For those who had Michelin RFTs and went to non-RFTs...

[kck7]

How much and in what ways did the feel of the car change? Sometimes I think the low-speed steering is rather heavy. I'm an average guy, not a weakling but no Charles Atlas either. It's not that it's difficult to turn, it just seems to take more effort than it should. I air the Mich RFTs at about 35F, 38R when cold.

I've read about better ride, comfort etc with non-RFTs. Does steering response get any sharper, say with a particular model/brand? I am talking all-seasons, not summer rubber.

I am planning to get non-RFTs at about 10k miles anyway, but if there are enough benefits I might go ahead and do it sooner. My X does have the spare tire option btw.

[soldmystang]

Originally Posted by kck7

How much and in what ways did the feel of the car change? Sometimes I think the low-speed steering is rather heavy. I'm an average guy, not a weakling but no Charles Atlas either. It's not that it's difficult to turn, it just seems to take more effort than it should. I air the Mich RFTs at about 35F, 38R when cold.

I've read about better ride, comfort etc with non-RFTs. Does steering response get any sharper, say with a particular model/brand? I am talking all-seasons, not summer rubber.

I am planning to get non-RFTs at about 10k miles anyway, but if there are enough benefits I might go ahead and do it sooner. My X does have the spare tire option btw.

what size wheels?

[kck7]

Originally Posted by soldmystang

what size wheels?

Standard 18", non-sport. 209 style I believe they are called.

[soldmystang]

well i have 19s and i have the sport package so i don't know that what i say applies to your vehicle.

RFTs by design have stiff sidewalls, that is probably what is causing the steering response you feel.

i switched to Toyo Proxes STIIs about 32K miles ago. my seat of the pants impression is better turn-in characteristics and better traction than the RFTs. plus the ride is smoother now.

i won't be going back to RFTs anytime soon.

[Lawfarm]

In theory, RFTs have stiffer sidewalls, which should reduce sidewall squirm. That should translate into less resistance when turning the steering wheel. Softer sidewalls that deform more would have better adhesion to the road surface, and should require more force. In the real world, at standard operating pressure, I doubt there's a real difference in this measurement.

[rh71]

Have non-RFTs and the steering is definitely heavy. Not sure if the weight/width of the 20s also contribute to it. I only did 500mi. with 19s and RFTs 3 years ago so I can't remember if it feels exactly the same as then, but I know for sure I asked my sales guy if that steering feel was normal... he said all BMWs are like that. Definitely heavier than others on the road.