Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Run Flats
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My Ride: MY2007 530iA (Week 3 Production, Jan 2007). Silver Grey, Black Leather/Dark Poplar Wood. Packages: Sport (w/comfort seats), Premium, Premium Sound/Logic 7, Pro-Navigation, Cold Weather. Individual Options: PDC, HUD, Comfort Access, Heated Rear Seats, Fold-down rear seat, Rear Airbags, Rear Electric Sunshade(s).
Previous:
2005 530iA, Silver Grey/Blk Leather (loaded, but no SP)
2000 528iA, Silver Grey/Blk Leather (loaded)
1994 318iA, Red/Blk Leather
1992 325ic, Red/Blk Leather
1987 320i
1972 2002i
Hello All, 
Looking at selling my MY05 530i (non-sport) and purchasing a MY07 530i w/Sports Package and other options. My current vehicle came with 225/50-17 Continentals; after 28k miles, tires remain quiet, decent handling for non-sp, even wear = overall no problems/complaints.
For those of you that have been running the 18" OEM Bridgestone Potenza Run Flats (245/40-18 RE050ARFT) for the past year or so can you let me know if you are satisfied w/them...and/or what particular problems have developed?
Safety aspects aside, I have been reading some very disturbing threads (across the internet) w/regard to RFTs in general (i.e., tramlining, loud sound, bubbles, rims breaking, expense, RFT availability, etc.) - especially earlier Dunlops (5-series) and Bridgstone Turanzas (3-series).
From what I gather the general consensus on this forum (which is a fantastic forum indeed) is move to non-RFTs once the RFT OEMs wear out; or sooner if money is not an issue. Secondly, What implications if any are connected to switching to non-RFTs (other than better performance) - i.e., problems w/mounting, TPM functionality, invalidating bmw warranty, etc?
Bottom Line: Are the Bridgestone Potenza 18" RFTs a non-issue?
I really appreciate your time and assistance. This issue really seems to be swaying my judgement on whether to move-up or hang on to my current 5-series.
Thanks.
v/r
Leo
P.s. I am aware of the future facelift and release of 535i. Does not affect my current decision.
Looking at selling my MY05 530i (non-sport) and purchasing a MY07 530i w/Sports Package and other options. My current vehicle came with 225/50-17 Continentals; after 28k miles, tires remain quiet, decent handling for non-sp, even wear = overall no problems/complaints.
For those of you that have been running the 18" OEM Bridgestone Potenza Run Flats (245/40-18 RE050ARFT) for the past year or so can you let me know if you are satisfied w/them...and/or what particular problems have developed?
Safety aspects aside, I have been reading some very disturbing threads (across the internet) w/regard to RFTs in general (i.e., tramlining, loud sound, bubbles, rims breaking, expense, RFT availability, etc.) - especially earlier Dunlops (5-series) and Bridgstone Turanzas (3-series).
From what I gather the general consensus on this forum (which is a fantastic forum indeed) is move to non-RFTs once the RFT OEMs wear out; or sooner if money is not an issue. Secondly, What implications if any are connected to switching to non-RFTs (other than better performance) - i.e., problems w/mounting, TPM functionality, invalidating bmw warranty, etc?
Bottom Line: Are the Bridgestone Potenza 18" RFTs a non-issue?
I really appreciate your time and assistance. This issue really seems to be swaying my judgement on whether to move-up or hang on to my current 5-series.
Thanks.
v/r
Leo
P.s. I am aware of the future facelift and release of 535i. Does not affect my current decision.
Members
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 121
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From: Greenville, SC
11k miles and so far no major problems. Tread still in good shape. Relatively quiet. A bit harsher than the Pilot SP's (non runflat) I had on my last 545 but overall can't complain.
Realistically hoping to get 20k out of them.
Realistically hoping to get 20k out of them.
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,794
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From: Seattle, WA Metro Area
I'm not all that impressed with my stock runflats and I'll likely switch within the next six months. Wear and noise are not issues for me. But handling in dry roads and reasonable handling in wet roads are. The RE050ARFT's are horrible in the wet roads. Even my prior 540i/6 with SP-02's did much better in the rain at any speed.
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
My Ride: MY2007 530iA (Week 3 Production, Jan 2007). Silver Grey, Black Leather/Dark Poplar Wood. Packages: Sport (w/comfort seats), Premium, Premium Sound/Logic 7, Pro-Navigation, Cold Weather. Individual Options: PDC, HUD, Comfort Access, Heated Rear Seats, Fold-down rear seat, Rear Airbags, Rear Electric Sunshade(s).
Previous:
2005 530iA, Silver Grey/Blk Leather (loaded, but no SP)
2000 528iA, Silver Grey/Blk Leather (loaded)
1994 318iA, Red/Blk Leather
1992 325ic, Red/Blk Leather
1987 320i
1972 2002i
Originally Posted by ImolaRedM' post='345062' date='Oct 15 2006, 08:46 AM
I'm not all that impressed with my stock runflats and I'll likely switch within the next six months. Wear and noise are not issues for me. But handling in dry roads and reasonable handling in wet roads are. The RE050ARFT's are horrible in the wet roads. Even my prior 540i/6 with SP-02's did much better in the rain at any speed.
just found this on the internet - Tire Review Article - Test Warns Against Retrofitting Run-Flats
Written by the tire consortium...and cites U.K. Auto Express RFT test (using BMW 320i fitted w/Bridgestone, Continental, and Michelin rft tires) conducted this summer (06). Results of test say "safety of RFT designed autos is compromised" when replacing RFT w/conventional rubber.
Looks like the international tire industry is looking to instill some fear/apprehension/doubt in the average "BMW" and larger RFT consumer market in general. Logical given future profit earning expectations via RFT sales versus conventional.
Full magazine article / test results can be found at:
U.K. Auto Express "Run-Flat Tyre Test" - 11 Oct 06
Any comments on increased "wet" braking distance from those of you that have already made the switch from RFT to Non-RFTs...? You all are on the leading edge of what appears to be an imminent industry debate.
Current Gut Feeling - Still not sure I want to switch RFT tires every 20k miles, while not being able to exploit the whole reason I want to buy the MY07 530i in the first place - the sports package. Also, not sure I like the idea of BMW holding possibly warranty invalidation over my head if I swap my RFTs out...Has Corporate got to me?
Comments, advice, criticism - all are welcome.
v/r
Leo
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From: New Jersey
My Ride: 2001 BMW330ci, Steel Gray, Black leather, Steptronic, PP, SP, PDC, Heated seats, Xenon head lights, HK, 6 disk changer, OEM alarm, OEM clears,Iice white fog lights ,Universal trasnciver, 17 inch Michelin Pilot Sport Tires
2005 530i Titanium Gray,Black leather, Nav.,HUD,PP,CWP,SP,PDC,Xenon lights,Steptronic,Logic 7 sound system,,Fold down read seats,Power shades
ON ORDER
Originally Posted by mahoneyl' post='345048' date='Oct 15 2006, 10:23 AM
Hello All, :help
From what I gather the general consensus on this forum (which is a fantastic forum indeed) is move to non-RFTs once the RFT OEMs wear out; or sooner if money is not an issue. Secondly, What implications if any are connected to switching to non-RFTs (other than better performance) - i.e., problems w/mounting, TPM functionality, invalidating bmw warranty, etc?
I have Dunlop RFT's and with the first set they got noisey after 14,000 miles and I got a new set FREE ,no hassle and I'm totaly satisfied with them. As far as "non RFT's having better performance" IMO I don't think so. You have to remember BMW designed the SP suspension with RFT's in mind so the handling should be better than with conventional tires. Good luck in what ever you choose.
cheers
vern
.
v/r
Leo
From what I gather the general consensus on this forum (which is a fantastic forum indeed) is move to non-RFTs once the RFT OEMs wear out; or sooner if money is not an issue. Secondly, What implications if any are connected to switching to non-RFTs (other than better performance) - i.e., problems w/mounting, TPM functionality, invalidating bmw warranty, etc?
I have Dunlop RFT's and with the first set they got noisey after 14,000 miles and I got a new set FREE ,no hassle and I'm totaly satisfied with them. As far as "non RFT's having better performance" IMO I don't think so. You have to remember BMW designed the SP suspension with RFT's in mind so the handling should be better than with conventional tires. Good luck in what ever you choose.
cheers
vern
.
v/r
Leo
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From: Michigan
My Ride: 2007 530xi Silver Grey over Black Dakota with Sport, Premium, Cold Weather, Comfort, NAV, Logic 7, Sirius, 18" 123s.
Current:
2006 Lexus GX 470
2005 SLK 350
No Longer With Us:
BMW 330xi; Mini Cooper S; Infiniti FX45; every Audi imaginable; various others
I have around 5,000 miles on my Bridgestone RFTs and have not had any problems. The ride probably is a bit harsher than non-RFT, but I have driven both and it is not at all objectionable to me. I also have not noticed any problems in the wet (as posted by someone else above).
I just put my 17"snows on last week. These are Dunlop Wintersport 3Ds - a performance winter tire. The ride is definately softer, but I actually find that I like the road feel of the Bridgestone RFTs better.
I just put my 17"snows on last week. These are Dunlop Wintersport 3Ds - a performance winter tire. The ride is definately softer, but I actually find that I like the road feel of the Bridgestone RFTs better.
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
My Ride: MY2007 530iA (Week 3 Production, Jan 2007). Silver Grey, Black Leather/Dark Poplar Wood. Packages: Sport (w/comfort seats), Premium, Premium Sound/Logic 7, Pro-Navigation, Cold Weather. Individual Options: PDC, HUD, Comfort Access, Heated Rear Seats, Fold-down rear seat, Rear Airbags, Rear Electric Sunshade(s).
Previous:
2005 530iA, Silver Grey/Blk Leather (loaded, but no SP)
2000 528iA, Silver Grey/Blk Leather (loaded)
1994 318iA, Red/Blk Leather
1992 325ic, Red/Blk Leather
1987 320i
1972 2002i
Any more comments regarding RFTs and/or article referenced above? Thx.
v/r
Leo
v/r
Leo
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
My Ride: MY2007 530iA (Week 3 Production, Jan 2007). Silver Grey, Black Leather/Dark Poplar Wood. Packages: Sport (w/comfort seats), Premium, Premium Sound/Logic 7, Pro-Navigation, Cold Weather. Individual Options: PDC, HUD, Comfort Access, Heated Rear Seats, Fold-down rear seat, Rear Airbags, Rear Electric Sunshade(s).
Previous:
2005 530iA, Silver Grey/Blk Leather (loaded, but no SP)
2000 528iA, Silver Grey/Blk Leather (loaded)
1994 318iA, Red/Blk Leather
1992 325ic, Red/Blk Leather
1987 320i
1972 2002i
Originally Posted by A2 BMW' post='345107' date='Oct 15 2006, 10:24 AM
I have around 5,000 miles on my Bridgestone RFTs and have not had any problems. The ride probably is a bit harsher than non-RFT, but I have driven both and it is not at all objectionable to me. I also have not noticed any problems in the wet (as posted by someone else above).
I just put my 17"snows on last week. These are Dunlop Wintersport 3Ds - a performance winter tire. The ride is definately softer, but I actually find that I like the road feel of the Bridgestone RFTs better.
I just put my 17"snows on last week. These are Dunlop Wintersport 3Ds - a performance winter tire. The ride is definately softer, but I actually find that I like the road feel of the Bridgestone RFTs better.
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From: Chippenham, Wiltshire UK
My Ride: F11 535i M-Sport,, Silver, Black Leather, LED Adaptive headlights
Model Year: 2015
Engine: N55
[quote name='mahoneyl' date='Oct 15 2006, 03:23 PM' post='345048']
Hello All,
For those of you that have been running the 18" OEM Bridgestone Potenza Run Flats (245/40-18 RE050ARFT) for the past year or so can you let me know if you are satisfied w/them...and/or what particular problems have developed?
Refer to my post in this thread,
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=32403
The Potenza's were OEM on my 530D, did not like them one bit.
Hello All,
For those of you that have been running the 18" OEM Bridgestone Potenza Run Flats (245/40-18 RE050ARFT) for the past year or so can you let me know if you are satisfied w/them...and/or what particular problems have developed?
Refer to my post in this thread,
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=32403
The Potenza's were OEM on my 530D, did not like them one bit.
Members
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Mississippi USofA
I had the Continentals on my '04 530i and now have the Bridgestones on my '07 530i. I have noticed a considerable improvement with the Bridgestones. The Continentals started making harsh noise after 10K miles and continued to do so up til the end of my lease. The Bridgestones are much smoother and quieter - but I only have about 3K miles on them so far. Good Luck!