wavehogger

I've got a 550i Sport pkg with just about every option on order, can't wait.. But I am reading so much about the run flats that i'm a little concerned with the ride quality and interior noise levels with the stiffer suspension and run flat tires. Does anyone have info about the differences and/or first hand experience? Like decibel readings between the two. I found a review that said a 545i with sport pkg was 64 dba at 60mph, which is quiet. My test drive vehicle didn't have the sport package and they didn't have another 5 there with it so I didn't get to try it. The 550i I did drive was so quiet and comfortable so I'm hoping it's not actually degraded that significantly with the run flats.. And which brand tires are they coming with? Thanks in advance, Steve (Massachusetts)

vern

Not to worry.IMO the ride is not as harsh as some make it out to be with the SP and the RFT's I like it very much the way it is and you also have to remember your car won't lean when you go around turns,it will stay flat. I will also tell you this that the ride is not going to be as mushy as a Detroit Iron, if thats what your looking for don't get it,(meaning the SP with the RFT's).
Mine came with Dunlop RFT's and at 12000+ miles they are not noisy and I'm running with 36 psi in the front and 44 psi in the rear.
cheers
vern

SolarFactory

My ride with the Sport Package and Run Flats was never rough.

Herwig

I've tried an E60 with sports suspension and runflats.

In my opinion the ride is very harsh especially on rough road surfaces which makes the car feel nerveous. The issue is not the sports suspension or the absorbtion of bumps. The issue is the runflat tyres which behave like normal tyres inflated far above the recommended air pressure.

There is no other way than to try yourself the car you want on the kind of roads you are using usually. Only this way you will have a good idea what you are buying and if that's what you like.

I bought an E61 with 18'', normal suspension and runflats and think the ride is poor. After 1500 miles I still hate it and will switch to non-runflats for the reasons mentioned above.

Evenflow545

It's rougher than it ought to be, but having no sport package on a 550 would suck.

That's the best way I can explain it.

wavehogger

Thanks so far everyone.. Isn't it funny how to one person it's perfect and too the other it's rough.. I'm not too worried about it being a little stiffer since I am the sport driver.. I'll try to get behind the wheel of one soon to see for sure. It is after all a Bimmer.. no matter what it's going to be better than everyone else

Schpilky

Nothing to worry about. I have a 550i with RF's. The ride is neither loud or rough. Quiet and comfortable. You'll love it. Just when you need to punch it, all the balance and power is there. Enjoy.

Ray Hull

Welcome, but don't worry, you're in Massachussetts! We ride around on snow tires 5 months a year, so you'll get to feel the difference (and the relief) yourself, next winter.

I'm anticipating the return to crisp handling of mine, but dreading the harsh thumping on our curmmy roads. I do not think my RFs are necessary or desirable, but since they have only 2000 miles on them, they'll get worn out before I replace them with high performance normal tires.

Good luck,
Ray Hull

gwf545

I have Bridgestone runflats on my 545 with the Sport package and I don't have any complaints about noise or ride. I had the orignal Dunflops replaced by BMW at their expense due to noise. Tire air pressure can make a lot of difference in the ride, so I tend to run it on the low side of the recommendations. Others on the forum have raved about non-runflat tires riding better without loss of handling, so you could change if you don't like your ride.

In any case, the e60 without Sport does not have Active Roll Stabilization which is probably one of the best features of the car. If you want a Lexus style ride and handling, then you probably won't care if you don't have the Sport option. But if you bought your e60 for handling and performance, then Sport is essential.

markt540i

I too have read the harsh ride messages, but am not disappointed with my ride. At 8,000 miles I am still waiting for the noise everyone talks about to surface. So far I am happy with the ride and noise level, not too harsh or loud at all. I suppose non RFs would be smoother though.