[Beejay]

Ok, this is not another (yawn) thread about how bad RFTs are, yade, yade ... . My car is having a slow leak in the rear left tyre. Takes about 2 weeks to go from 260 to 180 kPA, at which point the messages about tyre pressure start coming.

I started looking around for a replacement should it become necessary. I am quite content with the RFTs in the dimension I have, so look for a replacement of the same size, but maybe a different type of tyre, or brand. Currently I have Bridgestone Potenza Reoso I 225/50 R16 92V, which came with the car. They've run about 30000 km so maybe not long before they need to be replaced anyway.

I started looking around various tyre shops online, but they don't list RFTs of this dimension at all (not even on the Australian Bridgestone site), mostly they start with 45s or 40s and lower profile which I don't want because it would exagerate any impact on ride comfort that may be present due to it being RFTs (and I don't like the look of low profile tyres).

Has anybody got a suggestion what RFT to go for once mine fall due? And where to get them from in the dimensions desired? Years and years ago I liked Pirellis for their softness and silent running, are they still any good? Do they come as RFTs with those dimensions?

Your help is much appreciated!

[mrtanz]

TireRack is your friend.

This link will take you straight to RFT in those dimensions:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...50&diameter=16

[suff]

Bugger tirerack.. I want to see an RFT at 260PSI!

[pavo335]

Originally Posted by suff

Bugger tirerack.. I want to see an RFT at 260PSI!

This

[John_01]

The base model E90 320i came with 205/55/16 sized tires on 16x7" wheels. That comes out as the same diameter as the size you are using (within 1mm), but 20mm narrower width. It won't look quite as chunky as the tyres on your garage pics. Maybe BMW felt the powah and weight of your oil-burner is better with 225 rubber. Have a look at Pirelli and Michelin websites - they may offer the 225/50. Tirerack is also a good option if you can get your tyre mended in the mean time.

[Beejay]

Originally Posted by suff

Bugger tirerack.. I want to see an RFT at 260PSI!

Fair cop - fixed unit of pressure in original post

[Beejay]

Originally Posted by John_01

The base model E90 320i came with 205/55/16 sized tires on 16x7" wheels. [...] Have a look at Pirelli and Michelin websites - they may offer the 225/50. Tirerack is also a good option if you can get your tyre mended in the mean time.

Thanks, John, trouble is I really like the 'chunky' look.

Mrtanz and yourself suggested Tirerack but the options there are severely limited for RFT in this dimension as well - just two, one the Bridgestones, the other Yokohama's. And then there's the food-, err, tyre-miles attached to shipping stuff like this half around the globe ... could it be that these specific tyre dimensions as RFT are such a rarity?

[mrtanz]

Shipping through Tire-rack for 4 X 19" tyres was $290
So for your order it should not be more than that
Also tyres were delivered within 4-5 days of order put through
send email to chase@tirerack.com for more information if required
As many people on here will say, you will be very hard pressed to find a cheaper place than tirerack

[John_01]

How about this one:
http://www.bridgestone.com.au/tyres/treads/re050.aspx
click on sizes, it shows 225/50/16 92W RFT

[Beejay]

Originally Posted by John_01

How about this one:
http://www.bridgestone.com.au/tyres/treads/re050.aspx
click on sizes, it shows 225/50/16 92W RFT

Yep, not sure how I missed that when I first went to their site ... Thanks!

In any case, went to a Bridgestone Select dealer in Brookvale today to have the tyre checked. First they couldn't find anything wrong with it but then the boss had a look and spotted a small rusty nail buried in the tread which must have been the culprit!
Now, there have been discussions in this forum and elsewhere over whether these tyres can be repaired or not (mine even sport a 'Do not repair' warning on the side), but the dealer had no concerns at all applying a repair kit ("from Germany") to the puncture, which instantly bonded a plug applied through the inside of the tyre and all is well. He said only Bridgestone select dealers would be authorised to do this.

So I was quite happy with this outcome and the service received there (like, he didn't push me to replace two or four tyres as is often the case elsewhere when you go have your wheels inspected). The way the tyres are going they will be good for another 10-20k at which point I will have them replaced for the same ones from this shop, most likely ...

So, thanks all for their feedback re this issue!

[John_01]

Gald you got it sorted out. Good to avoid the expense of new runflats when you can.

[pavo335]

LMFAO "do not repair" who do these peeps think they are.

I got a key for the office that says "do not copy". Oh yeh please can I pay 100 for each extra from the building manager, cause I am too stupid to go to the key cutter and pay 10

[insane79]

anyone know how the pirelli p7 run flats are? are they better then the re50 stock tyres?

Thanks..

[ricko177]

If you want runflats, try St George Tyres for a good price. I got two 225-45-17s for 450 fitted and balanced, which I think is pretty good.