tramposo

+1 Is not recomended.

Here, in Spain, a lot of BMW users is changing the RFT's and mounting non RFT's, to gain comfort, grip and control, losing safety.

ezzster

Hi,

I'd like to ask how you ended up going with your tyre choice since this original post?

I have a 2006 530d sport which now has a completely flat rear left tyre. I can't see any visible gash or hole yet, but I've not really looked carefully. It won't fill up with any air though, even if you press the 'for flat tyres' button on the air compressor.

My car has never ridden well with run-flats - even at low-ish speeds (~50km/h) the entire car can skip sideways when taking a corner that has corrugations/other bumps in the road. I've heard before that the E60's suspension wasn't tuned for run-flats until late in its model life (MY08 onwards?), which would suggest why my car behaves this way. And by extension, that I'd be better off with regular tyres (which are also a lot more affordable).

I'd be very keen to learn how your car has gone since your tyre replacement. Did you end up putting 2 non-RFT's or a full set of either RFT's or non-RFT's? Which tyres did you buy and have you found them good?

Thanks

or_550i

Although I wouldn't have been as direct I was thinking the same thing. A month after I bought my e60 I went through FOUR new tires at almost $1000 USD. The camber setup will chew through rear tires. Get ready for an expensive ride.

luigi524td

I'm at a loss about where to begin my post about your situation. There's always a first time for everything but if you stay ready, you won't have to get ready. In your case it means you are driving a vehicle that is equipped differently than most on the roads today. That means it has features and functions that make it "different" than your run of mill car.

As a student I'm sure you are constantly learning!

I suggest you start learning about your car - and NOT from Wikipedia!! Asking questions on this forum is a start so that's a good thing. Taking a couple of hours to ready your BMW owner's manual can help, too. One is available on line at the information section of this forum.

Here's my advice:
#1 - Lots of informative posts about FTM and TPMS ... RFTs ... search for them. READ THEM with a critical eye and separate "opinion" from "fact".
#2 - Take the "Alerts" and "Warnings" your e60 is able to provide you SERIOUSLY!! While it is "possible" that a false alarm can be triggered that is no reason to IGNORE the warning.
#3 - You now know that a tire has a several sides - top bottom inside and outside ... There's an old joke about a flat tire - "Well, it was only flat on the bottom!"
#4 - You experienced a feature / benefit of RFTs - They actually can be driven on when air pressure is "0"! And they can "look" just fine!
#5 - It 'ain't' cheap to drive a BMW ... but a tire for a Ford can be expensive if you choose the highest capability tire available. And when you're under pressure because your tire can't hold any pressure the tire salesperson has you in his / her grip. Take a few minutes to check and compare features and rating about tires. In the United States I rely on the objective information on tirerack.com. I'm certain there is a similar company in Australia that has a website and info available. Just be certain they aren't promoting a small number of brands and collecting data from several objective sources.

Good luck moving through this bad experience .. .. I'm certain next time you'll be better prepared to face the unknown!

2010 can be a better year indeed

Richard in NC

I agree. The top pic also looks like the inner edge is worn severely on the inner edge. That could contribute to the tearing of the edge.

If that is the case, check the alignment. Also make sure the tires aren't rubbing on the inner side.

BTW: RFT tires don't have any shorter tread life than others. Its the Z rated sports tires that do. But the Bridgestone Z rated RFTs can last 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or longer.

Lastly, you can run non RFT in the rear and RFT in the front but I wouldn't recommend it. Keep in mind without RFT, you would have been unable to drive, period. Also, do you have a spare, jack, etc for running without RFT tires.

turboawd

while the benefits of runflats are great, the selection, price, ride, and life of rft is not that great.
if you switch over to regular tire, you wont regret it, and your pocket will like it better.

porsche911targa

One more reason why RFTs suck: Too many false alarms. Had this been a standard tire, you would have been aware of the flat immediately, replaced the tire, and go on your merry way.

abcsworld

The lesson: any alarm for low pressure MUST be taken seriously, and that is even more true with RFT.
Just had another alarm on my RFT (when my tyre are just like ~10k km). Checked pressure at first station and found one pressure was lower than what i usually use (2.8 bars). Over inflated that wheel and back in the car, reset pressure sensor. Could finish trip with no more alarm, drove to BMW next day and as soon as you tell them you have a pressure alarm, they had to take the car and have a look (legally obligated as if you would have an accident while you told them they could be at risk...).
They found and showed me a small puncture (and I could hear already the cash register...) ...but repaired it... to my surprise (!) as I thought RFT could not be. They said RFT can be repaired, depending where the puncture is. On top they checked all other wheels, made me a 0 euro bill to confirm all was good and did let me go. Got to say, great service, specially as it was December 30th and they were short of people. My lucky day.

CWS530

sdg1871

+1. To me, RFTs are a great idea whose technology is not yet ready for prime time. I am very happy that BMW equipped my 550 with non-RFTs. They ride great -- handling and comfortwise.