BMW tyre/wheel choices

Hmmm. In the U.S., run-flats are only standard on the Z4, 3 and 6 series. They are optional on the 5 series and not available on the 7, X5, or X3 according to

Tom

In a perfect world I'd retrofit them to my 325i and stick with normal tires on my Z4. I think they're a great idea for commuter cars - I'd certainly prefer the option of never being stuck in rush hour with a flat, or having my girlfriend on some dark road in Chicago winter cold with one. On performance cars like my Z4 (no, seriously!), I don't think they're ready yet. The ride and handling greatly improve on the Z4 once the run-flats are removed - it's the best modification for the car this side of heated M-sport seats, and lots cheaper. I wish the magazine driving comparisons could be done with the Z4 on good sports tires - it'd fare a LOT better. epbrown

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Here in the UK, to my knowledge the new 3, 5 and 6 have them (not M models).

I did wonder how easy it is to cahnge them to normal rims and tyres given the comuter warnig interface etc

What was interesting, is that the 5 was designed using 'normal' tyres, cos all the reviews I read critised the run flats, whereas the 3 was designed with runflats as standard.

I guess the other 'advantage' is that no spare, so hence no sapce impact!

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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jason Russell

This months BMW magazine (UK) had a short article on run flat tyres. BMW did experiments on the 5 series with and without run flats with a blow out at motorway/freeway speeds (70mph?). With regular tyres the car would spin out of control, with run flats, a warning light comes on the dash to tell you a tyre is under pressure, you slow down to 50mph and drive to a garage for repairs. The new E90/E91 3 series has run flats by design. The grip and handling is outstanding and the ride comfortable though firm. We will never know what this 3 series would be like with regular tyres. Adrian

I suspect some E90 drivers will ultimately replace their run-flats with conventional tires which can be mounted on the same rims. Then, we'll know!

Reports from the Z4 owners who have substituted Goodyear Eagle F1 Ds-D3 (non run-flats) for the OEM Bridgestones indicate improved ride, wear and handling.

Tom