Runflats vs Non-Runflats

[Bigtop]

I have read all the threads here, but non of them give specific evidence that BMW designed the X5 E70 to run on only runflat tires and that if you put non runflat tires on it will be detrimental to the suspension and handling characteristics of the car.

Has anyone got any evidence of this and I mean from high up in BMW, not just the salesperson of the month or the local mechanic?

[motordavid]

No xpert, but I cannot believe that running non-RFTs would affect any
of your concerns...many users of all brands of cars, with RFTs oem,
have made the switch to non-RFTs with no problems.
YMMV...
GL,mD

[RxGuy]

Yeah, I switched from my run flats to non-RFT, and my ride is actually better. (went from 18 to 20 in).

[Wagner]

RF have a much stiffer and harder sidewall. Switching to non RF's would result in a softer and sometimes quieter ride. I would make sure you have a spare tire prior to leaving the RF environment.

[x5mad]

Originally Posted by Bigtop

I have read all the threads here, but non of them give specific evidence that BMW designed the X5 E70 to run on only runflat tires and that if you put non runflat tires on it will be detrimental to the suspension and handling characteristics of the car.

Has anyone got any evidence of this and I mean from high up in BMW, not just the salesperson of the month or the local mechanic?

Don't have the evidence your looking for but I switched from 18'' run flats to 20'' non runflats and I can without a doubt say that the non runflats give a much improved ride in terms of comfort and less road noise.

[Fredo]

I will change to non RFT's when my tyres need changing. I did this on my previous E60 535d, it transformed the ride.

Just FYI someone posted on a UK forum recently that a dealer would not accept his 335i in part exchange with regular tyres on...he had to get them change back to RFT's.

I read recently that the X5 M and X6 M will come with RFT's which is a first for an M/// car previously they have all had regular even if the rest of the range have had RFT's. It will be interesting to see if this is because there is an improved generation of RFT's coming or they have lost the battle with the marketing department.

[Roadster]

I too have swapped my RFT to non RFT on my E60. What an improvement that was! I plan to do the same on the X5 if my lease company allows it that is...

[Kasyd]

I'm also interested in hearing more on this topic,, I'm getting close to replacing the rubber on my X and don't now which way to go.
I currently have the bridgestone 20" Dueler HP's and they used to handle great but always gave a back breaking and real noisy ride.. Getting worse as they wear.

[jamesboags]

Originally Posted by Kasyd

I'm also interested in hearing more on this topic,, I'm getting close to replacing the rubber on my X and don't now which way to go.
I currently have the bridgestone 20" Dueler HP's and they used to handle great but always gave a back breaking and real noisy ride.. Getting worse as they wear.

I have 19" rims.. I bought a whole set of rims with near new Run flats instead of buying new tyres.. cost me $2000, they have the Bridgestone Duelers , I was on Conti Cross Contact before and I have to say the Bridestones seem quieter and a nicer ride...New 19" contis run at around $750 each.. I now have a spare set of rims.. these will go back on the car if I hand it in at end of lease.. or these will act as a spare set for a rainy day...

[bigx5er]

I just switched from the 18" Bridgestone RFTs to 18" General non-runflats.

The ride and noise are much better. Bumps are not as harsh.

We had runflats on our 3 series a few years ago and they were very noisy at 12K. My X5 runflats turned very noisy at 15K. Not much of an improvement.

The Generals were about half the price of the RFTs. I have a spare and cannot imagine going back to runflats.