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[jalanparker37]

I am replacing the back tires only on my fiance's 2006 BMW 325i. Never owned a car with run on flats and not sure I like them.

When I check out costco, tirerack, etc, the majority of tires that pop up are not run flats and they tend to be cheaper and with better reviews.

Do I have to replace with run flats? And if not, is it better to replace all 4?

Thank you very much for your assistance.

[montreal red]

if you have a leased car and plan to return the lease soon, then you HAVE to get run flats... otherwise bmw will charge you to buy a new set of runflats upon lease return.

if car's not lease then i suggest not getting run flats cos they cost more and arent as nice to drive on.

[jalanparker37]

Thanks Montreal Red. Do you see a problem with only replacing the back two with non RFTs? Or are RFTs and non RFTs pretty much interchangeable?

[mmm def]

You shouldn't mix and match tires, especially rft/non rft. They will have different handling characteristics and grip levels.

[bavarian19]

If she needs new tires in the rear and you want to go non-RF, just get a whole new set.

[Tee-Dub]

Originally Posted by mmm def

You shouldn't mix and match tires, especially rft/non rft. They will have different handling characteristics and grip levels.

I don't think this is necessarily true. There are run-flats that have high grip levels as well as non run flats. The main difference is the run flat tires weigh a lot more and this may affect ride/handling. For a daily driver I can't imagine it will be dangerous in any way.

[David9962000]

Gary from the tire rack mentioned many times not to mix runflats with non-runflats for different reasons.

If the car is not leased, get non-runflat tires. They will be lighter, quieter and more comfortable.

[mmm def]

Originally Posted by Tee-Dub

I don't think this is necessarily true. There are run-flats that have high grip levels as well as non run flats. The main difference is the run flat tires weigh a lot more and this may affect ride/handling. For a daily driver I can't imagine it will be dangerous in any way.

it's not just the grip levels..you have much different sidewall strengths between the two, etc. sure it could be done..I just don't think it's smart.

[Kylekuu]

I think if you mix tires, there is a chance of having the tpms go off. In some other tread it is mentioned that different brands of tires have different composition so the inner diameter is different also.

[Bora20]

Ask yourself this question...if there is a flat tire while SHE is driving HER car, do you want her to have to deal with changing it? You may have to no issues with changing tires, but who is the primary driver?

I am keeping mine because the last 3 flats that we have had have allowed us to drive straight to the tire shop to have them repaired, without ever getting out of the drivers seat or slowing down (all within city limits, under 60km/h).