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[jdl175]

Hi All,

I just picked up my brand new BMW 335i w/ Sport Package. After driving the car for longer than a test drive, I have come to dispise the Run Flats. These are the worth tires I have ever experienced.

Currenty, the TPMS light is on and the pressures are OK. I was told by my service center that the unusual cold weather may cause the light to come on.

In addition, they handle like they are made of dog S**T! They are loud, bumpy and do not stick as the car should.

What would you do? Should I be responsible for buying some Michelin Non-Run Flats? I am considering aftermarket wheels and tires anyway, but BMW seems to not like that idea.

I have owned Porsche and Mercedes until this vehicle. Both brands allowed aftermarket wheels and tires with no warranty concerns. BMW seems to be very cautious on this topic.

[Ron1n]

First question is which tires do you have on your car?

[AWD_THIS]

Ron1n love your signature... Lmfao



I agree... Run Flats = GAY

[chromisdesigns]

non-runflats won't affect your warranty. However, if it is a leased vehicle, you have to return it in OEM condition, which means keep the runflats for when you want to turn in the car.

I don't see how non-BMW wheels could be a warranty issue either, unless the fitment is incorrect. Ditto for the lease caution, however.

[cb1111]

Originally Posted by chromisdesigns

non-runflats won't affect your warranty. However, if it is a leased vehicle, you have to return it in OEM condition, which means keep the runflats for when you want to turn in the car.

I don't see how non-BMW wheels could be a warranty issue either, unless the fitment is incorrect. Ditto for the lease caution, however.

Incorrect. The use of non-runflat tires can certainly cause suspension warranty issues. Given a combination of suspension issues and the wrong service advisor, the dealership "could" deny warranty service based on the tires. Why? Tires are an integral part of the overall suspension system and the dealership could argue that the softer sidewalls caused the issue - extremely unlikely, but possible.

Actually, a properly sized wheel, with a similar size, weight and offset of a standard or optional OE wheel for your car will cause fewer issues.

BTW, the same holds true for Porsche or MB. While they may not use runflats, non-spec Porsche wheels will cause warrany issues as well.

How do you avoid issues? Don't go crazy with mods and (more importantly) develop a close working relationship with your dealership.

[Custom92]

Originally Posted by AWD_THIS

Ron1n love your signature... Lmfao



I agree... Run Flats = GAY

+500

[jopa489]

What tires do you have? The PS2's are pretty good and the RE050A's ride a little harsher but actually perform as good or better than the PS2. You might be able to blame road noise and harshness on the RFTs, but both are performance tires and "stick" quite well.

And yes, the TPMS sometimes comes on after the car sits for a while on a cold night. Just ensure your pressures are correct and reset it.

[Gavin@MMW]

Run flats do suck. and if you push them, they just slide at random.

Get some new tires, non RFT. or new rims, but still non RFT tires.

[HsiangHsu]

i agree... run-flat is the worse thing on my 335 right now.. does not even grip the road..

[Saintor]

All run-flat are not equal.

Bridgestone were crap. Two years ago, it was day and night when I replaced them with non-RFT. However as I said in another thread, there are good ones now and if I had Continentals or Michelins, I would probably keep them.

[Figure807]

Ok, I'll agree that run-flats suck for spirited driving, but they do have one serious advantage. If you've ever had/seen a blow-out at 70+mph (you CA guys should know what I'm talking about), you know that most regular tires go to crap and will leave you with very little control. That additional bit of control from the "harsh" sidewalls and the overall thicker tires gives me some peace of mind. Keep your RFT's for the road and get another set of tires for the track. I have the new Michelins RFT's, btw.

[jdl175]

It gets freakin' better!

I have 2100 miles on the stupid run flats now. They have light feathering on the inside edge. I was told this was normal. They checked the alignment and balancing, which are both good. I ordered PS2s!

I should recieve a discount on my next BMW towards the PS2s.

Thanks Guys

[AlanAZ]

The Bridgestone RE050A RFT must be the most hated tire on the planet. If you go to Ebay Motors, you'll find tons of them for sale. People can't wait to wear them out to get rid of them. I have 3-4K miles left on my back tires, and I'm considering dumping them now.

Why did Bridgestone get rid of the S-03? I had those on my E46, had a flat overnight - passenger back 255/35-18, and drive it 25 miles to my destination before I saw that it was flat. Tire was intact, although now ruined, rim was fine. I'd buy S-03s in a heartbeat.

[themyst]

Originally Posted by AlanAZ

The Bridgestone RE050A RFT must be the most hated tire on the planet. If you go to Ebay Motors, you'll find tons of them for sale. People can't wait to wear them out to get rid of them. I have 3-4K miles left on my back tires, and I'm considering dumping them now.

Why did Bridgestone get rid of the S-03? I had those on my E46, had a flat overnight - passenger back 255/35-18, and drive it 25 miles to my destination before I saw that it was flat. Tire was intact, although now ruined, rim was fine. I'd buy S-03s in a heartbeat.

Had the S03 on my 350Z.... AWESOME tire!

[subec3b]

Originally Posted by Takashi

Most important of all, don't treat your non-runflats as a RFT. Recently a forum member found out the hard way and got ridiculed when he ignored the TMPS warning on his car until his lightly damaged non-run flat tire was shreded beyond repair.

Actually, the reason why he was picked on was because he blamed BMW for the usefulness of mobility kit and for not including a spare tire instead of taking the blame upon himself. I think he got banned at the end... Way to go~