Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport – Dueler H/P Sport RFT
 

So I need to purchase a new set of summer sneakers for the X5, and get the winter boots off. I (like most it seems from posts) was no fan of the Michelin Diamaris that came on the 19” wheels, and would like to find a better alternative. The Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sports eems to be the logical choice (not that there are a LOT of choices in the 255/50 front, 285/45 rear staggered designations) from what I can see.

Now the questions start. First, is the Dueler H/P Sport and the Dueler H/P Sport Run Flat in these sizes the same tread pattern and sidewall design? Tire Rack’s online photos seem to show a very different tire (check the links) when looking at these two, which leaves me a bit confused.

If there is a difference, I favor the Run Flat’s tread pattern, but the next question is does the RFT significantly degrade ride characteristics over the already ‘crisp’ feel of the 19" Diamaris tires on my Sport Package Equipped X5?

And the Final Question is, since you need a TPMS to use the Run Flat variations, how much sidewall flex is there with a low air pressure Run Flat tire? Our X5 has a TPMS, but it is the ABS/ Wheel Speed variant, not the variant that actual reads internal pressure, so does that rule out the ability to even use a run flat tire for us?


Thanks in advance for your input..

I've just purchased and will soon mount the H/P Sports to my 4.8is (275 and 315). I would personally avoid any RFT option based on what I feel is excessive cost and a more rigid ride. I have them on my Cooper S and have never liked them.

I'll report back on the overall feeling once they are mounted on the X.

You going to love those Dueler H/P Sport .

Hey I can share my experience on the japanese tires. I installed the dueler RFT 19inch.

1. good things.
run flat works. yes really. if one of them is punctured, you can feel it. so you are human TPMS. ;)
especially good if your wife drives the x5 with kids like us.

unlike the common sense, tire shop can fix it when it has nails on it.

2. bad things.

MPG becomes bad pretty much especially in city!!

the tire is sort of eraser.

drive quality becomes bad. pretty much.

all bad except the two good things above.

hope this helps. Porsche pepper has the french tires. I would buy the french or other light tires if you drive it yourself. but good for your wife and kids, but wash tires carefully after installing.. radio active contamination might be there..made in japan :sick:

Thanks for the feedback, I think I have pretty much decided on the non RFT version, and if I buy soon, I should be okay with the radioactive concerns, they should have shipped prior to the issues..