looks like alot of people what the RFT to die.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/22/carmake...run-flat-tires/

 

What a cr@p article. Even referring to retreads. What a cheapskate author.

In UK RFTs are about 3% more expensive than conventional (quality) tyres.

ABC

 

After 1000km I exchanged my RFTs with normal Michelin tires. The run flats were way to hard for me because of my back. The normal tires are softer. I researched RFTs and found that there are two types (maybe more): the ones with stiff sides and the ones with normal tires with a stiff inner core. The latter have the advantage of softer driving combined with the security of RFTs in case of tire damage. I wanted this PAX system but it wasn't available for the 5xx. Only the 7xx.

http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/23/bmws-mi...-from-michelin/

 

what exactly does your comment mean?

 

Written for the US market, so can't comment on the price.

But agree they are not so easy to find from dealers, they often have to be ordered in, they are harder to get repaired and they do have a very limited 'run-flat' mileage. Sometimes less than 50 miles depending on passenger load.

Not sure about greater wear rates, they are a harder compound so should last longer.

My RE050 were horrible to ride on, but the tread life seemed fine.

 

The RF is a great idea - for countries with nice and flat roads.

Overhere the roads are like valleys, do the heavy Russian truck traffic, harsh winter and winter tyres with spikes.
Not many potholes or something like that, just no flat surfice.

Therefore wide and especially RF tyres, do not give a pleasant drive.
One need to keep a really hard grip of the steering wheel, so that the car don't get off the road.

Tramlining is the problem and the hard ride in the city.


PS. My 16" ers with soft winter tyres are like heaven, soft'n'smooth and quiet.
And who cares about the looks, overthere...

 

Well you can put me in that category... I dont care if the car comes with runflats its a good idea. I like the safety part of it but I will not replace my tires with runflats when its time for a replacemnt. For my driving I see no need for runflats. I check my tires regularly and if I do get a flat on the road I'm calling BMW Roadside Assistanec or AAA so doesnt matter to me. And the worse that can happen is I'll contintue to drive and damage 1 wheel so I'll replace that wheel. The cost added to runflats in the end can almost buy a new wheel already.

I know some will argue what about sudden blow outs. Well usually that doesnt happen if you keep your tires in good shape and maintain it well. Its not like I'll be driving though jagged rocks every day.

 

+1. Exactly what I was thinking.

 

"A lot of people want the run flat tyres to die."

= Many customers would prefer normal tyres instead of run flat tyres.

Probably.

 

+1 on that as well.