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09-25-2010, 07:49 AM
#11
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My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
Model Year: 2008
well I disagree on the RFTs. I just found the goodyears to be too soft and lost road feedback. RFTs are too heavy to be ultimate sport tires and that's why m series cars don't have them. I do like the added safety of not having to pull over with a flat.
For longer trips as I often do I'm sure the goodyears will be missed.
For longer trips as I often do I'm sure the goodyears will be missed.
09-25-2010, 11:14 AM
#12
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I never have had an issue with RFT's. Too bad I couldn't find a set of 19's that fit my wheels.
Anyways, I have a set of virtually new OEM 18's for sale if anyone is interested.
Anyways, I have a set of virtually new OEM 18's for sale if anyone is interested.
09-25-2010, 12:07 PM
#13
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My Ride: (USA) 645Ci, Silver Gray, Chateau, Cold Weather PKG, Premium Sound PKG, Sport PKG, Step, NAV [Std Equip in 645], HUD, Satellite (SIRIUS) Radio, Aux Input, Bluetooth enabled using iPhone 3GS w/ adapter cradle - Build date - 01/05, Baby delivered 2/24/05
I too am a RFT fan. Three of my five sets (110K miles worth) have been RFTs. One set of non-RFTs was in response to what now appears to be outrageous claims of MUCH quieter, MUCH smoother ride, and MUCH better grip for the Michelin PS2s. I could hardly tell any difference from my RFTs and did not like their performance in autocross/aggressive twisty road type driving. Even at really high pressure I felt like turn on was not as crisp as RFT. Of course RFT has that super stiff sidewall which makes all the good and bad part of RFTs. I switched back to OEM (Bridgestone) RFTs and was a happy camper. Then I purchased some 20 inch rims that already had Pirelli PZero Assymetrics. Was not very please with them either. Those of course had to be a lower profile than the OEMs so there was no inporvement in ride and no other benefit could be found. Those five sets of tires were very simialr in price. All but the Pirelli's were purchased from Tire Rack. Right now I am experimenting with Hankook Ventus V12s at a little less than 1/2 the price of any of the afore mentioned tires. I am running the 20 inchers right now as I get my OEM Flowerpower wheels refinished and will then mount OEM size V12s on them for a try as well. So far I am happier with these V12s than I ever was with the PZeros or PS2s. BUT... ToD aggressive driving is scheduled for two weeks from now so that will be my decesion maker. But at less than 1/2 the cost if they are even close I just may stay with them. One more thing in favor of RFTs, I always got more mileage out of the RFTs than either of the non-RFT brands I tried.
Now I must admit my daily driving is on the very good Central Florida roads which pretty much run either east/west or north/south in pretty straight lines. So I am generally not playing with rough roads or pot holes. I check tire pressure no less than every tank of gas and probably more often than that. I log pressures in a database and track feel/performance so I probably extend my mileage by keeping my pressures optimum. I tend to be on the high side of recommended pressures watching wear patterns of course for any adjustment. Fronts are adjusted to keep from rolling over the marks of optimum adheasion on the tires (the little triangles located at the edge of the tread), but may be lower for my less aggressive daily driving (non autocross, non aggressive twisty road driving)
It's also just possible that the more sporty chassis feel of the 6er may negate some of the inherant differences of the RFT versus non-RFT but I really doubt it. The 5er sport chassis should be very much like a 6er.
Now I must admit my daily driving is on the very good Central Florida roads which pretty much run either east/west or north/south in pretty straight lines. So I am generally not playing with rough roads or pot holes. I check tire pressure no less than every tank of gas and probably more often than that. I log pressures in a database and track feel/performance so I probably extend my mileage by keeping my pressures optimum. I tend to be on the high side of recommended pressures watching wear patterns of course for any adjustment. Fronts are adjusted to keep from rolling over the marks of optimum adheasion on the tires (the little triangles located at the edge of the tread), but may be lower for my less aggressive daily driving (non autocross, non aggressive twisty road driving)
It's also just possible that the more sporty chassis feel of the 6er may negate some of the inherant differences of the RFT versus non-RFT but I really doubt it. The 5er sport chassis should be very much like a 6er.
09-27-2010, 10:17 AM
#14
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My Ride: 535xi Sport
Model Year: 2009
As long as you live/travel in an area where the road conditions are good I found several of them to be an excellent fit, no comfort issues and I actually liked the feedback.
Whenever the roads are significantly less then pristine however they are a nuisance, so BMW's choice to adopt them as standard overall does not seem like a thought out one to me.
Whenever the roads are significantly less then pristine however they are a nuisance, so BMW's choice to adopt them as standard overall does not seem like a thought out one to me.
That's not an original idea, I read it in Roundel or something.
09-27-2010, 10:55 AM
#15
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i don't have any experience with run flats, but here in dallas my two friends with bmw's have the run flats and are constantly replacing them (maybe 2-3 a year). i guess it really does depend on where you live/drive.
09-27-2010, 12:14 PM
#16
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My Ride: 04 BMW 545iA ZSP, ZCW, HUD, Silvergrau
Some manufacturers such as Michelin are effectively getting out of the RFT business. As for expense, the RFTs are usually no more expensive than the mid to higher-end standard tires, and they're much more difficult to find if you need one in a hurry. The issue with RFTs isn't that they are expensive, it's their poor availability.
09-28-2010, 12:00 PM
#17
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My Ride: (USA) 645Ci, Silver Gray, Chateau, Cold Weather PKG, Premium Sound PKG, Sport PKG, Step, NAV [Std Equip in 645], HUD, Satellite (SIRIUS) Radio, Aux Input, Bluetooth enabled using iPhone 3GS w/ adapter cradle - Build date - 01/05, Baby delivered 2/24/05
Not my real life experience. Each set of Bridgestone RFTs did about 5k more miles than either the PS2s or PZeros (about 23.5k miles avg versus 18K miles) and the RFT fronts were especially better than their non-RFT counterparts.
09-29-2010, 11:30 PM
#18
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I too am a RFT fan. Three of my five sets (110K miles worth) have been RFTs. One set of non-RFTs was in response to what now appears to be outrageous claims of MUCH quieter, MUCH smoother ride, and MUCH better grip for the Michelin PS2s. I could hardly tell any difference from my RFTs and did not like their performance in autocross/aggressive twisty road type driving. Even at really high pressure I felt like turn on was not as crisp as RFT. Of course RFT has that super stiff sidewall which makes all the good and bad part of RFTs. I switched back to OEM (Bridgestone) RFTs and was a happy camper. Then I purchased some 20 inch rims that already had Pirelli PZero Assymetrics. Was not very please with them either. Those of course had to be a lower profile than the OEMs so there was no inporvement in ride and no other benefit could be found. Those five sets of tires were very simialr in price. All but the Pirelli's were purchased from Tire Rack. Right now I am experimenting with Hankook Ventus V12s at a little less than 1/2 the price of any of the afore mentioned tires. I am running the 20 inchers right now as I get my OEM Flowerpower wheels refinished and will then mount OEM size V12s on them for a try as well. So far I am happier with these V12s than I ever was with the PZeros or PS2s. BUT... ToD aggressive driving is scheduled for two weeks from now so that will be my decesion maker. But at less than 1/2 the cost if they are even close I just may stay with them. One more thing in favor of RFTs, I always got more mileage out of the RFTs than either of the non-RFT brands I tried.
Now I must admit my daily driving is on the very good Central Florida roads which pretty much run either east/west or north/south in pretty straight lines. So I am generally not playing with rough roads or pot holes. I check tire pressure no less than every tank of gas and probably more often than that. I log pressures in a database and track feel/performance so I probably extend my mileage by keeping my pressures optimum. I tend to be on the high side of recommended pressures watching wear patterns of course for any adjustment. Fronts are adjusted to keep from rolling over the marks of optimum adheasion on the tires (the little triangles located at the edge of the tread), but may be lower for my less aggressive daily driving (non autocross, non aggressive twisty road driving)
It's also just possible that the more sporty chassis feel of the 6er may negate some of the inherant differences of the RFT versus non-RFT but I really doubt it. The 5er sport chassis should be very much like a 6er.
Now I must admit my daily driving is on the very good Central Florida roads which pretty much run either east/west or north/south in pretty straight lines. So I am generally not playing with rough roads or pot holes. I check tire pressure no less than every tank of gas and probably more often than that. I log pressures in a database and track feel/performance so I probably extend my mileage by keeping my pressures optimum. I tend to be on the high side of recommended pressures watching wear patterns of course for any adjustment. Fronts are adjusted to keep from rolling over the marks of optimum adheasion on the tires (the little triangles located at the edge of the tread), but may be lower for my less aggressive daily driving (non autocross, non aggressive twisty road driving)
It's also just possible that the more sporty chassis feel of the 6er may negate some of the inherant differences of the RFT versus non-RFT but I really doubt it. The 5er sport chassis should be very much like a 6er.
As a side note, when you guys over the pond are commenting on ride quality etc what sort of cruising speeds are you doing over there to make these judgements if you dont mind me asking, are you talking 50-55 mph ish or 70-80-90 mph ish ?
09-30-2010, 12:05 AM
#19
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My Ride: Alpine White 2006 530Xi (SLD)
I too am a RFT fan. Three of my five sets (110K miles worth) have been RFTs. One set of non-RFTs was in response to what now appears to be outrageous claims of MUCH quieter, MUCH smoother ride, and MUCH better grip for the Michelin PS2s. I could hardly tell any difference from my RFTs and did not like their performance in autocross/aggressive twisty road type driving. Even at really high pressure I felt like turn on was not as crisp as RFT. Of course RFT has that super stiff sidewall which makes all the good and bad part of RFTs. I switched back to OEM (Bridgestone) RFTs and was a happy camper. Then I purchased some 20 inch rims that already had Pirelli PZero Assymetrics. Was not very please with them either. Those of course had to be a lower profile than the OEMs so there was no inporvement in ride and no other benefit could be found. Those five sets of tires were very simialr in price. All but the Pirelli's were purchased from Tire Rack. Right now I am experimenting with Hankook Ventus V12s at a little less than 1/2 the price of any of the afore mentioned tires. I am running the 20 inchers right now as I get my OEM Flowerpower wheels refinished and will then mount OEM size V12s on them for a try as well. So far I am happier with these V12s than I ever was with the PZeros or PS2s. BUT... ToD aggressive driving is scheduled for two weeks from now so that will be my decesion maker. But at less than 1/2 the cost if they are even close I just may stay with them. One more thing in favor of RFTs, I always got more mileage out of the RFTs than either of the non-RFT brands I tried.
Now I must admit my daily driving is on the very good Central Florida roads which pretty much run either east/west or north/south in pretty straight lines. So I am generally not playing with rough roads or pot holes. I check tire pressure no less than every tank of gas and probably more often than that. I log pressures in a database and track feel/performance so I probably extend my mileage by keeping my pressures optimum. I tend to be on the high side of recommended pressures watching wear patterns of course for any adjustment. Fronts are adjusted to keep from rolling over the marks of optimum adheasion on the tires (the little triangles located at the edge of the tread), but may be lower for my less aggressive daily driving (non autocross, non aggressive twisty road driving)
It's also just possible that the more sporty chassis feel of the 6er may negate some of the inherant differences of the RFT versus non-RFT but I really doubt it. The 5er sport chassis should be very much like a 6er.
Now I must admit my daily driving is on the very good Central Florida roads which pretty much run either east/west or north/south in pretty straight lines. So I am generally not playing with rough roads or pot holes. I check tire pressure no less than every tank of gas and probably more often than that. I log pressures in a database and track feel/performance so I probably extend my mileage by keeping my pressures optimum. I tend to be on the high side of recommended pressures watching wear patterns of course for any adjustment. Fronts are adjusted to keep from rolling over the marks of optimum adheasion on the tires (the little triangles located at the edge of the tread), but may be lower for my less aggressive daily driving (non autocross, non aggressive twisty road driving)
It's also just possible that the more sporty chassis feel of the 6er may negate some of the inherant differences of the RFT versus non-RFT but I really doubt it. The 5er sport chassis should be very much like a 6er.
The jury is still very much out for me regarding the rft debate, but can say i do have similar findings to date as the above.A very brief rundown of my ongoing wheel/tyre e60 battles. My e60 came with 18in rft's and the ride quality was terrible. With all the claims that non rft's were a cure all i changed to be dissapointed, at normal pressures the handling/stability were poor, but a small improvement in ride quality ( didnt fustify the outlay ) up the pressures to improve handling/stability and any improvement in ride went out the window. Also found that at normal pressures on a long run the heat build up in the tyre would up the pressures again loosing any ride improvements. Got so disheartened by them , i ditched and went back to the basics of 16in rims thinking that would be the best case scenario for ride quality, and work from there ( at the expense of aesthetics )The ride quality was indeed ok but not without fault showing that the bulk of ride probs comes from the chassis, not tyres. Lived with them for a long time before switching between the 16in big non rft tyres and 17in rft frequently to draw comparison. As said still undecided but the rft does seem well suited to the e60 chassis and cant help but think the suspension setup is tuned for the rft. The saga continues..
As a side note, when you guys over the pond are commenting on ride quality etc what sort of cruising speeds are you doing over there to make these judgements if you dont mind me asking, are you talking 50-55 mph ish or 70-80-90 mph ish ?
As a side note, when you guys over the pond are commenting on ride quality etc what sort of cruising speeds are you doing over there to make these judgements if you dont mind me asking, are you talking 50-55 mph ish or 70-80-90 mph ish ?
09-30-2010, 05:49 AM
#20
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My Ride: (USA) 645Ci, Silver Gray, Chateau, Cold Weather PKG, Premium Sound PKG, Sport PKG, Step, NAV [Std Equip in 645], HUD, Satellite (SIRIUS) Radio, Aux Input, Bluetooth enabled using iPhone 3GS w/ adapter cradle - Build date - 01/05, Baby delivered 2/24/05
I only have 18,444 hard curves counting only the Tail of the Dragon and no other roads. Generally taken a 2x over posted recommendation which is not a "speed limit".
Speeds on Cherohala Skyway (also in NC and TN) curves have exceeded 120 MPH but only when using 2-way radios and lead car calls all clear. Do like the safety feature of RFTs when doing that kind of speed on curves. BTW, have not counted the number of curves on Cherohala but easily in excess of 80.