Not happy with the X5, is it the RFT?

[GoVols!]

[QUOTE= Run-flats can be patched just like non-RFTs.QUOTE]

Not according to the 10 tire shops I called trying to get a patch when I got a nail in one of mine. The nail was in the dead center of the tread, not the sidewall. It may be possible, but a reputable tire shop will not do so.

"Luckily" I only had about 8k on the X when this happened so I just replaced that one tire. Non-RFT's will be going on shortly when the factory's wear out. RFT's are a rip-off that serve no practical purpose if you are anywhere outside of a city with many tire shop options.

[4MoJoe]

I really wouldn't consider my 2011 X5's steering heavy at lower speeds - seems about the same to me from my 2004. I think it might be a little lighter at freeway than the 2004 but now that I'm used to the size increase of the car it's OK.

I switched from the Michelin RFT's to Bridgestone Dueler HL non-RFT's a number of months ago. Big difference in handling and the car stopped tramlining (on our newly paved freeways) - it was so bad the car jerked quickly side to side and after weeks of commuting this way I had had it. The non-RFT's also noticeably reduced the bumps and bangs from uneven pavement patches.

A week ago I put my Bridgestone Blizzak snows on and realizing the rubber is softer the ride got even less harsh than before. I'm going to leave the Blizzaks' on my 18" rims and buy 19 or 20' when spring comes. I personally won't choose RFT's for that, I do have the spare tire in my X5. I can't tell you the last time I actually got a flat tire - I think it might have been like 9 or 10 years ago - on the car.

It's really a personal preference on what you want to do, but my experience with my X5 and our 2006 325i from moving from RFT's to non-RFT's has been positive and a much more enjoyable driving experience.

[kakalika]

[QUOTE=GoVols!;861204]

Originally Posted by Run-flats can be patched just like non-RFTs.QUOTE

RFT's are a rip-off that serve no practical purpose if you are anywhere outside of a city with many tire shop options.

I agree!!

[Alan Smithee]

Originally Posted by GoVols!

Run-flats can be patched just like non-RFTs.

Not according to the 10 tire shops I called trying to get a patch when I got a nail in one of mine. The nail was in the dead center of the tread, not the sidewall. It may be possible, but a reputable tire shop will not do so.

Run-flats definitely can be patched. The tire shops' concern is that a run-flat tire, which is good for 50 miles, may have been run flat for 50 miles, and therefore its useful life is finished.

From the Bridgestone website:

Is it possible to repair a Run-Flat tire that has been punctured?

It depends on how far and at what speed the car was driven after the puncture was sustained. Repair is possible only if deemed so by the tire sales store. Preconditions include a puncture of less than 6mm for both side-reinforced type and support-ring type Run-Flat tires, plus minimal damage to the support ring in case of the latter. However, it is strongly recommended that the tire is replaced as its durability will have been weakened after being repaired.

[ard]

Different tires have different handling characteristics. Michelin Latitude RFTs will handle differently than Continental RFTs or Bridgestone RFTs.

On a 19" rim from the factory you can get any of the current OEM tires...no way to spec which you get. In fact the general desire among many has been to win the 'Michelin lottery'... I recall multiple comments and posts with people wondering 'what will I get'...

Without someome specifying WHICH runflat was 'horrible", it is inappropriate for new readers to make a decision about "all runflats"...that is to say, people that are saying "I had those RFTs and they were horrible" may in fact be talking about Bridgestones...which are horrible. Like I said, less complaints about the michs..not perfect, just less.

Lets make this simple.... what would you say if someone posted "I test drove a BMW and didn't like the way it handled ... so I bought a Toyota"?

As others have pointed out above- RFTs as a CLASS have stiffer sidewalls. But just like all tires aren't equally great, all RFTs aren't equally bad.




And to my buddy rh- If you find it annoying, my day is complete.

[ard]

[QUOTE=GoVols!;861204]

Originally Posted by Run-flats can be patched just like non-RFTs.QUOTE

Not according to the 10 tire shops I called trying to get a patch when I got a nail in one of mine. The nail was in the dead center of the tread, not the sidewall. It may be possible, but a reputable tire shop will not do so.

"Luckily" I only had about 8k on the X when this happened so I just replaced that one tire. Non-RFT's will be going on shortly when the factory's wear out. RFT's are a rip-off that serve no practical purpose if you are anywhere outside of a city with many tire shop options.

Agreed.

Depends on WHICH RFT you are discussing- and who you ask.

As pointed out above, bridgestone says yes. So does Michelin. (The latter only allows ONE patch, pursuant to the RMA guidelines.) BMW sells tires at 40% more than tire rack, and they sell tire warranty plans...so they say no.

BMW and many tire stores will refuse to patch- as a way to limit their liability and maybe sell tires. Customers lie. "Oh, I didn't drive on it at all" and then when you open the tire up there are shreds of sidewall inside! So if YOU know YOU didn't drive on it when flat and overheat it, YOU can get it patched. How you convince a vendor to do this is a challenge, especially if they don't know you.

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by Alan Smithee

Run-flats definitely can be patched. The tire shops' concern is that a run-flat tire, which is good for 50 miles, may have been run flat for 50 miles, and therefore its useful life is finished.

I spoke with Discount Tire about an RFT repair. They look up the manufacturer and will only repair the tire on the manufacturers recommendation it's OK to do.

[Alan Smithee]

Originally Posted by sunny5280

I spoke with Discount Tire about an RFT repair. They look up the manufacturer and will only repair the tire on the manufacturers recommendation it's OK to do.

No different than a non-RFT. If either is damaged by running too long without air, replacement is necessary. The difference is that a RFT can go 50 miles farther.

[drod]

Run Flats, regardless of make/model will be slightly stiffer because of their design and intended use (ie -additional reinforcing strips in the sidewall and other areas to help support the weight in the event of a tire "failure")

This is why RFTs feel slightly harder.. Most may not notice the difference between the two types.. but some will and I do...

Most tire shops including the dealerships and manufactures will recommend immediate replacement.. but the final decision is obviously yours as the owner..

I have a heavy foot so I personally feel uncomfortable and to a certain point unsafe in keeping a fixed tire for a long period of time.. I usually replace them as soon as possible..

The Toyos seem to work for me on a price and performance point... but there are other options..

A quick google search found this....

Run Flat Tires

[rh71]

Originally Posted by ard

And to my buddy rh- If you find it annoying, my day is complete.

Yeah that's totally obvious by the rushed and aggravated response you gave me. "Annoying" was actually putting it nicely. Ruffled much?

Originally Posted by ard

On a 19" rim from the factory you can get any of the current OEM tires...no way to spec which you get. In fact the general desire among many has been to win the 'Michelin lottery'... I recall multiple comments and posts with people wondering 'what will I get'...

What I want to know is why the South Carolina factory would carry 3 different OEM brands for a single size tire at the same time? I got 19" Michelin RFTs in '08. I fully expected it judging from all those who posted their deliveries with 19s then. Who's E70 got 19" RFTs of another brand around the same time?

Are you saying they gave out 3 different brands of 18" RFTs for E70s at the same time too? What?! I thought you were the logical-thinking one...