"Daddy needs new shoes" aka the extra 600 - worth it or wors
01-27-2009, 12:19 AM
#1
Contributors
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Zoo York
Posts: 9,986
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: Alpine White 2006 530Xi (SLD)
I have Bridgestone Potenza RE050 RFTs installed now. It is about that time when I have to start looking at new tires, so I'm leaning toward replacing the RFTs with Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Positions. I've read many reviews (on this forum, other BMW forums and Tirerack) and people seem to love the transition from RFT to RE960AS. And they cost an AMAZING $600 less for the set of 4 than the RFTs. And their ratings are better. And did I mention they cost $600 less?!?! 
The only last question that I'd like to know the answer to is whether the RFTs provide greater protection against bending/cracking the rims? Obviously, I don't mean the times when there's no pressure in the tire - just the normal driving situations, when tires are properly inflated and wheels balanced, etc etc.
Also, another thing to consider: I live in the New York City area, so the roads here exhibit potholes of all sizes and depths - it is basically a war zone-type of set up, if you're talking about driving anything other than a Prius. So I'm not really sure if the RFTs are worth the extra dough because they save the rims - do they? I'd imagine that there is an insignificant additional protection because of the firmer sidewalls, but then, doesn't that mean that the chassis gets more vibration transferred onto it, therefore losening and bending all kindsa expensive lil' gadgets there? - I'm just not sure, so I'm sure I can definitely use some help on the subject.
Tire choices are as follows and in the order that I'm considering them:
1. Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position
2. Continental ContiExtremeContact
3. Yokohama AVID W4S
Any help is appreciated here, please. I know, its annoying that you get to see this q come up all the time, so even if you just post a link to a different forum with info on the subject, I'll really appreciate it.
The only last question that I'd like to know the answer to is whether the RFTs provide greater protection against bending/cracking the rims? Obviously, I don't mean the times when there's no pressure in the tire - just the normal driving situations, when tires are properly inflated and wheels balanced, etc etc.
Also, another thing to consider: I live in the New York City area, so the roads here exhibit potholes of all sizes and depths - it is basically a war zone-type of set up, if you're talking about driving anything other than a Prius. So I'm not really sure if the RFTs are worth the extra dough because they save the rims - do they? I'd imagine that there is an insignificant additional protection because of the firmer sidewalls, but then, doesn't that mean that the chassis gets more vibration transferred onto it, therefore losening and bending all kindsa expensive lil' gadgets there? - I'm just not sure, so I'm sure I can definitely use some help on the subject.
Tire choices are as follows and in the order that I'm considering them:
1. Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position
2. Continental ContiExtremeContact
3. Yokohama AVID W4S
Any help is appreciated here, please. I know, its annoying that you get to see this q come up all the time, so even if you just post a link to a different forum with info on the subject, I'll really appreciate it.
01-27-2009, 12:28 AM
#3
Senior Members
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 535dA M-Sport
Carbon Black
Nasca Black leather
AFS
Comfort Access
Moonroof
Active seat vent
Xenon
Navi Prof.
Night Vision
HUD
High Gloss Shadow Line
Go with ANY tire non-RFT 
Serious, ditch the RFT's. You won't be sorry! Also, because of the softer ride, you're suspension (and the rest of the car, for that matter) will be receive less of a 'beating' on all the potholes!
Serious, ditch the RFT's. You won't be sorry! Also, because of the softer ride, you're suspension (and the rest of the car, for that matter) will be receive less of a 'beating' on all the potholes!
01-27-2009, 01:15 AM
#4
Contributors
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Zoo York
Posts: 9,986
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: Alpine White 2006 530Xi (SLD)
Originally Posted by Trinity Autosport' post='778249' date='Jan 27 2009, 04:23 AM
I say go with the Yokohama's My friend has it on his Lexus and he loves it. I don't think run flats are worth the money.
My friend has it on his Lexus and he loves it. I don't think run flats are worth the money.
01-27-2009, 01:18 AM
#5
Contributors
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Zoo York
Posts: 9,986
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: Alpine White 2006 530Xi (SLD)
Originally Posted by LW78' post='778253' date='Jan 27 2009, 04:28 AM
Go with ANY tire non-RFT
Serious, ditch the RFT's. You won't be sorry! Also, because of the softer ride, you're suspension (and the rest of the car, for that matter) will be receive less of a 'beating' on all the potholes!
Serious, ditch the RFT's. You won't be sorry! Also, because of the softer ride, you're suspension (and the rest of the car, for that matter) will be receive less of a 'beating' on all the potholes!
Thanks LW!
Guys! Anyone has any experiences to share? I mean, anything helps
01-27-2009, 01:28 AM
#6
Contributors
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Zoo York
Posts: 9,986
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: Alpine White 2006 530Xi (SLD)
oh, yeah, Trinity, something tells me you might know it already, but the Yokos save me another $200 over 960's!!!
See, that's how all that money that you spend on mods after looking through this forum eventually comes back LOL
See, that's how all that money that you spend on mods after looking through this forum eventually comes back LOL
01-27-2009, 03:57 AM
#7
Members
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 545Ai, Silver grey, black, poplar, Sport Pkg, Logic 7, Comfort seats, Nav, HUD, PDC, rear shades, and satellite radio
Out of curiosity why aren't the other oem tire, Michelin Pilot Sports on your list?
01-27-2009, 05:04 AM
#8
The Potenza RE960AS Pole Position is an all season tire the others your are considering are summer. Therefore you might want to look at the Potenza RE760 instead, which is a summer tire. I understand that the 760 has a little less sidewall flex since it's a slightly more performance orientated tire. Tread wear is still reasonable at 340 compared to the 960 which is 400.
01-27-2009, 05:30 AM
#9
Originally Posted by Spyglass' post='778308' date='Jan 27 2009, 09:04 AM
The Potenza RE960AS Pole Position is an all season tire the others your are considering are summer. Therefore you might want to look at the Potenza RE760 instead, which is a summer tire. I understand that the 760 has a little less sidewall flex since it's a slightly more performance orientated tire. Tread wear is still reasonable at 340 compared to the 960 which is 400.
01-27-2009, 05:48 AM
#10
Originally Posted by mjfloyd1' post='778318' date='Jan 27 2009, 08:30 AM
All the tires he's looking at are all seasons, I believe.
