Originally Posted by red-max' post='346809' date='Oct 19 2006, 03:34 PM

From what I can tell, and it's not very scientific, just my own observations, Run Flat Tyres are thankfully getting better.

The original RFTs on my 2004 530d were terrible. Admittedly I didn't have the car from new, but at just beyond 1/2 worn they were awful. My wife's original MINI Cooper S had RFTs and they were like driving with solid wooden wheels and no suspension. I swapped my Run-flats out for normal tyres, she kept hers because she felt safer knowing she could drive home if she had a flat.

Just recently we changed the MINI for a newer one, and what a difference. Presumably they are newer generation runflats, perhaps MINI also tweaked the Cooper S suspension, but it certainly drives much more like a normal (sporty) car.

I just test-drove a 335d Coupe, with 19" wheels and quite low-profile RFTs, and I was surprised by the ride and feel of the suspension/tyre combination - it was really very good. Again I suspect these are latest generation Run-flats with suspension specifically designed for RFTs.

I ended up ordering a 335d, so starting in December I will find out for myself how they are in the real world. Since the E92 335d has no room at all for a space-saver, I am probably stuck with RFTs for the length of time I own the car. My main concern actually is that I've heard that some of the new sizes are hard to get (3 or 4 day lead times, or more) which could pose a problem if I need to replace a tyre in a hurry. I did think of buying and keeping a spare RFT tyre in my garage, but while this might work for a MINI, the 335d Coupe has different sizes front and back, so that's not going to work unless I buy one of each size, and that's getting expensive...

Originally Posted by Ray Hull' post='346843' date='Oct 20 2006, 08:48 AM

So....What kind of car did the keys fit?

Needs to know the details!
Ray Hull

Originally Posted by red-max' post='346809' date='Oct 20 2006, 06:34 AM

From what I can tell, and it's not very scientific, just my own observations, Run Flat Tyres are thankfully getting better.

The original RFTs on my 2004 530d were terrible. Admittedly I didn't have the car from new, but at just beyond 1/2 worn they were awful. My wife's original MINI Cooper S had RFTs and they were like driving with solid wooden wheels and no suspension. I swapped my Run-flats out for normal tyres, she kept hers because she felt safer knowing she could drive home if she had a flat.

Just recently we changed the MINI for a newer one, and what a difference. Presumably they are newer generation runflats, perhaps MINI also tweaked the Cooper S suspension, but it certainly drives much more like a normal (sporty) car.

I just test-drove a 335d Coupe, with 19" wheels and quite low-profile RFTs, and I was surprised by the ride and feel of the suspension/tyre combination - it was really very good. Again I suspect these are latest generation Run-flats with suspension specifically designed for RFTs.

I ended up ordering a 335d, so starting in December I will find out for myself how they are in the real world. Since the E92 335d has no room at all for a space-saver, I am probably stuck with RFTs for the length of time I own the car. My main concern actually is that I've heard that some of the new sizes are hard to get (3 or 4 day lead times, or more) which could pose a problem if I need to replace a tyre in a hurry. I did think of buying and keeping a spare RFT tyre in my garage, but while this might work for a MINI, the 335d Coupe has different sizes front and back, so that's not going to work unless I buy one of each size, and that's getting expensive...

Originally Posted by pinguhk' post='346907' date='Oct 20 2006, 05:16 AM

19" RFT.
Did not know that they did them.
what`s the cost of these tyres? $700 each?

Originally Posted by red-max' post='346809' date='Oct 19 2006, 11:34 PM

From what I can tell, and it's not very scientific, just my own observations, Run Flat Tyres are thankfully getting better.

The original RFTs on my 2004 530d were terrible. Admittedly I didn't have the car from new, but at just beyond 1/2 worn they were awful. My wife's original MINI Cooper S had RFTs and they were like driving with solid wooden wheels and no suspension. I swapped my Run-flats out for normal tyres, she kept hers because she felt safer knowing she could drive home if she had a flat.

Just recently we changed the MINI for a newer one, and what a difference. Presumably they are newer generation runflats, perhaps MINI also tweaked the Cooper S suspension, but it certainly drives much more like a normal (sporty) car.

Originally Posted by red-max' post='346975' date='Oct 20 2006, 11:17 AM

Hmmm... good question. I'm fairly sure they're all RFTs on the 335, but I didn't actually check the car I drove. It definitely had no spare though.

From the UK pricelist the 19" wheels are:

Star-spoke style 230
8J x 19 / 9J x 19
225/35 R19 / 255/30 R19

I can't find any online suppliers with RFTs in these sizes (only tried for about 10 mins though).

I actually ordered the 18" wheels for my car which are:

Star-spoke style 189
8J x 18 / 8.5J x 18
225/40 R18 / 255/35 R18

and these are available on Tire Rack, though the larger rears are on "back order"...

Attachment 24932

Originally Posted by colejl' post='346985' date='Oct 20 2006, 07:18 PM

Yes, 19" tyres are available in RunFlats - very limited sizes... However, I know the 5-series 'approved' 19" sizes (245/35/19+275/30/19) are available! :thumbsdown:

Originally Posted by pinguhk' post='346987' date='Oct 20 2006, 12:30 PM

Like to see the price for these