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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics Wheels / Tires / Suspension / Brakes Drawbacks of ditching RFTs once and for all.
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      05-27-2011, 05:01 PM   #1
yogi799
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Drawbacks of ditching RFTs once and for all.

What are the true and relevant drawbacks of ditching the RFTs in favor of the standard tires? Let's nail the topic so we can clearly identify the two choices that we have.

1. Cost of purchasing four new tires (can stock rims be used for standard tires?)

2. Loss of trunk space for a spare

Anything else?

The cost might quickly repay itself, though, wouldn't it (possibly, depending on the number of flats?)
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      05-27-2011, 06:36 PM   #2
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I ditched mine three years ago. There were no issues mounting regular tires on my 328i sport package rims. I carry a tire inflater, tire sealant, and plug kit in my car but have no spare.

Drawbacks:

a. loss of control if a high-speed blowout occurs. BMW has a film demonstrating this, you could probably find on Youtube.
b. increased risk of being stranded if a flat occurs. A run-flat may allow you to get to a safe place where a normal tire may not.

Positives: cheaper cost, better ride, less noise, less weight (20-30 lbs)

I concluded it was worth the risk: I live in an area where road debris was minimal. I don't drive late at night. I have a cell-phone in case I get stranded. Until recently I had BMW assist.

So far so good. I did pick up a nail once but was able to plug it.
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      05-27-2011, 06:44 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mlifxs View Post
I ditched mine three years ago. There were no issues mounting regular tires on my 328i sport package rims. I carry a tire inflater, tire sealant, and plug kit in my car but have no spare.

Drawbacks:

a. loss of control if a high-speed blowout occurs. BMW has a film demonstrating this, you could probably find on Youtube.
b. increased risk of being stranded if a flat occurs. A run-flat may allow you to get to a safe place where a normal tire may not.

Positives: cheaper cost, better ride, less noise, less weight (20-30 lbs)

I concluded it was worth the risk: I live in an area where road debris was minimal. I don't drive late at night. I have a cell-phone in case I get stranded. Until recently I had BMW assist.

So far so good. I did pick up a nail once but was able to plug it.
Drawback a) really doesn't hold much weight these days....
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      05-27-2011, 06:47 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Needsdecaf View Post
Drawback a) really doesn't hold much weight these days....
I was gonna say... I suppose I meant drawbacks that are unique to F10. Billions of cars on the road use regular tires and people do not die. I've only known one person in my entire life whose tire blew up. It was probably in a bad shape to begin with.
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      05-27-2011, 06:54 PM   #5
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Agree. I think the risk of a. occurring is low.
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      05-27-2011, 07:03 PM   #6
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I am waiting for a delivery of an F10, but on my current e60 i made the move to normal set after upgrading to 19inch alloys, with the e60 it was possible to fit a space saver spear tire in the boot, i.e. in the normal spot, i am not sure the option is available with the F10, so one down side maybe is space. On the cost saving why not only make the switch to a normal set when the original RFT are due replacement, with the F10 i hear that the suspension is better so will probably see how it goes, and make up my mind when the 1st set is due replacement.
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      05-28-2011, 12:22 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by martin mustang View Post
I am waiting for a delivery of an F10, but on my current e60 i made the move to normal set after upgrading to 19inch alloys, with the e60 it was possible to fit a space saver spear tire in the boot, i.e. in the normal spot, i am not sure the option is available with the F10, so one down side maybe is space. On the cost saving why not only make the switch to a normal set when the original RFT are due replacement, with the F10 i hear that the suspension is better so will probably see how it goes, and make up my mind when the 1st set is due replacement.
Yup, that's a good point, this would basically eliminate #1 altogether (cost). In fact, it might be cheaper to get regulars rather than RFTs when due for replacement.
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      05-28-2011, 04:24 AM   #8
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Tyres being unsprung weight are a big part of how the suspension is set up. This is the first car (520D) I've had with rft's and I'm not particularly impressed. It's clear that BMW have softened the suspension to account for the lack of give in the tyres.

I'm interested to hear from someone who has carried out this mod and how the tyres affect the ride of the car. I'd have though that whi
St the ride may feel less choppy, the overall handling would be softer.

I'm with the majority on this. Along with keyless start, it's an answer to a question that nobody has asked!
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      05-28-2011, 04:25 AM   #9
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Having said that, I'm really happy with every other aspect of the car. Bigger engine wouldn't go amiss though!
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      05-28-2011, 05:42 AM   #10
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interesting topic, because I ditched my 19" GY Exellence(whatever) RFTs yesterday and ordered non RFT Bridgestones and 20" style 312 Ferric wheels.
Have to wait about a week to get them changed.

The whole package comes with this as well:

Quote:
Originally Posted by mlifxs View Post
I carry a tire inflater, tire sealant, and plug kit in my car but have no spare.
Having driven a 1 and a few 3 series with 17 and 18" RFT tyres plus my former E90 M3 with Pilots non RFT I'm so happy I made te decission to change to non RFTs.

In real life I cannot find any benefits in favour of the RFTs after driving >5 years with them. The Good Year Excellence which I still have now are imo the worst example of RFT 's on such a good car/chassis...Terrible. Roadnoise, bumpy, uncomfy. I hope also the steeringprecision and roadholding will improve....
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      05-28-2011, 07:38 AM   #11
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I dunno....

I recall a morning last January.....cold(3c) with heavy rain/sleet..narrow rural road...Tyre pressure alarm - set cruise at 50 - arrive for my appointment on time, dry warm and clean.

Lunchtime - tyre checked at Bridgestone dealer, OK to repair €10 - thank you RFT
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      05-28-2011, 07:52 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crowdedhouse View Post
I dunno....

I recall a morning last January.....cold(3c) with heavy rain/sleet..narrow rural road...Tyre pressure alarm - set cruise at 50 - arrive for my appointment on time, dry warm and clean.

Lunchtime - tyre checked at Bridgestone dealer, OK to repair €10 - thank you RFT
Fair enough. But in december (till march) I 'll change my summertyres to the Dunlop RFT wintertyres which I bought last year anyway.
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      05-28-2011, 08:20 AM   #13
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I always ditch the RFTs on the day i get my car delivered.

there are loads of people complaining blown tires and thanks to RFT they managed it to the side of the road. turns out statistically that whenever the tire blew, it always happened to be a rft tire. hmmmmmmm

i solved the issue with the spare tire by using a tire fit kit. does the job if there is something..
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      05-29-2011, 02:41 AM   #14
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I'm not a big fan of RFT's as well. I've never driven more than a week with them as I changed my wheels out completely.
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      05-29-2011, 03:28 PM   #15
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Have had no issues on the RFT's. Driving on Michelin Pilot Sport PS2's, amazing tire at all speeds, with the lowered suspension I am really enjoying the feedback.
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