[Hella-Buggin']

Anyone else jump the run flat ship?

Our 535i M-Sport needs new tires and I absolutely hate the OE Run Flats.
Looking at the new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S as a replacement.

Open to suggestions.

[Ickdeep]

I just got rid of mine and put a set of Michelin Pilot a/s 3+

[mgattmch]

Dunlop Signature HP, could not be happier after changing from RFT to conventional tires. See my previous post on this subject for more detail:

http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthre...light=mgattmch

[zinengineer]

Continental DWS 06 - have them on both my 535 and X5

[xxpanipuri]

I've tried so many other tires, and always keep coming back to the pilot sports.

Currently have the Pilot Super Sports and love them. I've heard great things about the ps4s my neighbor just got a set on his supercharged 50th anniv z28 camaro.

[NickCW]

I presume BMW don't offer any form of spare wheel because of the OE fitment of RFT?
After suffering a fair few punctures and blowouts I always get nervous having no spare..

[xxpanipuri]

Originally Posted by NickCW

I presume BMW don't offer any form of spare wheel because of the OE fitment of RFT?
After suffering a fair few punctures and blowouts I always get nervous having no spare..

you can buy a spare tire kit just have to keep it in your trunk (no place to hide it) other option is upgrade to a good road side assistance service that can tow your car.

I've also kept a compressor in my car for a flat tire that can filled with air and driven to a service station...

[johnhva]

Originally Posted by Ickdeep

I just got rid of mine and put a set of Michelin Pilot a/s 3+

+1

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by Hella-Buggin'

Anyone else jump the run flat ship?

I did it after few months on run flats and never looked back.
Some good suggestions can be found here.

[NickCW]

Originally Posted by xxpanipuri

you can buy a spare tire kit just have to keep it in your trunk (no place to hide it) other option is upgrade to a good road side assistance service that can tow your car.

I've also kept a compressor in my car for a flat tire that can filled with air and driven to a service station...

Thanks for the info, its good to know for longer journeys that is possible

[snj1013]

Originally Posted by Ickdeep

I just got rid of mine and put a set of Michelin Pilot a/s 3+

Just ordered Michelin A/S 3+s for my car this morning

[lsturbointeg]

you'll definitely notice a difference switching over to Non RF's...for the better that is!

[Gilgorm]

I was very reluctant to have non-run-flats.
With the run-flats I had two nail punctures where the run-flat usefulness really came in handy. I was able to drive to the tire shop the next day with no trip disruption. (One tire was repaired, the second was toast).

However, I hate the OE GY LS2s. I didn't mind my Dunlop run-flat winter set.
So I knowingly went to the half way mark.

I just got a set of Bridgestone Driveguards.
Even after a few hundred miles so far the difference is obvious. The ride is softer, handling is better and there is a lot less noise. And for me, I didn't give up the security of the run-flat.

Are the Driveguards as good as regular tires? I assume no.
Are they as cheap as regular tires? No but 25% cheaper than the GYs.
Do they perform better than the OE tires? A resounding yes.
Do they provide me with run-flat security? Yes.

Ultimately its your choice for your needs.

[Hella-Buggin']

Not too concerned about no spare. We have roadside assistance and I'll put a can of group and a compressor in the trunk in case of emergencies.
My 911 doesn't have a spare and it hasn't been an issue worth not switching to better tires for.

After all... it is what keeps the car on the road when something unexpected happens.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by Gilgorm

Do they provide me with run-flat security? Yes.

Ultimately its your choice for your needs.

I had the same winter tires as you and they were as good as RF tires get in my opinion.

Just wanted to comment on RF "security". While ago, I had my sidewall burst (small bubble as a result of pothole hit just gave out) and managed to drive on flat tire long enough to get to safe location and even to the dealership later, so for sure there's some security with RFs. But also, chances are good I would've never had the same bubble and sidewall burst if I had non RF tire to begin with, RF tires are not great absorbing pothole hits due to stiff sidewall, well known fact.

Performance wise, it's not even close. RF cannot touch regular tires levels of grip, handling, road noise and comfort (and often price and thread wear as well). So, reluctantly, I went with non RF for both, summer and winter with Continental kit in the trunk. This combo, may or may not get me to the safe location, but same can be said for RF tires, depends on type of puncture you get.

[Pavement Molestor]

the pilot sports are great, but if you already have a set of winter tires or live in a mild winter climate I would suggest getting the pilot super sports. it is an amazing tire.

[Pierre Louis]

Its possible many are comparing worn OEM RFT's to brand new non-RFT's. Of course the new set will be a huge difference in noise, ride, and sometimes handling.

I'm on the fence with this, as having an RFT to avoid needing a change late at night or in an unsafe location doesn't sound very attractive. Mostly, I've been able to make it to a safe location by using an air pump. This is what I use now and it gives me some feeling of security:

[S1ammin]

I purchased my CPO this month last year and I put very few miles on my cars yearly (4k miles so far), but these type threads do keep catching my attention. Especially since I'm leaving for an unexpected 1800 mile round-trip in a couple of days.

Had I had more time, I would replace these hardly used RFT's for some A/S 3's because I just know from all I've been reading, that the experience would just quadruple the experience I had when I last made this trek last year.

Oh well, the last trek in this car was fantastic, even with the RFT's, and I will be making a planned trip to the same destination in a couple of months, and my car will be wearing brand new A/S 3's :-)