Tire Question...Run Flats vs. Non Run Flats
07-10-2009, 04:36 PM
#1
Noodle Jr.
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Tire Question...Run Flats vs. Non Run Flats
So I have been searching Ebay for two Bridgestone Potenza RE050A's because mine are shot and I am running some negative camber out front. Don't want to trash a brand new set so my question is what is the difference between run flats and regulars? In 225/40/18 there are endless run flats but never any regulars.
07-10-2009, 04:41 PM
#2
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Don't get runflats. Even stiffer sidewall. Never read anything good, performance wise, about runflats.
BTW, searching Ebay? Get a full set of Sumi's for what, $600. Kind of a thread derailment but these tires are cheap and after 3000miles on my 97 I have no complaints.
BTW, searching Ebay? Get a full set of Sumi's for what, $600. Kind of a thread derailment but these tires are cheap and after 3000miles on my 97 I have no complaints.
07-10-2009, 04:44 PM
#3
Burning Brakes
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Our last 3 BMW's had runflats that I utterly despised because the ride was harsh and the handling was terrible. (Not to mention the fact that they're something like $350 each to replace if you get a nail since they're not repairable).
My 993 has about 250 miles on the Sumi HTR ZIII and so far I like them a lot. Much quieter than my Conti SportContacts and don't give up much in handling.
My 993 has about 250 miles on the Sumi HTR ZIII and so far I like them a lot. Much quieter than my Conti SportContacts and don't give up much in handling.
07-10-2009, 06:11 PM
#5
Former Vendor
Aside from obvious differences (like being able to run flat) the biggest complaint is ride harshness. All that sidewall construction makes them like rocks. Mini owners, Corvette owners, BMW owners. All of them are switching to non runflat. Not everyone, but many.
07-10-2009, 07:28 PM
#6
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Our 530i came with runflats and they suck. I mentioned switching to non-runflats to one of the service advisors and he tried to discourage me from doing it. His reason was that the suspension is designed for runflats. So I asked him if he's saying that BMW designs their cars suspension around tires design. I didn't get a very good answer. I switched anyways and couldn't be happier.
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07-10-2009, 09:43 PM
#8
Burning Brakes
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Our 530i came with runflats and they suck. I mentioned switching to non-runflats to one of the service advisors and he tried to discourage me from doing it. His reason was that the suspension is designed for runflats. So I asked him if he's saying that BMW designs their cars suspension around tires design. I didn't get a very good answer. I switched anyways and couldn't be happier.
07-11-2009, 12:56 AM
#10
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07-11-2009, 06:54 PM
#13
Race Director
However some, my wife's Bridgestone being one, are repairable. I had a screw removed and plugged at Discount Tire a couple of months ago. Smack in the middle of the tread. True, some are not repairable and they will check their computers first before attempting any repair.
If it wasn't my wife's car I would replace them with non-RFT in a heartbeat.
And whatever you do don't overfill the air pressure on them, it will feel like you're driving on marbles! When I picked up her car new ('09 328Ci) they hadn't checked the pressure from the shipment over, they were at 48 lbs. I almost drove the car right back to them it felt so bad. Decided to check air pressure the next AM, found the problem.
