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Changed from run flats to non runflat

Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2013 9:07 pm
by Bolio
Hi all, I have today just had my runflats changed to non runflats. It was only the fronts that had worn but I thought I would give a full new set a try and will probably stick the rears on eBay at some point. I have just been to check all the tyre pressures at the local bp and put the recommended 2.0 bar/29 psi in as it was a bit over. Car seems to run a bit smoother over our crap roads but I was just thinking wether I should run a little bit more pressure as they won't be as stiff as runflats? It's on a X6 3.5d with 315/35/20 & 275/40/20 tyres

Re: Changed from run flats to non runflat

Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2013 9:33 pm
by xl5
interesting...i'm considering doing this with mine, what make did you fit and how much better is the ride..

Re: Changed from run flats to non runflat

Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2013 9:33 pm
by X5Sport
2-bar, or 2.2 bar depending upon the load will be fine I would expect.  The sidewall stiffness reduction should indeed make things more pleasant.

I was talking to someone today who's brother has a 135i and has done the same, but it has apparently ruined the handling so he's getting the suspension retuned to set it to a non-RFT setting.

Richard

Re: Changed from run flats to non runflat

Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2013 11:09 pm
by Don Coffey
I'm running non run flat winter tyres and expect I'll need new summer tyres with in a few months and will consider non run flat here too.  No issues with ride quality.

Don

Re: Changed from run flats to non runflat

Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2013 11:47 pm
by X5LeMans
I have the same size wheels and tyres on my X5, and run standard non run flat tyres, I've got mine at 2.2 bars front, and 2.3 bars rear. Ride is pretty good, a lot better than I was expecting when I bought the car :)

To many people complaining about the harsh ride of E53 on 20inch wheels.. Meh, it rides great :)

Im guessing the X6 should be similar pressures.

Re: Changed from run flats to non runflat

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2013 7:44 am
by Denis O
I went from run flat to non run flat on my old e61 and the difference was night & day. All harshness gone and road noise hugely reduced.

Interesting point by Richard ref the suspension tune. This was a discussion when I changed tyres and the general concensus at the time was that the suspension set up is the same for both types of tyre. Of course, that could vary via car I guess.

Re: Changed from run flats to non runflat

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2013 11:55 am
by surveysteve
When I replaced the front tyres last june I had the car in for an alignment check up here at Clark Motorsport.
The lad there said that with RFT BMW can run with a more aggressive camber, and when people swap the tyres out for normal ones they notice huge wear on the inside. This is due to the camber not being corrected for normal tyres.

Re: Changed from run flats to non runflat

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2013 1:20 pm
by Avtar
Am also coming off the run flats on my summer tyres, am switching the Michelins.

Re: Changed from run flats to non runflat

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2013 1:31 pm
by Denis O
[quote="surveysteve"]
When I replaced the front tyres last june I had the car in for an alignment check up here at Clark Motorsport.
The lad there said that with RFT BMW can run with a more aggressive camber, and when people swap the tyres out for normal ones they notice huge wear on the inside. This is due to the camber not being corrected for normal tyres.
[/quote]

Interesting Steve.

When I change from run-flats on my Z4 I shall definitely have it on a Hunter or similar.

Re: Changed from run flats to non runflat

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2013 5:12 pm
by Bolio
[/quote][quote="xl5"]
interesting...i'm considering doing this with mine, what make did you fit and how much better is the ride..
[/quote]

I fitted yokohama advan st on mine it was around £900 all in. I have only drove to the garage and back 1/2 mile as the misus uses it in the week, she has says that it seems smoother. We have got a bit of running about to do this weekend so I guess I will see any difference then.

Re: Changed from run flats to non runflat

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2013 5:19 pm
by Bolio
[quote="surveysteve"]
When I replaced the front tyres last june I had the car in for an alignment check up here at Clark Motorsport.
The lad there said that with RFT BMW can run with a more aggressive camber, and when people swap the tyres out for normal ones they notice huge wear on the inside. This is due to the camber not being corrected for normal tyres.
[/quote]

When the fitter was doing mine he said don't bother getting an alignment check as the e70/71 bmws on this set up always wear on the outer edge on the front and the inner edge on the rear, having said that I had it done on my daily driver and that has helped with tyre wear. I may just get it done anyway just to check all is ok as it's only about £65 which is nothing compared to a set of tyres.

Re: Changed from run flats to non runflat

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2013 9:59 pm
by Whitey
Well my summer wheels are 21" so when the tyres are getting replaced I'm putting non run flats , the ride is just to harsh

Re: Changed from run flats to non runflat

Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2013 11:23 am
by 535dboy
I never had the balls to come off RFT but many swear by it

Re: Changed from run flats to non runflat

Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2013 2:24 pm
by Finglonga
Ditched the run flats on my 2009 e92 335i and it transformed the car for the better.

The rears of the X6 are wearing on the inner and I am tempted to change them for standard tyres as the cost of RFTs is extortionate considering the mileage they do.

Re: Changed from run flats to non runflat

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 9:00 pm
by Bolio
Had the new tyres on a few days now, seems to be a lot smoother and doesn't tram line as much. I have not really pushed it but I can't notice any difference in handling in the corners. Now I am not sure weather or not to get the space saver kit or just stick with the can of foam sealer.