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Quote:

Originally Posted by TC.' post='406352' date='Mar 24 2007, 01:39 PM

..I am prepared to rely upon my driving skill to keep me from danger and a jack, spanner and raincoat

...and an empty boot for the dirty punctured tyre.

ABC

Quote:

Originally Posted by aybeesea' post='406354' date='Mar 24 2007, 01:49 PM

...and an empty boot for the dirty punctured tyre.

ABC

Fair point - and an empty boot then....

Quote:

Originally Posted by TC.' post='406356' date='Mar 24 2007, 01:54 PM

Fair point - and an empty boot then....

Quote:

Ximinez: NOBODY expects the Spanish Inquisition! Our chief weapon is surprise...surprise and fear...fear and surprise.... Our two weapons are fear and surprise...and ruthless efficiency.... Our *three* weapons are fear, surprise, and ruthless efficiency...and an almost fanatical devotion to the Pope.... Our *four*...no... *Amongst* our weapons.... Amongst our weaponry...are such elements as fear, surprise.... I'll come in again.

ABC

Quote:

Originally Posted by aybeesea' post='406359' date='Mar 24 2007, 02:01 PM

ABC

LOL

Initially, I think I will stick with the standard sport wheels on the 535i to try RFT.

I still prefer the look of the m172 wheels. I have not seen any 18" 172's.
Does BMW make them?
Does anyone make replicas, and are replicas as well made?

With the beating the wheels get with RFT, I would not want poorly made replicas.

Thanks,

Mick

Quote:

Originally Posted by TC.' post='406352' date='Mar 24 2007, 09:39 AM

I have had a 330d SE with 17" RFT's and now have a 535d M Sport with 19" Non RFT's IMHO - no contest.........The 330d SE's set up would send shudders through the car at the meerest hint of a pot hole, the 19"s without RFT's by contrast let you know its there but just soak it up and spit it out. I can give a first hand, direct comparison along the same (poor) stretch of road - without question the 535d with stiffer springs and firmer damping does an excellent job of letting you know what is on the road without actually shattering your teeth through the shock like the RFT equipped 330d SE did.
I can not dispute that the safety factor of having RFT's is a big one however I am prepared to rely upon my driving skill to keep me from danger and a jack, spanner and raincoat if it means I can have a BMW that handles and rides like a BMW should.

The dramatic difference you describe between these surprises me. I would have guessed that 18" RFT would be comparable to 19" non-RFT setup with regard to ride quality. I did not expect that someone would feel that 19" non-RFT gives a better ride than 17' RFT.

Mick :unsure:

Quote:

Originally Posted by GarryF' post='406284' date='Mar 24 2007, 04:36 AM

I had to replace two left rims (18" RFT) a year ago, front was cracked on the inner rim and back was badly flat spotted. I don't recall going over anything that could have done this but clearly it takes a lot less to do this kind of damage compared to all my previous cars. Maybe it was the 18" rim or maybe it was the RFT transfering more shock.

That's why I took the tire and wheel protection package that the dealer offered when I bought the car. Normally I stay clear of any protection plans, extended warranties etc. 'cause in most cases they're just a rip-off. But considering the condition of the roads in and around New Jersey and the price of RFT's and wheels (550i sport package), I figured the $595 + tax might not be a bad investment, at the very least it offers peace of mind. The program covers damages to tires and whees due to debris, potholes, blowouts (unfortunately curb rash is not covered) for 5 years, no limit on occurences. Haven't had a claim yet, so I can't comment on the quality of service.

Here's a link to the comany's website if anyone is interested:

http://www.safe-guardproducts.com/ptire.php

Felix

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1994_RX-7_Tour' post='406084' date='Mar 23 2007, 02:28 PM

What exactly is "tramlinging"? Never heard that term before. Thanks.

Here is a good explanation: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/tec...e.jsp?techid=47

I had my spare donut on today because my 18" rim is cracked and leaking air, and the ride was much smoother. Where can I buy another three donuts? : )

Quote:

Originally Posted by mick550' post='405875' date='Mar 23 2007, 06:35 AM

I am considering the LCI 550i sport versus 535i sport. I will be driving mostly in fairly heavy traffic
in Atlanta. Snow & ice are not really an issue in the south USA. I will not be running it on a track.

Since the 550 sport comes with 19 non-RFT and the 535 sport comes with 18 RF tires,
I am wondering how they will compare in ride quality especially since the suspension system
is also different. :confused:

Which will provide the most comfortable ride? Will the difference be very noticeable to most
people or only the most compulsive car guru?

I kind of prefer the RF tires for safety reasons such as when my wife will go on trips in my car,
but I prefer the look of the m172 wheels. Ideally, I would have liked 18 m172 wheels with RFT.
Does anyone have any experience with the differences in ride quality?

Thanks,

Mick

Hi Mick,
This is the write-up I did soon after changing from M135 18s with RFTs to M166 19s with non-RFTs. In response to your question about ride quality, I personally found a significant improvement in a number of areas when moving to the new wheel-tyre set-up, such as comfort, noise and handling. I opted for Michalin PS2s non-RFTs based upon advise here in the forum and am very pleased with them so far.

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=32266