reasons, I'm stuck in the desert now.
I hope that you told the BMW dealer and BMW Canada (or BME North America if my guess on Canadian is wrong) EXACTLY how you feel.
I've been contemplating complaining formally, but I've come to the conclusion that BMW currently doesn't care a whit for the enthusiast market. They did once, which is where the reputation came from, but they've learned that there's much more money to be made selling (or more likely leasing) to poseurs. I still get Roundel & it had a boatload of complaints about the RFTs when they were first fitted, so I'm not sure how much more I'd have to add. It is interesting to see how many of the regulars & columnists prefer the older cars. The upshot is that if you want a real BMW, get a used one, at which time the RFT issue goes away, as do many others.
Too bad Vancouver didn't get farther into the Cup playoffs.
I am just about ready to close the deal on a a similar car 09 328xi coupe with the RFT. Did you buy the optional tire maintainence package ($799 for 3 years). THis seems to be logical however for a few dollars more I can lease a 528xi with simialr equipment and regular tires. How do you like the car?
I am a 66 year old that loves the car but real iffy on RFTs. I am running them on a 2006 330i. The first set was worn out at 24,000 miles of 70% city and 30% highway. I am on the 2nd set with now 39,000 miles and have about 1/3 tread left. No flats nor blowouts. I carry a "donut" spare, power kack, and tools just in case. Yes the spare does take up trunk room, but I have lived with that for 39,000 miles and still constantly feel that I have enough room left for trip packing. My wife did up a wonderful tire cover that matches the trunk material perfectly. The car has ALL options including the Sport Package, so when it comes time to change tires, (back tires being larger tham the front) money starts passing in wads.
One thing to keep in mind when running RFTs, is that they ARE NOT AVAILABLE in all areas. I live in Springfield/Eugene Oregon. The rear tires (when I need them) are a day away in Portland! Sad if you are in an outlying area for a weekend drive and find that you have to get hold of a RFT now! Yes you have a certain number of miles on the RFT (they say 50, but I am sure you can get more). But what is 50 miles when in the western mountain region?
I like the comfort of the "donut" in the trunk. Like you, I grew up replacing flat tires (as I did checking the dip stick......what happened to that?)
As I say I have now run 39,000 miles with no flats. So why carry a "donut tire"?
I FEEL SAFER. :mad:
I think that with time, the technology will get better and prices will come down. These run flat tires have been around since the 80s and 90s, and It appears that is the way car makers are headed to help make a greener world (by-the-way, I do not care, I'm not political). This will reduce the weight of the car, and no one will need a spare tire so the petroleum that goes into making a spare will be saved to make other things. Finally, I had a 2006 Lexus IS, and Lexus make you sign a paper stating that you were warned that the tread life on them is only 14,000 miles. I replaced mine at 18,000 miles.
good luck to all
The customers who bought the car ARE reviewing RFTs, right here. You won't see straight-ahead forums like this at those other sites.
Visiting Host, not in bed with anyone at the moment :P
The Editor rating is 8.4, customer rating is 9.3, and not one tire complaint. Most customer will only go here. I found this Edmund forum probably the same way other did, I google it, and read all the links. Edmund does good work, better than other sites, but this info is not part of the the main "Edmunds.com where smart buyers Start" page. Does that page have a link to the forum? No. This information is mostly read after the fact. When the deal is closed.
"It's not all bouquets, though. Despite adopting new fourth-generation run-flat tires with an altered sidewall design aimed at providing greater compliance, the 3 Series continues to suffer from an overly firm ride. At highway speeds it is reasonably comfortable, but at lower speeds around town it can become quite harsh when attempting to deal with broken sections of asphalt."
(From First Drive Road Test READ IT HERE
Given the hammering BMW has gotten from us about iDrive and Bangle styling, if we are in bed with anyone, this is definitely a lover's quarrel.
I see you got the spare. Does it fit in the trunk with the top down? If so will go for the 328ic. Looked at the new Lexus is350c and infinity but BMW is what we really want if I can make the spare work with top down.
thanks again
Anyway, my wife and I both hate the RFT's because the ride is jarry, and when you hit uneven surfaces, including potholes, you feel like the wheels (not only the tires) hit a hard, blunt object. The tires were also noisy, but that is a minor point for me.
Forward to last Friday, 5/22, late evening. I was driving along Route 17N around Goshen, NY to our place in the Poconos when I hit a series of potholes in the middle of nowhere. Bam, bam, bam. I felt like the right front wheel hit the pavement. The flat tire indicator quickly popped up, indicating sudden loss of pressure. I also noted a change in the handling, so I'm sure it was a serious situation. The flat tire warning indicated that the car can still be driven but speed should not exceed 50 miles. As I had no spare, and with the assurance that the car could be driven despite the flat tire situation, I continued on my way (65 - 70 miles away) at 50 mph. Gingerly is a word I would use.
Had no chance to check the tire until the following morning. When I looked, the tire was ripped vertically about 2 inches on the side, at the lip of the wheel. Most tire places were closed for the long holiday week-end, and I assumed that even if they were open, they will not have my RFT anyway, so I decided to take a calculated risk and drive back early Sunday morning to NYC, 150 miles away, at 50 mph. The day before, I had a chance to assess the situation and found that except for the uneven pull on the steering wheel, the handling was fine.
With my AAA card ready and a short prayer, I drove to NYC and reached home without any incident. Traffic was light along the way because of the holiday. When I looked at the tire again, another rip had resulted, about two inches away. Just the same, the tire was holding well.
Moral of this story, the RFT system works very well when you need it, but it comes with some disadvantages, both actual and imagined. In short, it's not going to please everyone.
Now, I'm looking for that second or later generation of RFTs for my bimmer. It looks like they come with less ride harshness. If I can't find one, I'll switch to ordinary (non-RFT) tires and a spare.
Your thoughts?
2.) NEW donuts are a dime a dozen at wrecking yards. Just make sure you know your size.
AS A MATTER OF FACT, I JUST WENT HFT's WEB SITE AND THE PRICE IS NOW $59.99 (must be a good seller since i bought mine 2 years ago) SO WITH 20% OFF = $47.99 BUT SHIPPING WOULD TAKE IT BACK UP TO THE FULL PRICE OR MORE. MAYBE YOU HAVE A HFTS IN YOUR AREA.
witchjohn@aol.com
What tire seems to be the replacement tire of choice for the 3 series???
BMW oem type 159
bolt pattern 5x120mm
center hole 72x66mm
offset 47mm
size 17x8 et34
tire size 225/45 r17
donut has to have bolt, center hole size and offset as above.
hope this helps.
Have a 09 328 sports pkg..getting ready when the time comes.
Again, good stuff guys!
17N is a disaster up there!
Anyway, the RFT's worked. The set I had were with the bad rubber compound and it cost $250 for the new tire since the RFT's were new.
At 12K miles, I switched to the Conti SSR A/S. Great tire compared to the OLD B/S.
Regards,
OW
2006 330i with all options including Sports Package.
I went through 1st set of RFTs at 25,000 miles. Installed second set and now have 42,000 miles on them. (17,000 miles) Are wearing the same as first set. I am a 66 year old driver living in Springfield/Eugene Oregon. The front tires are available here but when the rears goes, I have to order from Portland. Not a desaster if the tires simply wear out. But if 1 BLOWS!!!!!!!! I am down for a day or 2. Hopefully I am not miles out of Springfield towards the Pacific Coast. If so, no tires period.
From day 1 I have carried a spare "donut" tire plus electric jack and tools, just in case.
Maybe RFTs of ALL SIZES are available in Catonsville, or Washington. When I ordered the car, I had "M" wheels installed which are compatable with RFTs of conventionals. I like the car so will probably switch to conventionals the next time around.
Other than that, tried all the comparable cars in 2006 when I bought this BMW (2nd Bimmer) and have tried others since. BMW is still number 1. On another asset of BMW.......the warranty. I have owned a lot of cars since 1963 and NEVER experiences such a great warranty through the local dealer. I don;t have to bring things to their attention, they bring them to mine and repair/replace what is required.
John
grade & quality are certainly open to interpretation
This informationw is valubale to be as I am now in negotiations with the dealer regarding the problems
Also did you use your original rims with the new tires ?
Regards
Aeon
That said, people on Edmunds from the U.S. to Scotland have commented on the miserable ride quality & performance one endures with RFTs, along with the possibility of being stranded in remote areas of the U.S West, among other things.
The people who have changed to real tires universally comment on the improved ride and handling. I don't recall anyone, ever, posting that they were sorry to have made the switch.
That said, they have no spare and nowhere to put one if they did--there are ways around these things. However, if you lease you'll need to turn the car back in with the RFTs. The most common drill is to drive some number of miles on the crap tires, then replace them with real ones until time to turn the car in, at which time you can put the original tires back on.
There are many people who have decided that the RFT situation is reason enough to not drive a BMW. I am among them.
Does Sears sell these? In the past I have had good luck with the Sears mileage-warranty program. Are any other independent shops/chains recommended in San Diego? Does installing runflats require special expertise?
If I put on regular tires, is there any strategy for dealing with the lack of a spare? Does anyone take the risk of regular tires with no spare? The furthest I drive away from home is Las Vegas...
Thanks for all advice and suggestions!
We are in the market for a new car and BMW will not be on the list of possible trades. Matter of fact, no car with run flats or staggered tires will be on our shopping list.
Shame on BMW for serving up this crap then trying to sweep it under the rug. I've got Toyo mud tires on my 2008 Tundra 4x4 that make less road noise than my wife's 3 series and these run flats.
I mean it's pretty bad when a BMW mechanic (fixes my car on the side)tells you he would never buy another BMW because the ride sucks since they put these tires on the car.
I am do to pick up my new Honda Accord in the morning with regular tires and a very smooth ride. Believe me when I say, I will miss my BMW terribely...I love that car! But after 6 years it began to nickle and dime to death :sick: . Until they replace the tires with regular tires I will just drive my Honda.
Good luck to everyone!
I have RFTs on my '08 335 and at 13k miles show very little wear--might have somehting to do with how one drives
The low profile has a lot to do with the ride and as well the sidewalls (regardless of how small they are) are less flexible.
My 99 Vette had Goodyear rfts--got 20k miles out of first set--wheel hop--poor ride--switched to Firestone firehawks RFT's--far better--quieter, softer ride, far less wheel hop-
Replaced the fronts at 45k but I had a wierd alignment problem that in no time wore them out. 58k miles now and just replaced the rears about 5k miles ago.
no complaints at all (other than cost of rfts).
I will not replace the BMW rfts till needed and then either the firehawks or something comparable.
Oh yeah--I am just as anal about my car as anyone else.
I run a late UK spec. 2005 E91 320d SE with standard suspension and 205/55R16 wheels.
I've been through Continetal Premium Contact SSR's which are as bad as any description found on this long thread. Dead at 14K miles but really needed replacign at 9K miles. I ran standard Continetal Premium Contact 2 for 20K miles and it was a different car.
I now have these Michelin's and all the time the outside temperature is above about the 45DegF mark they are virtually as good as a standard tyre. Sadly for me it means 3-5 months of the year I get tram-lining and some skittish behaviour in the colder months of the year.
Goodyear NCT 5 EMT's are meant to be fairly reasonable too.
I ended up getting Goodyear Eagle GT non-run-flat tires, and a can of Fix-A-Flat. Most people say the can does work if you need it, and the manufacturer says it is safe for tire pressure sensors. I will get a second can because some people say one can can be not enough. A can is only $5... I would use it even if I had a spare tire because changing a wheel in traffic is no fun, nor is it safe.
Compared to the previous Continental runflats, the Goodyears are noticeably quieter and softer. They may grip better, but I can't say that for sure yet. We haven't had any rain yet here.
I bought the Goodyears at 25% off special offer at Sears. That made the price the same as at tirerack.com. The shipping charges, delay, and hassle make tirerack not worth it, when local places have "4 for 3" sales, which they do regularly.
Usually Sears offers a treadwear warranty. I have claimed on this successfully with an Audi A4 in the past. This time, Sears offered no treadwear warranty supposedly because the tires are being discontinued. I don't see the logic of that, but oh well. The tires and the price are still good.