[Gra]

I decided after a couple of weeks of thinking about it that it was probably about time I got rid of the annoying Bridgestone RFT's as the rears were down to around 2.5mm and with better weather (hopefully) not too far away I wanted to put some new tyres on the car.

I ended up shelling out on a set of 4 Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta tyres after reading some very positive reports on them.

Now I just need to get the smile off my face. No more tracking every bump and dip in the road, no more cringing every time I hit a small pothole (which is just about every road around here).

Money very well spent I think! I went the long way back to work just so I could be sure it wasn't my imagination tricking me into thinking how good it feels not to be jarring my back every time I hit a tiny pothole! The ride is so much smoother, I'm looking forward to the drive home now!

[P 5UML]

best decision i made too mate to get rid of the RFT! its unbelievable how much quieter and smoother the car becomes without them!!!

[JackR]

RFT can suck my left one. We've got the on the E91 and it's about as much fun to drive as a Smart Car. Awful road noise, awful ride quality....

As you can probably guess. I'm not a fan!

[superflyguy9]

Originally Posted by Gra

I ended up shelling out on a set of 4 Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta tyres after reading some very positive reports on them.

Did you stick to the existing sizes ie staggered like for like sizes?

[gaza01]

same here!!! Rfts really were a bad idea by BMW!

[old grey steve]

Originally Posted by P 5UML

best decision i made too mate to get rid of the RFT! its unbelievable how much quieter and smoother the car becomes without them!!!

+1 putting Conti Sport Contact 5P's on my car has made a good car great.

[Gra]

Originally Posted by superflyguy9

Did you stick to the existing sizes ie staggered like for like sizes?

Yes, I stuck with the staggered sizes, I figured BMW put them on like that for a good reason, so if it isn't broke, don't fix it!

[Sparky68]

You think they are bad on our BMWs, try them on a Mini. Our Cooper S shakes your fillings out!

[Bomber]

Even on the X5 the ride isn't too good, will be getting a space saver and non RFT's when its time to change.

Had a drive in a F30 with RFT's and the ride was surprisingly nice so not sure what BMW have done??

[magic77]

RFTs do work but only in europe where the roads seem to be in far better condition. My E90 now runs on non RFT but wifes new Bclass has come with RFTs and the ride is harsh to say the least. Her old Blcass had 18" on on RFT and was far better.
Its not only BMW that are making the mistake with RFTs in UK

Will be ditching them as soon as I can for non RFT and a spare in the boot as luckily there is a space.

[Mustard3]

I've got the same tyres. Done 6000 miles on them and will be suprised if I get 10.000 out of the rears!

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Bomber

...Had a drive in a F30 with RFT's and the ride was surprisingly nice so not sure what BMW have done??

F30 is the first BMW I've driven where it is hard to detect if the car really has RFTs. And that includes running on poor roads, where RFT performance typically falls apart.

My 2006 build E91 330d was transformed when removing the RFTs, but still needed damper changes to get the best from the tyres and chassis. I was on standard suspension and that was under-damped on non run-flats.

I've posted a lot of comment on RFT performance on E9x cars, it is clear to me, the early cars were not in any way set up for the tyres in the UK. Working envelope was much too tight before negative RFT characteristics dominated the drive. But to be fair, BMW and the tyre companies have been beavering away to get it much better.

I'm now in an F11 5-series touring, fitted with RFTs. I am running 17" in winter and 18" summer tyres, both sets work well, even on poor surfaces. But to get the best out of the 5-series it does require the adaptive suspension. I've got Adaptive Drive on my car, and I'm positive that enhances the way the tyres work across a wider working envelope.

I won't be removing the RFTs this time, as I do feel the chassis is far better set up for the tyres, plus the tyres have improved as well.

HighlandPete

[stringy93]

Best mod you can do ditching the run flats, they become different cars. As mentioned minis on runflats are even more shocking. Only problem is there's no room for a spare even if you do decide to ditch them

[ade146]

Hasnt it always been the case though, for years, putting new tyres on sensitive cars cures them until they wear down again. We used to get cars tramline all the time back in the 80s with big tyres. As soon as my tyres get over 50% worn it gets more pointy. I remember most RWD with around 8" rims were similar. My E46 was ok though but thats a modern car.

[Luckz 320d]

Hi guys, new to the forum and I have been debating this question since I bought my first BMW a few month back, already suffered from numerous cracks to my alloys which I have had to get welded but What I wanted to know is would moving to non RFT help with tyre absorbing the road rather than cracking the alloys

[RichyB]

Hello I have just purchased a 335i with none RFTs on I have no spare obviously! Tyres are pretty much brand new I was wondering are the emergency tyre repair kits any good or should I get a Spare in back with jack etc. I have been eyeing up the continental conti kit

Cheers

[Phil325i]

The kit which is supplied as standard with the M3 (the M-Division don't fit runflats - they know how cr*p they are) can be bought as a spare part from your dealer. Fits nicely in the cut-out to the left of the boot floor.

[RichyB]

cheers Ill look into that

[Terryk]

once I have read that because of the customers' major complains, bmw worked with the suspension in the LCI E9x models and one can see the difference comparing them with the pre-lci models.
I bet that the f30 now is much better at this sector but for this "success" you should also count that tire manufacturers have evolved their products too...

I am also not a fan of RFTs, I preferred the new contisportcontact5 and i have tyre puncture repair kit spray and a tyre infator pump in my boot

[CarAbuser]

I love the Vreds, great performing tire and seem to be lasting well.

They seem to supply more grip than a mapped 320d knows what to do with. Very rarely get any slip when flooring it in 2nd/3rd which is an improvement over the Bridgestones.

They also have a funky tread pattern.

[Dr Dave]

Gra - Cool story Bro!

[hobo mofo]

Same here. Best money i've spent on my car was the non-rft.