[pmlzl]

I have a 135i and have replaced all of my original tires once with the last one being replaced one month ago and I discovered today that I ran over a nail!! I am seriously thinking about having it plugged by my tire professional as he will do it even though "it's not recommended"! Does anybody have any useful info on plugging RFT's and/or recommending a non RFT as I am switching over!!

[mfanatic325]

Any non-RFT will drive better than an RFT. Depending on where you're located, how you use your car, and preferred sizing, there are tons of tire options available.

Some good bang-for-the-buck tires to start off with are:
General Exclaim UHPs
Hankook Ventus V12 EVO K110
Falken FK452

^ These are all-season tires and will at least be a step up from your RFTs. And if you so please, you can get better performing tires. Do be aware that as you go up the ranks from different brands to different models of tires, you may be sacrificing performance in the wet, treadwear (longevity), comfort, costs, or all of the above.

edit: re-reading your post, it seems unreasonable for you to replace an entire set of tires just to have non-RFTs. I would suggest that you get that nail-punctured tire repaired, drive on all four tires until at least two of them need replacing (most likely your rear tires first, since RWD), and then ordering a set of four. Typically, you can take advantage of promotional mail-in rebate offers by ordering a set of four qualifying tires. Then, you can replace the two tires in the rear first, and wait for the fronts to wear out before replacing those as well.

[pmlzl]

Thanks for your input and suggestions! My plan was to replace my tires as needed! They have all been purchased since 2009! I also have a set of winter wheels and tires that I use in the winter. I live in KY, our winters are pretty mild but we do get snow and ice and I have to be able to get around!

[yakev724]

I've plugged an RFT (not the OEM Bridgestone) and it's been absolutely fine. Used a DIY tar-strip kit as I didn't want to pay to have it dismounted/mounted for a professional patch.

[Daemonblitz]

I've driven on 4 patched runflats before (The OEM Bridgestones for that matter). As long as the sidewall isn't damaged you should be fine. The best way to see if it's Ok it to look on the inside of the sidewall, if it has developed ridges or appear to have horizontal "ribs" then it's toast. That kind of damage is caused by driving on it completely flat for quite some time. All of the patched ones i've driven were plugged with "inside to outside" patches, no chance of failing.

[pmlzl]

Its losing air pretty fast and I have driven on it with no air for maybe 5miles. It's a brand new tire and of course it is one of the back ones!! I would just like to salvage it if I can as I don't like the thought of dishing out another 350.00 for a tire!!

[FDM68]

Mich PSS! If your hesitant at first, price maybe, you won't be after you put on some miles. I've ran mine from the backroads, 150 autobahn cruise and the ring and I'm absolutly sold that these tires are the best and worth every penny.

[pmlzl]

I have read a lot of mixed reviews about the OE RFT's and I am not really sure what I think about them as this is my first car with low profile tires. I do know that they are expensive, they make for a hard ride, they allow me to drive on them when I run over a nail, they look good, and they hug the road!

[pmlzl]

I just had it plugged, it is holding, and I saved a lot of money!!