RFT's have been a complete disaster for BMW. Biggest problem with RFT's is there very picky on tread wear. Well BMW's natuarally run negative camber so you usually get insider wear on tires. RFT's work fine at the start but after around 5K they become a road noise maker. In theory RFT's are great and work good on certain cars, just not BMW's for the most part.

Not sure why anyone would keep there RFT's after the org. set wears out. I know there is some with no spare but at that point I'd just a put a couple cans of fix a flat in the trunk. Not to often do you blow out the whole side wall.

 

One big thing I have noticed about having RFT's is that you hear 'humming' noise when you are driving both at slower and faster speeds. Well I can not hear any noise when I am driving E65 (well e65 is built to be quieter i guess )but I can still hear the 'humming' noise generated by having RFT's on my e60. Even BMW SA admitted about this problem. I am definately getting non RFT's on my e60.

 

I want to change my RFT into non-RFT. Can I use the same rims for that? My local dealer told me that I can mount some non-RFTs on the the rims, but not all.

I want to go from OEM 225/50/17 to 235/45/17 on the 7.5 OEM rft rim.

any advice appreciated

 

You can mount any non-rft tires on those rims. Actually, one problem I notice with your goal, is the 235/45/17. This tire's profile is too short... your speedometer will be inaccurate. I would recommend 245/45/17, it is almost the same circumference as your 225/50/17. This size is still compatible with a 7.5" wheel.

 

245 would still be OK on the 7.5 wheel?

You can mount any non-rft tires on those rims. Actually, one problem I notice with your goal, is the 235/45/17. This tire's profile is too short... your speedometer will be inaccurate. I would recommend 245/45/17, it is almost the same circumference as your 225/50/17. This size is still compatible with a 7.5" wheel.
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You're damn right ... I'm putting wooden wheels on every car I own ... never mind those balloon tires ... they 're complete crap!

As for fix-a-flat :thumbsdown: ... IF you have TPMS that's a No-No!

 

+1 Wrecks the sensors.

Plus most wheel shops will tell you not to use fix-a-flat, and they'll also tell you that if you DO use it, they'll charge you extra to dismount, clean the fix-a-flat out, and mount a new tire. It really makes a mess inside the tire/wheel.

My understanding is that it is a chemical vulcanizing agent. It causes a chemical reaction whereby the inside of the tire is "melted", thus sealing the leak.

Or so I am told. YMMV.

 

I will found out soon as my 528i's rears are low and will be replacing the rears only with non-RFT. I expect it to feel the same.