Non Runflats and spare wheel

[Bomber]

Sorry to post another non runflat tyre thread but can't find the answers I need.

I'd like to know who's not running RFT's and also what makes they are running and their opinions.

I have 20" wheels whether that makes any difference on these.

I removed the runflats from my 335D so know the benefits with that, that needed A grade tyres as was a handful at the best of times as it was running around 345BHP

I also want to get the spare that goes under the boot floor, is there any other options or does only the proper BMW E70 one fit?
I do pick up a lot of punctures as I work next to 2 waste companies and their lovely vehicles scatter old nails and  screws all over the road  :rant:

[Don Coffey]

I used non run flats on my winter wheels and will probably go non run flat when the time comes to replace the 20"ers.  I do intend to get the spare and at present use tyre magic as well as carrying a compressor and puncture repair kit. 

Don

[Nat]

This is my experience on an E53 , but im sure the same applies to an E70.

On my 4.8iS ( so (360 BHP ) , they come with Michelin Diamaris as std. I am not a fan of Michelin....too hard, way overpriced and crap in the wet. ( I also have an M5 ( 440 BHP )so have good exprience of tyre choices as have bot plenty over the years )

On the X5 I have Yokahama Advan ST , which I have found to be superb.

http://www.mytyres.co.uk/cgi-bin/rshop. ... sowigan=So

The one thing I will say, is that with a big heavy car like the X5 , tyre differences are difficult to feel. I guess its being 4X4 and heavy and as the grip is so well distributed there isn't so much difference unless you DSC off and really start to push it.

On the M5 however differences are dramatic. I had Pirelli P zeros. The back never moved. I went Hankook just to see what it was like and it was like the back was on grease. Same with Michelins, they were ok in the dry and horrendous in the wet. However they do big mileage as they are a hard compound, but the price is horrendous. Ive found the Goodyear assymetrics to be a brilliant tyre and keep buying it.

Anyway, as far as the X5 goes , I am very happy to steer you the Yokahama way, I have found them to be superb .
I am sure however any tyre from the major manufacturers will be good. As I said, Its hard to really tell them apart unless you are prepared to really push the X5.

Regards,

Nat.

[Bmwx5 montenegro]

So when time comes to change my RFTs for new tyres,  you sugest to go for non RFTs? With non RFTs x5 will be more comfortable?


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[Bomber]

Thanks for your replies, Nat thanks I did think the X5 wouldn't really notice much difference which the make/grade of tyres but do plan to put a decent-ish one on, I've got a few months before they need doing so can do some more research.

[Don Coffey]

[quote="Bmwx5 montenegro"]
So when time comes to change my RFTs for new tyres,  you sugest to go for non RFTs? With non RFTs x5 will be more comfortable?


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[/quote]

I am simply pointing out that I'm not a fan of run flats.  Over priced, issues with needing early replacement with punctures compared to non run flats, and of course the ride seems to be harder with the run flats.  It's a personal choice, but as mentioned above I do take extra measures to ensure I'm not left stranded, subject to a full blow out.

Don

[Bmwx5 montenegro]

Ok. I will buy non RFT. Now what model? Maybe dunlop?


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[Don Coffey]

[quote="Bmwx5 montenegro"]
Ok. I will buy non RFT. Now what model? Maybe dunlop?


Sent from my iPhone
[/quote]

If you do go non run flat then look at getting the spare wheel, so long as you don't have a seven seater.  Also consider tyre magic, external puncture repair kit and compressor.

Don

[Bmwx5 montenegro]

I will buy bmw spare wheel, you now small one


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[syg9m]

I have an e53 x5 , we have a big twin axle caravan and have opted to go down the run flat line I have gone the x6 wheel route as they fit straight on and you can't put run flats on the standard wheels , I have put them on as a safety issue and find them a more comfortable ride than the Michelin tyres that were none run flat .
  I have a question to ask all of you none run flat converts if you get a puncture on the front at speed would the run flats or the standard tyres stop you safely with a 2 ton caravan being lugged behind you ?
I have done 40,000 miles on run flats and the only problem is when they are just over half worn they tend to get a bit more harder so just change them at 4 mm , Continentals and Bridgestones all the way 20000 miles out of either tyre but most importantly tire pressures followed by a wheel enlinement as this is the main problem with X5 s causing feathering to the inside rear tyres .
  If you can afford an E70 put the recommend BMW tyres on it or buy a Lada most of the other tyre brands are for them !

[X5Sport]

You can put runflats on the standard wheels with no issues at all.  My E53 had them.

Richard

[Don Coffey]

[quote="syg9m"]
I have an e53 x5 , we have a big twin axle caravan and have opted to go down the run flat line I have gone the x6 wheel route as they fit straight on and you can't put run flats on the standard wheels , I have put them on as a safety issue and find them a more comfortable ride than the Michelin tyres that were none run flat .
  I have a question to ask all of you none run flat converts if you get a puncture on the front at speed would the run flats or the standard tyres stop you safely with a 2 ton caravan being lugged behind you ?
I have done 40,000 miles on run flats and the only problem is when they are just over half worn they tend to get a bit more harder so just change them at 4 mm , Continentals and Bridgestones all the way 20000 miles out of either tyre but most importantly tire pressures followed by a wheel enlinement as this is the main problem with X5 s causing feathering to the inside rear tyres .
  If you can afford an E70 put the recommend BMW tyres on it or buy a Lada most of the other tyre brands are for them !
[/quote]

A two ton caravan has its own brakes that are designed to handle the weight of the caravan, so shouldn't put anymore pressure on the X's own brakes.

If there was a very real issue with non run flat tyres, then why are They not standard for all vehicle makers?  I drive at least 25k per year.  Having driven for 23 years, I'm yet to have a serious puncture, let alone a blowout.  Also remember, run flats are not immune from blowout either.  Yes, ensure the tyres are in good order and fit for purpose, but don't believe the hype!  They are not some out of this world safety device.  And finally, the X will still warn you if the tyre starts to lose pressure regardless of run flat or not. (Subject to the car having the system fitted.)

Don

[Bomber]

[quote="syg9m"]
I have an e53 x5 , we have a big twin axle caravan and have opted to go down the run flat line I have gone the x6 wheel route as they fit straight on and you can't put run flats on the standard wheels , I have put them on as a safety issue and find them a more comfortable ride than the Michelin tyres that were none run flat .
  I have a question to ask all of you none run flat converts if you get a puncture on the front at speed would the run flats or the standard tyres stop you safely with a 2 ton caravan being lugged behind you ?
I have done 40,000 miles on run flats and the only problem is when they are just over half worn they tend to get a bit more harder so just change them at 4 mm , Continentals and Bridgestones all the way 20000 miles out of either tyre but most importantly tire pressures followed by a wheel enlinement as this is the main problem with X5 s causing feathering to the inside rear tyres .
  If you can afford an E70 put the recommend BMW tyres on it or buy a Lada most of the other tyre brands are for them !
[/quote]

I see your point however after owning a 3 series  with rubber bands for tyres and having my teeth knocked out at every little bump with the runflats I saw a massive difference in changing to non runflats, they improved the ride quality and the overall handling of the car giving it a more consistent and safe feel, this is why the M3 is not fitted with them.

I should also add that I had 6 cracked alloys which were all due to the dam runflats!!!

I think the E70 M sport is a very firm ride on 20" wheels and believe it will be a better ride on non Runflats, its nothing to do with cost so your Lada comment is a bit unfair.

I was only asked for peoples experiences to see if it echo's my thoughts.

[syg9m]

At the end of the day it is your choice but tyre savings.com/advice maybe worth a look first as it advises against changing , also worth asking your insurance as they always look for loop holes !
Remember you car is 2.3 tons much heavier than the 3 series !
Seek advice from the dealer as warranty issues another concern , good luck with your choice .

[Don Coffey]

Insurance company have been advised and I've received written confirmation from then the the fact that its not an issue so long as I use the correct size and load rate. Regardless of weight the correct tyre is designed to take the weight.  44 tonne lorries do not use run flat. 

As you can see, I'm not a fan and have no issue with non run flats. It is individuals choice but find the argument for run flats to be weak.

Don