Why are tires for the E90 335 sport models so few?

rondocap · 10-04-2012, 11:42 PM

OK, run flat tires have a bad rep for the last couple of years. My 335i Sedan, with the sport package, came with the Bridgestone Potenzas 50 series run flats.

Like people have complained, they are harsh, and give the car a hard ride. Having said this, I have read that the new 60 series All Season Bridgestone run flat 3rd generation tires are much better.

I want to stay with a RFT because it is just more peace of mind since this is also a family car, so I don't want to go to a non-rft even though at the end of the day they are cheaper and give better performance.

And here's my question: Why are there so few choices for the sport package staggered 335i RWD sizes? Basically RFT are OEM from BMW, but if you want to find a winter or all season RFT there are very little choices available - and the all season Bridgestones seem to always be on back order.

What gives? I'm trying to see if the Pirelli winter performance tires for this car are any good, and how the newer Bridgestones are.

Is anyone else sort of lost with the lack of information and choices for run flat tires?

John 070 · 10-05-2012, 03:41 AM

Three words: P-I-L-O-T S-U-P-E-R S-P-O-R-T

Dark_Knight_335 · 10-05-2012, 05:13 AM

This ^^

CombatNinja · 10-05-2012, 05:26 AM

OP declares that he is looking for an all-season, runflat tire.

Forum responds by advising him to get summer-only non-runflats.

Sounds about right.

vince217 · 10-05-2012, 08:05 AM

probably because when people look for replacement tires, they buy non-RFT because it is cheaper and offer better handling and ride quality.

DASHOCKER · 10-05-2012, 08:15 AM

rft are like stones. driving over small pot holes feel and sound as if something broke on the car..

username604 · 10-05-2012, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rondocap

I want to stay with a RFT because it is just more peace of mind since this is also a family car, so I don't want to go to a non-rft even though at the end of the day they are cheaper and give better performance.

And here's my question: Why are there so few choices for the sport package staggered 335i RWD sizes? Basically RFT are OEM from BMW, but if you want to find a winter or all season RFT there are very little choices available

#1. 255/35 is rather aggressive
#2. you already know the answer... you're looking only at run-flat type tires. the majority of tires are non-rft.

CombatNinja · 10-05-2012, 08:36 AM

Given your climate, I would bite the bullet and run some non-staggered all seasons November thru March in 225/45R17 and then run the staggered performance tires the rest of the year. If you keep the car several years, the cost is basically absorbed by the tires lasting so much longer.

ndog14 · 10-05-2012, 08:43 AM

Conti DWS. They are non-RFT, but get an emergency inflation kit. Those tires are sh!t for all-seasons.

MikeS '06 330i · 10-05-2012, 08:48 AM

I just put on the new Bridgestone RE960AS run flats, generation III. I love them! The ride is great. Give them a try before you convert to standard.

morphius909 · 10-05-2012, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CombatNinja

OP declares that he is looking for an all-season, runflat tire.

Forum responds by advising him to get summer-only non-runflats.

Sounds about right.

+1

fordperf · 10-12-2012, 06:09 PM

I am in the same boat, I currently have a 2009 335xi with the 4 x 225/45r17 stock run-flats. I am looking for aftermarket 18" wheels in 225/40r18 and 255-265/35r18 run-flats.

I don't mind the RFT stiffer ride. Handles just fine for me, and NJ roads are the lunar surface I too prefer the safety net of RFT.

techwhiz · 10-12-2012, 08:39 PM

It's cheaper to buy non-RFT and a tire in a bag kit.
RFT are toast if you drive more than a couple of miles or so with them flat.
To save the tire, you need to not drive on it.
Also if you are stuck on a long trip, you will wait 3 days while they source the RFT that nobody stocks.

The safest thing is a spare.

fordperf · 10-12-2012, 09:52 PM

I disagree. The safest thing is to reduce crashes caused by blowouts, pull over, and call BMW assist and wait for a tow. If spares were cost effective, we'd all have that $399 BMW spare tire kit come stock instead of RFT's.

While I've driven on flat RFT's for longer than a few miles with no problems (and generally if it's blown and I'm driving on it, it's getting replaced anyway), I don't view their value solely in being able to drive to a gas station to plug/fix them. I also view it as RFT's help me maintain control of the vehicle during what could be a dangerous blowout.

rondocap · 10-13-2012, 10:58 PM

Anyone know why these bridgestone re60as tires are taking so long to get in stock in the 18 inch staggered sizes? Says November but who knows on tire rack.

Meeni · 10-14-2012, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeS '06 330i

I just put on the new Bridgestone RE960AS run flats, generation III. I love them! The ride is great. Give them a try before you convert to standard.

If you go this way, make sure you don't get old gen1 re960. They were an embarrassment to themselves, and at this point would have been stored on shelf for much too long.

Also if you care about snow, smaller tires give better grip on snow, so a square 225 or 215 setup (if your wheels allow) is not a bad idea. A set a 17 inch cheap winter wheels is also a possibility.

rondocap · 11-10-2012, 10:56 PM

OK guys, I'm getting a little bit frustrated. I really would like to have RFT, especially considering since the new generation ones like the RE60AS Bridgestones are supposed to be better.

Problem: I just can't find them for my staggered 18 inch 335i sport sedan setup. The back tires are always on back order on tirerack, and I'm having trouble finding them else where. Any idea where I can get them?

I don't want to go non-RFT, so these are my best bet as I can use them through the winter and then the rest of the year. I don't need super snow tires, just safe performance in colder weather.

techwhiz · 11-11-2012, 02:14 AM

There is limited selection because there is avery limited market.
You are pretty much stuck with Bridgestones or a few other brands. There just isn't enough market to justify the R&D for a new RFT in the sizes for a Sport Package e90.

I'm going 19" non-RFT as soon as I can.

rondocap · 11-11-2012, 01:45 PM

If I do eventually get the re60as in the staggered rft size, what happens if I need to replace one in the future? They seem to be perpetually back ordered, so it'd be tough to get one unless I bought extra.

Anywhere else aside from tirerack I can get them?

10-04-2012, 11:42 PM	#1
rondocap Captain 154 Rep 622 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NY/NJ iTrader: (1)	Why are tires for the E90 335 sport models so few? OK, run flat tires have a bad rep for the last couple of years. My 335i Sedan, with the sport package, came with the Bridgestone Potenzas 50 series run flats. Like people have complained, they are harsh, and give the car a hard ride. Having said this, I have read that the new 60 series All Season Bridgestone run flat 3rd generation tires are much better. I want to stay with a RFT because it is just more peace of mind since this is also a family car, so I don't want to go to a non-rft even though at the end of the day they are cheaper and give better performance. And here's my question: Why are there so few choices for the sport package staggered 335i RWD sizes? Basically RFT are OEM from BMW, but if you want to find a winter or all season RFT there are very little choices available - and the all season Bridgestones seem to always be on back order. What gives? I'm trying to see if the Pirelli winter performance tires for this car are any good, and how the newer Bridgestones are. Is anyone else sort of lost with the lack of information and choices for run flat tires?
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10-05-2012, 05:13 AM	#3
Dark_Knight_335 Came to the N55 Darkside 1112 Rep 12,740 Posts Drives: 2011 335 E93 M-Sport Join Date: May 2010 Location: NY/NJ iTrader: (28)	This ^^
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10-05-2012, 05:26 AM	#4
CombatNinja Banned 46 Rep 1,556 Posts Drives: e91 328i, e90 328i, e90 335i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	OP declares that he is looking for an all-season, runflat tire. Forum responds by advising him to get summer-only non-runflats. Sounds about right.
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10-05-2012, 08:05 AM	#5
vince217 Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 211 Posts Drives: 2011 r56 non-s Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Atlanta GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 Mini Cooper [0.00] 2005 BMW X3 2.5i E83 [1.00]	probably because when people look for replacement tires, they buy non-RFT because it is cheaper and offer better handling and ride quality. __________________ Current: 2011 Mini Cooper R56 MT 'Justa' Previous BMWs: 2008 E92 328i MT Sport / 2005 E83 X3 2.5i
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10-05-2012, 08:15 AM	#6
DASHOCKER The power of V! 99 Rep 1,971 Posts Drives: 2007 335i coupe steptronic Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 1998 Lexus Gs400 [0.00] 2010 ebony & ivory [0.00] 2006 BMW X3 [0.00] 2009 pics [0.00] 2009 e92 335 xdrive [0.00]	rft are like stones. driving over small pot holes feel and sound as if something broke on the car.. __________________ 2007 335 coupe Alpine white, steptronic, sportpack, etc. (gone) 2006 X3 3.0 steptronic Titanium Silver, 2009 E92 335xdrive, next.... Caddy CTS_V! 13 Lincoln MKZ? hmmm.
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10-05-2012, 03:41 AM	#2
John 070 Lieutenant General 1705 Rep 14,829 Posts Drives: 335i cpe Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: ZSP/ZPP/ZCW iTrader: (0)	Three words: P-I-L-O-T S-U-P-E-R S-P-O-R-T
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10-05-2012, 08:36 AM	#8
CombatNinja Banned 46 Rep 1,556 Posts Drives: e91 328i, e90 328i, e90 335i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Given your climate, I would bite the bullet and run some non-staggered all seasons November thru March in 225/45R17 and then run the staggered performance tires the rest of the year. If you keep the car several years, the cost is basically absorbed by the tires lasting so much longer.
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10-05-2012, 08:43 AM	#9
ndog14 Banned 52 Rep 1,746 Posts Drives: E90 328xi 6MT Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (0)	Conti DWS. They are non-RFT, but get an emergency inflation kit. Those tires are sh!t for all-seasons.
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10-05-2012, 08:48 AM	#10
MikeS '06 330i Private 0 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Newberg, OR iTrader: (0)	I just put on the new Bridgestone RE960AS run flats, generation III. I love them! The ride is great. Give them a try before you convert to standard.
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10-12-2012, 06:09 PM	#12
fordperf Private First Class 7 Rep 169 Posts Drives: 2009 335xi LCI Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I am in the same boat, I currently have a 2009 335xi with the 4 x 225/45r17 stock run-flats. I am looking for aftermarket 18" wheels in 225/40r18 and 255-265/35r18 run-flats. I don't mind the RFT stiffer ride. Handles just fine for me, and NJ roads are the lunar surface I too prefer the safety net of RFT.
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10-12-2012, 08:39 PM	#13
techwhiz Colonel 453 Rep 2,973 Posts Drives: e90 335i Sedan - Arctic Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Bay Area, Ca iTrader: (4)	It's cheaper to buy non-RFT and a tire in a bag kit. RFT are toast if you drive more than a couple of miles or so with them flat. To save the tire, you need to not drive on it. Also if you are stuck on a long trip, you will wait 3 days while they source the RFT that nobody stocks. The safest thing is a spare. Last edited by techwhiz; 10-12-2012 at 08:48 PM..
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10-12-2012, 09:52 PM	#14
fordperf Private First Class 7 Rep 169 Posts Drives: 2009 335xi LCI Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I disagree. The safest thing is to reduce crashes caused by blowouts, pull over, and call BMW assist and wait for a tow. If spares were cost effective, we'd all have that $399 BMW spare tire kit come stock instead of RFT's. While I've driven on flat RFT's for longer than a few miles with no problems (and generally if it's blown and I'm driving on it, it's getting replaced anyway), I don't view their value solely in being able to drive to a gas station to plug/fix them. I also view it as RFT's help me maintain control of the vehicle during what could be a dangerous blowout.
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10-13-2012, 10:58 PM	#15
rondocap Captain 154 Rep 622 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NY/NJ iTrader: (1)	Anyone know why these bridgestone re60as tires are taking so long to get in stock in the 18 inch staggered sizes? Says November but who knows on tire rack.
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11-10-2012, 10:56 PM	#17
rondocap Captain 154 Rep 622 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NY/NJ iTrader: (1)	OK guys, I'm getting a little bit frustrated. I really would like to have RFT, especially considering since the new generation ones like the RE60AS Bridgestones are supposed to be better. Problem: I just can't find them for my staggered 18 inch 335i sport sedan setup. The back tires are always on back order on tirerack, and I'm having trouble finding them else where. Any idea where I can get them? I don't want to go non-RFT, so these are my best bet as I can use them through the winter and then the rest of the year. I don't need super snow tires, just safe performance in colder weather.
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11-11-2012, 02:14 AM	#18
techwhiz Colonel 453 Rep 2,973 Posts Drives: e90 335i Sedan - Arctic Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Bay Area, Ca iTrader: (4)	There is limited selection because there is avery limited market. You are pretty much stuck with Bridgestones or a few other brands. There just isn't enough market to justify the R&D for a new RFT in the sizes for a Sport Package e90. I'm going 19" non-RFT as soon as I can.
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11-11-2012, 01:45 PM	#19
rondocap Captain 154 Rep 622 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NY/NJ iTrader: (1)	If I do eventually get the re60as in the staggered rft size, what happens if I need to replace one in the future? They seem to be perpetually back ordered, so it'd be tough to get one unless I bought extra. Anywhere else aside from tirerack I can get them?
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