Non run flats
 

I know this has been discussed. I have the Dunlop SportMaxx and they lasted about 14000 miles. I am going to order the Conti Extreme Contact DWS. My SA said they can install the tires, but that the car was designed "around the runflat concept" and the will put on a disclaimer that they were installed at my request. Should I have any concerns about coverage from BMW assist? I am going to by a repair kit as I have the third row.

Thanks

what disclaimer....
I went tru the same change on my 2007, they never asked for any signature or BS about the car design...thats weird, a tire is a tire

I am totally satisfied with my Contact

The whole "suspension was designed around the RFT" rubbish isn't true.

I recall seeing a post a while back from someone in Canada that said BMW Assist refused to pay for the emergency tire service call/tow since he had replaced the runflats with non-runflats.

Thanks for the replies. I know it's bs. I was wondering about BMW assist. If I had to, I would pay for the tow. These tires should last longer than the warranty anyway (LOL)

You might want to consider a $20 backup plan:

Slime Portable Flat Tire Repair Kits - NEW Slime Quick Spair & Slime Shield

These kits are available at lots of places. I know the $30 MSRP "standard" one is available at Sears, Wal-Mart, and Target, typically for $20.

I plan on getting a repair kit

i just got my front tire changed at 24,400 and that was at 3/32..dealer told me at 2/32 that it should be changed but i changed it anyway since it was already there for its yearly check up. the rear tire is still looking good. i bet it goes to 28-29k,, i cant believe how some of the owners are getting so low mileage out of there tires

Roads are hilly here in Cincinnati, which I bet plays a role in mine wearing out. Going to try the Conti's

The statement might be entirely true but the spring and shock rates were chosen based upon in part upon the compliance of the tires that they planned to put on the X5. The suspension and tires are the way BMW intended it to be. I and my wife both like the stiffness of the setup with the run flat tires. If someone wants it softer then they are free to change the setup to their liking.

Chuck

I ordered the Conti's. Will see how they are. For the cost, if they are a problem, I could use them as snows and go back to the Sportmaxx (just annoyed at short treadlife). I will get four Conti's installed for 50% of the cost of 4 Dunlops.

:iagree:

Early versions of RFTs were harsh, IMO. More recent iterations have been quite acceptable in terms of harshness, due to the tuning that BMW and other manufacturers did on spring rates, shocks, bushings, etc. While the suspension wasn't necessarily designed only for the RFTs, it was certainly optimized for the RFTs. That isn't to say that non-RFTs won't perform just fine, but let's at least give BMW credit for the work they did. It simply isn't all BS as is being claimed.

Exactly. And RFT ride quality has certainly come along way since the technology was first introduced and no doubt it will continue to improve over time. Like it or not I suspect that RFT is here to stay, especially on more expensive vehicles.

When my RFs wear out I'll probably replace with non RFs. Better ride, less unsprung weight and easier to repair.

I always carry a jack and wheel brace anyway. If I get a complete flat I'll just call a friend to come and give me a lift to a tyre depot and get it repaired.

Personally I never buy tyres from vehicle main dealers but always from a specialist tyre shop. Always cheaper and usually a better job.

Thanks for all the responses. I have not been upset with the ride of the Dunlops, just the tread life. Like I said, I will try the Conti's (50% of the cost, even at Tire Rack). I am going to let the dealer install them as they are the same price as the local tire shops and I have had a bad experience with some wheel damage on my 4.8is at a local tire shop. Plus, if the wheel is damaged at the dealer, they will repair it

Hope it doesn't change the ride too much. THe tire has gotten good reviews from some members here.

Over 50,000kms on 21" 215s - but they were well looked after - so no gravel rodes etc.

Cheers,