Run Flat vs. Radial Tyres

Verres

I've got an 06 BMW 318i, with 17 (IIRC) inch run-flat tires. Total mileage is 35,000km.

When I took my car for the NCT a month or so ago, the lad there said that since the tires are 6 years old, although they are in good nick from a "thread" perspective the rubber could be perishing due to age and this was a bit dangerous.

Since I'm driving down to south of France in june I thought that it might be a good time to change the tires, if there's a danger of them being a bit dodgy.

So then I was thinking about whether to get run-flat tires, or standard radial tyres. From reading around the web stardard tyres seem cheaper, longer lasting and they give a quieter / nicer ride, so I was going to go "brand" (Michelin, Continental or Bridgestone) and get standard radials.

(caveat - I don't want part-worn tires)

So three qs:
- Am I mad to be swapping out run-flats and going for radials? (I know I'll need a roadside repair kit since I don't have room for a spare)

- How much (very ballpark) will 4 new 17 inch radial tyres cost?

- Do I need to change the tyres at all? I've only done 35KKM on them, and it wasn't track days.

Sorry if this has been done to death, but I'd love a 1, 2, 3.
Cheers

bazz26

I have a similar car to yours but with 18" rims and changed from RFTs to standard tyres a few months ago. The main reasons being, standard tyres have a softer ride, are quieter and they cost half the price of the RFTs.

Downside is that the E90 3 Series doesn't have a tyre well or spare wheel so you either get a compressor/can of tyre weld or find a space saver wheel and stick it in the boot (I did the latter).

From the perspective of the tyres I have no regrets, the ride is much improved which has transformed the handling of the car so I am happy I ditched the RFTs. BTW I paid about €600 for 4 Vredestein Ultrac Sessantas including fitting.

Verres

That exactly what I was looking for. And excuse my ignorance, but I've no idea what "Vredestein Ultrac Sessantas" are. Would they be "good" tyres? I'm just wondering so I'll know if the qwik-fit lads are taking the piss when they quote me on Michelin.

Thanks!

Nissan doctor

Verres wrote: »

That exactly what I was looking for. And excuse my ignorance, but I've no idea what "Vredestein Ultrac Sessantas" are. Would they be "good" tyres? I'm just wondering so I'll know if the qwik-fit lads are taking the piss when they quote me on Michelin.

Thanks!

Michelins are generally amongst the highest priced tyres around and IMO don't justify the price over the likes of bridgestone etc.

Things have moved on though so you should consider the likes of Hankook or kumho as their high performance tyres are right up there with the established premium brands but are often substantially cheaper.

bazz26

Vredestein are a Dutch tyre maker and a very good brand, Ultrac Sessanta are a model of tyre they produce, they are closer to a premium brand than budget brand. I'm very happy with them anyway. You can review them and other tyres here: http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Vredestein/Ultrac-Sessanta.htm

I'd shop around for prices too as these tyre chain stores can be expensive. Alot of the time the cheapest prices are from the local run corner shop type tyre centres.

Verres

This is all perfect stuff.

Thanks lads - I'll have a look around and I'll go with standard tyres then.

I never heard of Hankook or Kumho, but if they're good they're good.

Cheers!