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[Nimraynn]

Hi,

I've never owned a car that used run-flat tyres before. I'm not even sure if my E92 does, but it seems to be a thing so I assume it could...

So I've got a few newbie questions..

1) Why do people seem to hate run-flat tyres so much? I've seen a lot of hate in the past, but never understood why.

2) How can I tell if I'm running run-flat tyres? All I can remember is that I've got Pirelli tyres of some description, which seem to be almost brand new

3) If I decided I didn't want to use run-flats in the future, is there anything specific I need to do other than just fit non-run-flat tyres the next time round?

4) Do I need to worry about changing wheels with/without run-flats? I may look at swapping my current 17's for some nicer 18's or maybe even 19's at some point, so obviously tyres will need changing at the same time

Thanks!

[CTinline-six]

Ditching the run flats was the first thing I did when I bought my 328i. The reason is the run flats have a stiffer ride, don't seem to last as long, and are more expensive to purchase.

I didn't need to do anything differently to change over to regular tires, just brought them to my tire shop and they mounted them on the car.

[Nimraynn]

Thanks

I've not really noticed any particularly stiff ride... but then I've just come from a Vauxhall with crap (but not cheap) coilovers and 18" wheels with 225/40 tyres... you'd feel every single little crack and bump in the road so the 335d is like driving on a cloud in comparison

I guess it'll come down to price when I come to fit new tyres. I'm not sure what size is fitted presently, I just know they're 17"... but I'll likely change the wheels for something bigger before these wear out anyway.

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by Nimraynn

1) Why do people seem to hate run-flat tyres so much? I've seen a lot of hate in the past, but never understood why.

2) How can I tell if I'm running run-flat tyres? All I can remember is that I've got Pirelli tyres of some description, which seem to be almost brand new

3) If I decided I didn't want to use run-flats in the future, is there anything specific I need to do other than just fit non-run-flat tyres the next time round?

4) Do I need to worry about changing wheels with/without run-flats? I may look at swapping my current 17's for some nicer 18's or maybe even 19's at some point, so obviously tyres will need changing at the same time

The 1st generation were quite stiff. Google "pothole explosion" Current tires, especiallon on F3x are much better.

Look for the Run-On-Flat or other designation on the side. Look up the tire in tirerack.

Nothing needed, just buy em.

No wheel swaps needed.

[Nimraynn]

I'll take a look at the side walls and see what exact model they are

I think I worded #4 badly... I meant that I've got 17" at the moment, but I'd like to fit 18" or 19" wheels at some point in the future. The 17's look OK, but I'm not the biggest fan of the style so would look for something nicer. I didn't know if I needed to do anything other than buy the wheels, get tyres fitted and put them on the car... like if there's a TPMS sensor or something I'd need to worry about

[slowgan]

I recently bought some used wheels from a guy in town that have run flats on them. They were noticeably heavier when mounting and I now notice the car seems a little more twitchy on the road. I will be replacing them with something else when they are fully worn out.

[Nimraynn]

Had a look and they're definitely run flats as the sidewall has a whopping great "RUN FLAT" printed on it

Also noticed that the rear are wider tyres so I'm assuming they're a staggered setup. 225/45/17 front, 255/40/17 rear. I think looking at them, they're style 188's? Does that look right?

My car: https://www.e90post.com/forums/e90ga...323_165227.jpg

Style 188: http://www.bmwstylewheels.com/bmw/188

The rear tyres look expensive for run flats

[type-dRew]

Originally Posted by Nimraynn

Had a look and they're definitely run flats as the sidewall has a whopping great "RUN FLAT" printed on it

Also noticed that the rear are wider tyres so I'm assuming they're a staggered setup. 225/45/17 front, 255/40/17 rear. I think looking at them, they're style 188's? Does that look right?

My car: https://www.e90post.com/forums/e90ga...323_165227.jpg

Style 188: http://www.bmwstylewheels.com/bmw/188

The rear tyres look expensive for run flats

All run flats will be expensive. Sell them off to someone who wants them and buy some decent standard tires.

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by Nimraynn

...
like if there's a TPMS sensor or something I'd need to worry about

Transfer sensors, or buy new ones.

[tcphoto]

I went from Michelin RunFlats that the original owner installed to PS4s and I would never go back. Besides better ride and handling, I find them much quieter on the highway. I just looked at Tirerack and the price difference is $400.