Plz Write to BMW North America about RFT disaster!

77562887 · 11-10-2010, 09:02 PM

I'm here to advocate people who have nightmares with their RFT to write to BMW and speak about the issue.
Here's my bad experience of their RFT http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=452737

I know that someone might have done this before and it might not gain much attention or practical responses, and they will say that tires are not their responsibility, but after all they earned our money! those tires are still from our own pocket and we shouldn't bare with this!

We should make some effort trying to make our money worth it.

1HOT BMR · 11-10-2010, 09:30 PM

I wrote a letter already giving my point of view on their decision to offer RFTs and nothing else on all their cars. I believe isolated letters like mine will have no effect but a well organized letter writing campaign from a sizable sample of BMW owners might get them thinking again about their decision. They must have gotten a smoking deal from the RFTs manufacturers to push their tires on to us BMW buyers. I think the safety angle they claim is just that, true, but not the main, real and only reason for the commitment to RFTs.

raleedy · 11-10-2010, 11:28 PM

Disaster? Not even close. Just a different solution. Better in some respects, not in others.

LuvMyE92 · 11-12-2010, 06:21 AM

Aside from the marketing angle of the "safety factor" mentioned by 1Hot I think the move to RFT is also driven by the desire to get rid of the spare tire. This helps BMW in packaging, giving them more room for stuff (huge batteries, large exhaust systems, etc.) and most importantly, saving them the cost of a spare wheel, tire, jack, etc. although it's likely that the savings are inconsequential since the RFTs are more expensive than conventional tires.

Yes, a coordinated writing campaign would have helped years ago - but go look at the trunk of your F10. Where's the spare going to go? It's too late. Maybe there's hope for the F27.

Touring · 11-12-2010, 06:40 AM

Its a worse disaster if you blow a non-RFT on the autobahn.

pharding · 11-12-2010, 07:13 AM

I have had RFT tires on 5ers since 2004 and I like them a lot. The RFT tires on my 550i are awesome.

EdM5 · 11-12-2010, 07:39 AM

I don't see the problem with rfts either, their state of development is much more advanced than say 6 years ago.
Besides that, current BMW suspension technology matches the rft requirements.

My car is on 19" winter rfts and they're perfect.

lindros2 · 11-12-2010, 04:01 PM

It's not necessarily the RFT which is the problem - it's the fact that these RFT's are trash. I've owned cars with first- and second-generation RFT's which took quite a beating. These can't even take a tiny bump at >30MPH.

BMW USA took eight (8) days to return my call, at which point I had solved the issue myself. But it's quite likely that it will happen again.

My recommendation - file a safety claim with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm

If enough of us do it, BMW will have to listen.

lindros2 · 11-12-2010, 04:15 PM

Update - I actually called the hotline (888) 327-4236 and filed the complaint that way.

rich1068 · 11-12-2010, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Touring

Ita a worse disaster if you blow a non-RFT on the autobahn.

Honest question. I'd be interested to see statistics regarding accidents caused by blow outs. How common is it? To be honest I'm a little sceptical about the official BMW line. I can see the benefit of RFTs but would fitting fluffy pillows to the exterior of all their cars be more beneficial when it comes to road safety? Comment on the cost of run flats or their durability and the safety argument is trotted out making you feel like a bit of a high risk cheapskate.

77562887 · 11-12-2010, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lindros2

It's not necessarily the RFT which is the problem - it's the fact that these RFT's are trash. I've owned cars with first- and second-generation RFT's which took quite a beating. These can't even take a tiny bump at >30MPH.

BMW USA took eight (8) days to return my call, at which point I had solved the issue myself. But it's quite likely that it will happen again.

My recommendation - file a safety claim with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm

If enough of us do it, BMW will have to listen.

+1
I'm still thinking if the pothole I hit is even considered a pothole........
The local dealer who robbed $400 from me finally admitted after I argued with them for 20 minutes that these tires are extremely fragile and they are not too surprised to see me having two tires bubbled in less than 2 weeks.(although they still refuse the refund me and are trying to convincing me buy another tire)

They have a demo car ran into the ramp(low speed of course) of a car wash machine when trying to wash it and had a bubble in it.

lindros2 · 11-13-2010, 10:48 AM

To get real traction this thread (and others on Bimmerfest) need to be picked up by Autoblog.

Touring · 11-13-2010, 01:27 PM

Old clip, but explains well why BMW is going for runflats.

CarBrain · 11-13-2010, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Touring

Old clip, but explains well why BMW is going for runflats.

Watching that clip makes me want to use the RFT more than the the regular tire. And that guy is a probably a good driver and looks how he spins the car if the tire blows. For a regular driver, it would be worse.

nosnoop · 11-13-2010, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarBrain

Watching that clip makes me want to use the RFT more than the the regular tire. And that guy is a probably a good driver and looks how he spins the car if the tire blows. For a regular driver, it would be worse.

And watching that clip, I am not sure if a regular driver can recover from the RFT blowout either. For the RFT, the driver had to apply 270 degree opposite lock in less than a second, and quickly straighten in the next second. The manoeuvre required in the first RFT part is more than the side-by-side video where the driver only applied 180 opposite lock much more leisurely. Don't know if stability control was active or would have helped.

krugerjq · 11-14-2010, 11:15 AM

My run flats on my E90 was very hard and you could feel it in the car. I had 5 punctures over a period of 5 years. Each of them I was able to drive home. On the F10 it feels like a normal tire. On my F10 I had one puncture the other day. I removed the tire to have it repaired. I struggled my ass of to remove the rim and to put it back on again. Imagine you are a woman next to the road with a flat that needs replacement. I prefer run flats. Just my opinion.....

delvek · 11-14-2010, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Touring

Its a worse disaster if you blow a non-RFT on the autobahn.

I couldnt agree with you more Touring. Besides the high regard I have for my safety at very high speeds (and I feel these RFT's are on my side) I also feel these tires are excellent tires. I have no complaints regarding them as of yet.

Touring · 11-14-2010, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by delvek

I I have no complaints regarding them as of yet.

Me too. The steering is a little artificial but thats the price to pay to have electric power steering which saves energy and give you the option of configuring the steering according to the conditions you drive in, and of course RFT doesnt help to get a Porsche 911 feeling, but the safety it adds is absolutely worth it. Maybe I was lucky with my car, but the steering is fine, no problem with the control either drifting in the snow or cruising at 225 in Germany. And its not pulling to the left or right unnless I want it to.

1HOT BMR · 11-14-2010, 02:19 PM

The clip is a good marketing tool, nothing more. Modern tires don't normally lose all the air at once or explode like they used to in the 50s, instead they lose the air gradually and the car is most easily controlled. RFTs is a personal choice like most everything else, keep them if you like them or replace them if you must - either way it will have no impact on your safety.

Touring · 11-14-2010, 02:36 PM

Its like the airbag. If you need it once its worth it.

delvek · 11-14-2010, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1HOT BMR

The clip is a good marketing tool, nothing more. Modern tires don't normally lose all the air at once or explode like they used to in the 50s, instead they lose the air gradually and the car is most easily controlled. RFTs is a personal choice like most everything else, keep them if you like them or replace them if you must - either way it will have no impact on your safety.

In my opinion, irresponsible statement. No impact on your safety? None, really? Not bad or good, even at 30mph or 120mph?

11-10-2010, 09:02 PM	#1
77562887 Private 23 Rep 71 Posts Drives: 2011 535i xdrive M sport Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Plz Write to BMW North America about RFT disaster! I'm here to advocate people who have nightmares with their RFT to write to BMW and speak about the issue. Here's my bad experience of their RFT http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=452737 I know that someone might have done this before and it might not gain much attention or practical responses, and they will say that tires are not their responsibility, but after all they earned our money! those tires are still from our own pocket and we shouldn't bare with this! We should make some effort trying to make our money worth it.
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11-10-2010, 09:30 PM	#2
1HOT BMR First Lieutenant 17 Rep 351 Posts Drives: Car-less and shopping +'12 35d Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: California iTrader: (0)	I wrote a letter already giving my point of view on their decision to offer RFTs and nothing else on all their cars. I believe isolated letters like mine will have no effect but a well organized letter writing campaign from a sizable sample of BMW owners might get them thinking again about their decision. They must have gotten a smoking deal from the RFTs manufacturers to push their tires on to us BMW buyers. I think the safety angle they claim is just that, true, but not the main, real and only reason for the commitment to RFTs.
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11-10-2010, 11:28 PM	#3
raleedy Colonel 160 Rep 2,248 Posts Drives: 2016 228i 6-speed Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Portland, Oregon iTrader: (0)	Disaster? Not even close. Just a different solution. Better in some respects, not in others.
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11-12-2010, 06:21 AM	#4
LuvMyE92 Occasionally frequent poster 3000 Rep 2,744 Posts Drives: CT5V-Blackwing Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: RTP NC, USA iTrader: (0)	Aside from the marketing angle of the "safety factor" mentioned by 1Hot I think the move to RFT is also driven by the desire to get rid of the spare tire. This helps BMW in packaging, giving them more room for stuff (huge batteries, large exhaust systems, etc.) and most importantly, saving them the cost of a spare wheel, tire, jack, etc. although it's likely that the savings are inconsequential since the RFTs are more expensive than conventional tires. Yes, a coordinated writing campaign would have helped years ago - but go look at the trunk of your F10. Where's the spare going to go? It's too late. Maybe there's hope for the F27. __________________ Current inventory: F22 & G05 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing w/3 pedals Past: E24,E28(3),E34,E36,E37,E38(2),E39(4),E46,E89,E92 (obviously),F01,F06,F10,F30,F87,G12,G30(2),G82(2)
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11-12-2010, 06:40 AM	#5
Touring Major 178 Rep 1,008 Posts Drives: i3,E21,M2,E23, Skoda Kodiaq Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Oslo, Norway iTrader: (0)	Its a worse disaster if you blow a non-RFT on the autobahn. Last edited by Touring; 11-13-2010 at 01:10 PM..
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11-12-2010, 07:13 AM	#6
pharding Major 308 Rep 1,128 Posts Drives: 23 Audi Q4 e-tron + 14 X3 28i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	I have had RFT tires on 5ers since 2004 and I like them a lot. The RFT tires on my 550i are awesome. __________________ 23 Audi Q4 e-tron; 23 i4 M50 on order 14 X3 Retired: 20 Tesla Model 3 LR AWD; 17 540i x; 14 550i Euro Del; 11 550i Euro Del; 08 550i Euro Del; 06 330i Euro Del; 04 545i Euro Del; 01 530i Euro Del
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11-12-2010, 07:39 AM	#7
EdM5 Colonel 4059 Rep 2,064 Posts Drives: G26 i4 M50 & E70 X5 Xdrive35d Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Amsterdam iTrader: (0)	I don't see the problem with rfts either, their state of development is much more advanced than say 6 years ago. Besides that, current BMW suspension technology matches the rft requirements. My car is on 19" winter rfts and they're perfect. __________________ 2004 e87 118d (ret.), 2007 e92 330d (ret.), 2007 e87 130i M-sport (ret.), 2009 e92 M3 (ret.), 2010 f10 535d M-sport (ret.), 2015 f10 M5 CP (ret.), 2017 f82 M4 CP (ret.) 2022 g26 i4 M50 & 2009 e70 X5 35d
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11-12-2010, 04:01 PM	#8
lindros2 First Lieutenant 33 Rep 308 Posts Drives: 535i M-S Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: ... iTrader: (0)	It's not necessarily the RFT which is the problem - it's the fact that these RFT's are trash. I've owned cars with first- and second-generation RFT's which took quite a beating. These can't even take a tiny bump at >30MPH. BMW USA took eight (8) days to return my call, at which point I had solved the issue myself. But it's quite likely that it will happen again. My recommendation - file a safety claim with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm If enough of us do it, BMW will have to listen.
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11-12-2010, 04:15 PM	#9
lindros2 First Lieutenant 33 Rep 308 Posts Drives: 535i M-S Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: ... iTrader: (0)	Update - I actually called the hotline (888) 327-4236 and filed the complaint that way.
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11-13-2010, 10:48 AM	#12
lindros2 First Lieutenant 33 Rep 308 Posts Drives: 535i M-S Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: ... iTrader: (0)	To get real traction this thread (and others on Bimmerfest) need to be picked up by Autoblog.
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11-13-2010, 01:27 PM	#13
Touring Major 178 Rep 1,008 Posts Drives: i3,E21,M2,E23, Skoda Kodiaq Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Oslo, Norway iTrader: (0)	Old clip, but explains well why BMW is going for runflats.
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11-14-2010, 11:15 AM	#16
krugerjq Private First Class 8 Rep 126 Posts Drives: X3 2d M Sport, F800GS Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	My run flats on my E90 was very hard and you could feel it in the car. I had 5 punctures over a period of 5 years. Each of them I was able to drive home. On the F10 it feels like a normal tire. On my F10 I had one puncture the other day. I removed the tire to have it repaired. I struggled my ass of to remove the rim and to put it back on again. Imagine you are a woman next to the road with a flat that needs replacement. I prefer run flats. Just my opinion.....
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11-14-2010, 02:19 PM	#19
1HOT BMR First Lieutenant 17 Rep 351 Posts Drives: Car-less and shopping +'12 35d Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: California iTrader: (0)	The clip is a good marketing tool, nothing more. Modern tires don't normally lose all the air at once or explode like they used to in the 50s, instead they lose the air gradually and the car is most easily controlled. RFTs is a personal choice like most everything else, keep them if you like them or replace them if you must - either way it will have no impact on your safety.
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11-14-2010, 02:36 PM	#20
Touring Major 178 Rep 1,008 Posts Drives: i3,E21,M2,E23, Skoda Kodiaq Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Oslo, Norway iTrader: (0)	Its like the airbag. If you need it once its worth it.
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