RFT to Non-RFT Tire Pressure conversion

arjunkrsna · 08-11-2016, 02:04 PM

Hi All,

I recently switched from Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT to Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 on my 2011 BMW 335i w/Sport Package.
This car has staggered wheel config:
Front: 225/40 R18 - 35 psi recommended
Rear: 255/35 R18 - 42 psi recommended

After switching, the ride quality is not as great as they were with those RFTs.
I feel bit nervous at high speeds and the turns dont have the same grip they had with RFTs.

Is this something to do with the tire pressure? Do i need to have a different tire pressure for Non-RFTs? I read a lot of forums and blogs but they added to the confusion!

Please recommend me what can help me in this case.

Regards,
Arjun

miker2013 · 08-11-2016, 08:01 PM

by "ride quality", what do you mean?

the conti dws should be a much more comfy and soft ride... as far as high speeds, the re050 is a high performance summer tire which is very stable and responsive at high speeds and not really comparable to the dws

InControl · 08-12-2016, 02:42 PM

You have more rubber between the steering and asphalt now which means turn in is less direct or say there's more play. High speed and curves will be 10% floatier but comfort, thump over bumps and safety is supreme. Tires less likely to puncture. 2 weeks and you wont have any rehrets.
Ps. Check the tire psi, I slightly over inflate ro reduce the "floatiness". Car very stable.

Pandapple · 08-14-2016, 12:27 PM

Normal. The continentals are much softer to provide a more comfortable ride but you have to give up some responsiveness / sportiness.

zero2sixtyZ · 08-15-2016, 10:39 PM

Ride quality should have improved, handling should feel different. DWS' have a soft sidewall by default.

Never seen the rears suggested to be 42psi as you'd probably wear the inside off a bit quicker on the street and not get a good patch, but I'd try them at 37psi all around first. Living in San Francisco, why not go with a summer tire?

08-11-2016, 02:04 PM	#1
arjunkrsna New Member 1 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW X5 xDrive50i Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: San Francisco, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i [0.00]	RFT to Non-RFT Tire Pressure conversion Hi All, I recently switched from Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT to Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 on my 2011 BMW 335i w/Sport Package. This car has staggered wheel config: Front: 225/40 R18 - 35 psi recommended Rear: 255/35 R18 - 42 psi recommended After switching, the ride quality is not as great as they were with those RFTs. I feel bit nervous at high speeds and the turns dont have the same grip they had with RFTs. Is this something to do with the tire pressure? Do i need to have a different tire pressure for Non-RFTs? I read a lot of forums and blogs but they added to the confusion! Please recommend me what can help me in this case. Regards, Arjun
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08-11-2016, 08:01 PM	#2
miker2013 Lieutenant 65 Rep 515 Posts Drives: 335xi 6mt Msport coupe Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: monkeytown iTrader: (0)	by "ride quality", what do you mean? the conti dws should be a much more comfy and soft ride... as far as high speeds, the re050 is a high performance summer tire which is very stable and responsive at high speeds and not really comparable to the dws
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08-12-2016, 02:42 PM	#3
InControl Lieutenant 59 Rep 552 Posts Drives: '13 328i coupe Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	You have more rubber between the steering and asphalt now which means turn in is less direct or say there's more play. High speed and curves will be 10% floatier but comfort, thump over bumps and safety is supreme. Tires less likely to puncture. 2 weeks and you wont have any rehrets. Ps. Check the tire psi, I slightly over inflate ro reduce the "floatiness". Car very stable.
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08-14-2016, 12:27 PM	#4
Pandapple Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 328i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Normal. The continentals are much softer to provide a more comfortable ride but you have to give up some responsiveness / sportiness.
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08-15-2016, 10:39 PM	#5
zero2sixtyZ Colonel 951 Rep 2,669 Posts Drives: e92 + f15 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Cambridge, MA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2007 335i Coupe [9.50] 2015 X5 xdrive50i [10.00]	Ride quality should have improved, handling should feel different. DWS' have a soft sidewall by default. Never seen the rears suggested to be 42psi as you'd probably wear the inside off a bit quicker on the street and not get a good patch, but I'd try them at 37psi all around first. Living in San Francisco, why not go with a summer tire?
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