Run-Flat Tyre

[TomJB]

Having some problem with these tyres...Every now and then I will have the alarm pop out saying my tyre is lossing pressure...Why is this happening? And when the alarm pop up, do I really have to go back to Auto Bavaria to have the tyres check and reset the alarm? Can I go to ordinary tyre shop to have the tyres check and reset myself?Besides, the new 3 series all come with run-flat tyres... After the life span of the tyres, which/what kind of tyres can I change to? Or this kind of run-flat tyres are just as normal, just the mechanism at the suspension differ? So I can change to any other kind of tyres I like?

 

[clint]

you can reset yourself. just have to press and hold the left button on the indicator stalk.

since there isn't any spare tire, you have to stick to run flat or you will have big problem when you get a puncture.

 

[TomJB]

Thanks for the reply dude...

But due to the experience I have got, I really is very sensitive to the alarm...

When I got the car for no longer than 2 weeks, the alarm came up... I called in and ask what to do with it, and they just tell me to reset it as it is most likely a false alarm...

Who knows when I on my way to Melaka from JB, the alarm came up again and before I can realise anything, one of my tyre is flat!!! The tyre inside wall have a crack and the pressure is lossing from there...

Because of my experiece, I am really very cautious when the alarm do light up...

My advice to fellow Bimmers owner with run flat tyres, do follow the handbook to drive no faster than 80km/hr when the alarm light up and go to the nearest tyre workshop to have your tyre check before proceed and DONT blindly reset the alarm yourself.

My experiece and advice to share with everyone!

Cheers and ENJOY YOUR RIDE!!!

 

[clint]

Run flat can only last about 30k kms with proper care like checking tire pressure, alignment and balancing. when you have a flat, the sign will appear and you have to drive not more than 80km/h. you will also feel the steering heavy and hear some metal flapping on the road.

i recently change my front to CSC2 for RM1,000 per piece.

 

[E46Fanatic]

The tyre pressure sensor will only need reinitializing when you have just changed the tyre pressure. If you haven't done it and it comes up... its a sign of loss pressure on one of the tyres...

 

[TomJB]

It stated that the recommended tyre is with a star sign on the wall... What does it means? Any different if we dont go for the recommended type?

 

[rookie]

If the alarm/alert keeps on coming on, there could be 2 possible problems:
- RFT tyre is punctured. You just need to check the tyre pressure to confirm this for small punctures. Obviously, for more serious punctures, you can visually see it
- Sensor. Your pressure could be faulty. You need to bring it to AB to check and change it under warranty. Don't listen to AB's "advice" to reset and try again for 200 times before they change it. You just have to insist


The star sign means the RFT has been tested and recommended for our BMWs. So far from the feedback from our E9x members, Michelins provide the best comfort, followed by Contis. The worst seems to be Bridgestones. Of course you can get other tyres like changing to non-RFT tyres

 

[TomJB]

Michelins which model? My donuts need to be change soon... So am actually trying to source out now...

Any rims to recommend? Thought of change it togather with the rims... HeeHee... But please recommend with budget okie... HeeHee... Poor guy here...

Thanks!

 

[KL2DC]

Having some problem with these tyres...

Every now and then I will have the alarm pop out saying my tyre is lossing pressure...

Why is this happening? And when the alarm pop up, do I really have to go back to Auto Bavaria to have the tyres check and reset the alarm? Can I go to ordinary tyre shop to have the tyres check and reset myself?

Besides, the new 3 series all come with run-flat tyres... After the life span of the tyres, which/what kind of tyres can I change to? Or this kind of run-flat tyres are just as normal, just the mechanism at the suspension differ? So I can change to any other kind of tyres I like?

To add on to Rookie's excellent response...

- Not all tire shops are RFT friendly. It takes a special knowledge to plug, mount and dismount RFTs. This is due to the special bead/sidewall structure.

- Lifespan depends on the make/model of your tires. Refer to the tire wear rating on the sidewall. To be honest, the performance tires like the RE050A and Pirelli Euforia have pretty bad tire wear rating so don't expect many years/miles on these puppies. For e.g. my RE050As have a dismal UTQG rating of 140 AA compare with what appears to be 350-ish AA average for passenger sedan ratings. I'm expecting not more than 16,000 miles, conservatively.

-David Yong can tell you in person, the virtues of going non-RFTs. Without the stiff sidewall, the ride is more compliant and there is less unsprung weight as the RFTs weigh more - so increased response.

- There is no need to alter the suspension to accomodate non-RFTs. In actuality, I feel BMW may have compromised the set up to accomodate the heavy RFT/wheel combos at each corner.

 

[TomJB]

Life span less than 27k km is really not economical...

KL2DC... So any rims and tyres to recommend? Saw DY recommended one AC rims costing RM3.2k for the whole set is really cheap... Do AC rims really that cheap? I thought AC rims normally cost around RM8k and above for the whole set... Enlighten me please...

Plus the road condition in M'sia or perhaps only JB... I really need some not that expensive good rims plus durable tyres... Or otherwise I forsee I will be changing tyres and rims quite often then...

Recommend... Recommend... Recommend...

 

[KL2DC]

The OEM wheels, although heavy, are really tough/robust. They can take some abuse. Plus they hold their value relatively well. You might want to consider that...

If you're worried about bending, I would try to avoid wheels with big lips / deep dish. These are generally more prone to bending/cracking than flush/concave designs.

I don't have details of the local market, you need to speak with the others though.

I'm actually upgrading my wheels set soon and going with non-RFTs.

 

[rookie]

Hi Tom,

For Michelin RFTs, I believe it's limited to the Pilot Primacy at the moment (which is what my slow-coach 2005 CBU 320i have on ).

You are right about the prices. Original AC/Breyton/Hamman/etc rims are quite costly. If you have a tight budget, then you can get replica rims of the same brands for around half the price of the original or less.

My 2 cents...Personally, wheels and tires would be the last thing in a car that I try to save money on, since wheels and tires are paramount to the safety of a car.

Having said that, there have been a lot of reviews/feedback on good quality replica rims from our forumners. I am sure you can find a set/setup which suits your modding-needs and budget.

 

[Spaceman]

I'm actually upgrading my wheels set soon and going with non-RFTs.

i thought you just got your 18" not too long ago? Itchy again? which set is in your mind? 19"?

 

[KL2DC]

i thought you just got your 18" not too long ago? Itchy again? which set is in your mind? 19"?

lol suddenly 18s doesn't seem enough


I'm looking at M6 wheels or gunmetal finish CSLs realistically or a set of BBS CHs if I make the stretch.

 

[David Yong]

lol suddenly 18s doesn't seem enough


I'm looking at M6 wheels or gunmetal finish CSLs realistically or a set of BBS CHs if I make the stretch.

I am also exactly in the same situation & feeling like you KL2DC

 

[TomJB]

OK... So you guys are going for 19"?

I think the road condition here is really a bit too much if go for 19"... Guess I will try up for 18" 1st... So bimmers, what size are you on now? 18" or 19"?

Any rims to recommend people? Beside OEM... =) Been surfing online but really cant find anything that suits my eyes...

For tyre wise, I guess I will go for PS2... Heard the ride is really nice on those rubber...

So let's go for rims now, shall we?

 

[KL2DC]

I am also exactly in the same situation & feeling like you KL2DC

Its only natural, us men will always be fixated on size :laugh:

 

[KL2DC]

Tom, where I am, the streets ain't nothing to write home about. Having said that, I think 19s are doable. Initial research points out the the Goodyear F1s as being the toughest tires for the 19" fitment. The best will be a nice OEM 19" setup like the 199s or the 190s with 19" RFTs but that combo is horrendously expensive and you still deal with all the RFT hangups.

My dream wheels are the classic BBS LMs, but the BBS CHs are awesome as well.

In the quality replica market, the CSLs by velocity motoring (in the USA) is a proven and sturdy choice. M6 reps by Miro seems pretty stout, lightweight and hide brake dust the best. But the best replica I've seen is the hard to get, made in Italy M5 replicas (beautiful offsets, nice rear concavity).

 

[TomJB]

KL2DC,

When I was in Silicon Valley, I too have big wheel on my ride then... The road in the States, 17" is like 13" over here... HaHa... But then over there, everything is upsize aint it? HaHaHa...

Checked on the BBS, hmm... I will say maybe we have different taste... HeeHee... Anyhow, thanks for the ideas... I will search on...

Hows DC? Fun? How I wish I am over there now... Weather here is killing me!!!