E90 Run flats or alternative?

Buyingcar2012

I am due a change and I currently have Conti 205/55/R16 Run Flats. I am undecided whether to get Run Flats or not when I change.

From reading online it seems that Michelin PS2's are the only Run Flats with good reviews all round but they are a bit pricey.

Can anyone suggest any decent Run Flats that are not too expensive?
I am also contemplating just going with regular tyres - in that case what would you recommend?

TBi

As someone who used have run flats I recommend you get rid of them. I bought two sets of run flats before I made the switch. A total waste of time and money.

You will never go back after. The change in the comfort is massive.

HandsomeDan

I too ditched the rfts for a set maxx sports. I wouldn't describe the difference in comfort as massive but it is less crashy over a bad road.

Turn in is less sharp but off the limit the car is a little less skitish - although I kind of liked that...

Buyingcar2012

I think I might just stick with run flats for this time round. We have another baby due in the new year and it will give a bit of peace of mind for long trips.

Can anyone suggest one for 205/55/R16 E90 318i?

TBi

Michelin ps3's if you really are looking for piece of mind. Best tyres you can get at the moment. Although all run flats are crap. Hopefully one day you'll change and find out

Paddy@CIRL

I swapped out my RFTs for Hankook Ventus Evos about three months after buying the car, and I've never looked back. I keep a 12V compressor and two cans of Tyre Weld under the boot floor and have never been left stranded, despite picking up two punctures over the years. I also have recovery on my insurance policy for a worst case scenario.

Caliden

Anyone not on runflats use a 'wheelbarrow' wheel ? Currently I've got a spare in my boot but because it's 245 R18 it's taking up half my bloody boot!

I've got roadside assistance but because of the fitment of tyre, last time I got a flat I had to leave the car at the garage, get a taxi to Athlone and pickup a rental from there.

It was a bit of a nightmare that has left me mentally scarred. Tyre weld would've been useless as it was on the motorway so the tyre itself was wrecked when I pulled in.


I've been thinking of getting one of the slimwheels and a jack but can't seem to source one specifically for BMW (will also need the adapter for under the chassis)

TBi

I have a BMW 'wheel barrow' wheel. Although it does fit in the boot of the E60. Didn't see enough room in the E90 for it.

Not really sure how fitment of the tyre would hold you up. It's a standard fitment. Unless they didn't have the tyre you want in stock.

PGE1970

Hi all,

Just bumping this - I changed yesterday from RFs to regular tyres after 3 sets of RFs.

Only a short 30 min drive to work this morning but very noticeable difference in comfort and road noise - like going from a pair of clogs to Nike Airs!

Advice required - I need to get a compressor and tyre weld. Any suggestions as to what to get or where I might get (online or in person(Co Louth area)) before Christmas as i have a few runs over the next few weeks?

Thanks!

VeVeX

PGE1970 wrote: »

Hi all,

Just bumping this - I changed yesterday from RFs to regular tyres after 3 sets of RFs.

Only a short 30 min drive to work this morning but very noticeable difference in comfort and road noise - like going from a pair of clogs to Nike Airs!

Advice required - I need to get a compressor and tyre weld. Any suggestions as to what to get or where I might get (online or in person(Co Louth area)) before Christmas as i have a few runs over the next few weeks?

Thanks!

If I didn't have a spare wheel this is the only solution I'd consider - http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Volvo-V40-Bj13-Conti-Mobil-Itykit-Tyre-Sealant-Kit-Sealer-Spray-Air-Compressor-/351253370758?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item51c8551786

Barack Obama

Buyingcar2012 wrote: »

I think I might just stick with run flats for this time round. We have another baby due in the new year and it will give a bit of peace of mind for long trips.

Can anyone suggest one for 205/55/R16 E90 318i?

But, you won't be going far on run flats??

They only allow you to limp to the nearest garage in the hope that something can be done there.

I ditched mine on our X3 and went for good quality Michigan. Cheaper, better grip, much more efficient and quieter. In the boot is a can of slime and a compressor pump. Add to that, roadside assistance - everything is covered

Buyingcar2012

Barack Obama wrote: »

But, you won't be going far on run flats??

They only allow you to limp to the nearest garage in the hope that something can be done there.

I ditched mine on our X3 and went for good quality Michigan. Cheaper, better grip, much more efficient and quieter. In the boot is a can of slime and a compressor pump. Add to that, roadside assistance - everything is covered

I have this tyre compressor. http://www.amazon.co.uk/12-Volt-Digital-Inflator-Compressor-Built/dp/B000Q4UBMW

Is there any particular can of tyre sealant that you can recommend?

Mr.David

Yesterday I made the switch from Bridgestone Potenza RFs to Goodyear Eagle F1 2 Asymmetrics.

Impressed so far, have noticed:

- Much improved secondary ride (high frequency, low amplitude) such as driving over manhole covers/poor road surfaces, small potholes etc

- Less road noise, although this is always the case with new tyres. Haven't gotten on the motorway yet to properly assess this.

- Lighter steering weight at low (<5mph) speeds, which is no bad thing as it was definitely on the heavy side with the RFTs.

Definitely glad I made the switch, so far anyway. The first two points above definitely make the car feel a class higher than previously in terms of refinement.

Haven't been outside the city yet so cannot comment on any reduction in turn-in sharpness but don't expect it to be a big deal.

Btw mine is an E90 M Sport, perhaps not as big a deal on a non-msport spec E90.

PGE1970

Mr.David wrote: »

Yesterday I made the switch from Bridgestone

Definitely glad I made the switch, so far anyway. The first two points above definitely make the car feel a class higher than previously in terms of refinement.


In the few days since I've switched, definitely noticed the same. I've ordered a compressor and tyre weld as recommended elsewhere in this thread.

Can anyone advise on tyre pressure (back & front) for non RFTS on an e90?

Thanks for all advice to date!

Mr.David

PGE1970 wrote: »

Can anyone advise on tyre pressure (back & front) for non RFTS on an e90?

Thanks for all advice to date!

I'm trying to figure out the same at the moment.

I've 225/40/R18 fronts and 255/35/R18 rears, going to start with something like 34psi front 36psi rear and tweak it then as needed.

PGE1970

Mr.David wrote: »

I'm trying to figure out the same at the moment.

I've 225/40/R18 fronts and 255/35/R18 rears, going to start with something like 34psi front 36psi rear and tweak it then as needed.

I'm on 17s; would think 32 front & 34 rear? Bit of trial & error.

I have a few good long runs to do over Christmas but my work commute of 30 miles is a lot easier and is noticeably smoother since I changed. I must keep an eye on fuel consumption to see if it makes much difference.