Ever hit a pothole with Run Flats?

bcornwellatl · 02-20-2013, 05:08 PM

So I'm kind of new to BMW and run flats - driving back last night, I hit a pothole in the road at about 70mph - felt like I ran over friggen Godzilla and my car felt like the entire damn thing just blew up - then everything was fine... I know these run flats are not very bouncy - but for those of you who have them - is that normal to feel every friggen crack and pothole in the road? Or- do you think my suspension is f'ed up?

I'm planning to get the Pilot super sports here soon - but just hoping that makes some difference...

Richurd · 02-20-2013, 05:33 PM

You may have a bubble on the sidewall. Cheers.

boris · 02-20-2013, 05:41 PM

I'd say 9/10 times you'll have a bubble on your sidewall.

stock RFT's suck!

2nd day of owning the car I hit a pothole (raining/dark) and my car too, shuddered like something terrible happened.

Pulled the car into my garage, noticed a nice size bubble in the tire.

Yeah... they suck. Never will I run RFT's again. The price of the Bavarian Autosport spare tire kit will pay for itself if you have to replace a single RFT.

VMRWheels · 02-20-2013, 06:55 PM

RFTs are known for being pretty rough. Plenty of people on here run non-RFTs though and are happy with the results.

Chris_506 · 02-20-2013, 07:02 PM

RFTs are very rough and at that speed i doubt the suspension is the culprit, is hard to tell the difference in a car with stock suspension unless you hit a gooood pothole, however take two lowered cars and run the same pothole with RTFs and non RTFs and you will definitely feel the difference!

135Pats · 02-20-2013, 08:20 PM

RFTS are brutal ditch 'em the second you can. Your description of pothole impact is spot on, its downright jarring.

02-20-2013, 08:45 PM

Jarring indeed. I had to get a crack/multiple bends repaired on one of my stock wheels given the sidewall stiffness of the oem rft in general. Cant say I ever cracked or even bent a wheel before, even with multiple cars on low profile tires. Point being, check your wheels for cracks/bends BEFORE getting new tires mounted.

chromisdesigns · 02-21-2013, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcornwellatl

So I'm kind of new to BMW and run flats - driving back last night, I hit a pothole in the road at about 70mph - felt like I ran over friggen Godzilla and my car felt like the entire damn thing just blew up - then everything was fine... I know these run flats are not very bouncy - but for those of you who have them - is that normal to feel every friggen crack and pothole in the road? Or- do you think my suspension is f'ed up?

I'm planning to get the Pilot super sports here soon - but just hoping that makes some difference...

Do it! You will never believe the difference until you have driven them on some bad roads.

Your experience is normal with the runflats.

Jeffjmu1908 · 02-22-2013, 09:02 AM

That sounds like the experience I've had when I hit a pot hole. It's real embarrassing when other people are in the car. I have to tell them it's ok, it's normal!

sohlman · 02-22-2013, 04:29 PM

We used to have a mini with rft's. hit a pot hole on two occasions that I had not seen. Felt like I had gone thought the world and landed on the other side. Tyre was fine as was the wheel. However front suspension top mount sheared on both occasions. My 330i with 17" rims has been cracked down the centre Nd had not seen a pot hole. Rft's are not only expensive but damage other parts of the car. Change them over everything improves.

Ryebread · 03-14-2013, 11:47 AM

I have 20k miles on my stock run flats, staggered.
they are wearing out the corners, fierce!
grip is better than I imagined from the summer, oem rubber.
noise isn't that bad.

but alas, time for new tires.
I ordered mich pilot sport 265 rear and 235 f, not run flats.

LIGHTER, BETTER, QUIETER.

My question is similar but different to the OP's.

I only drive this car in the summer, but sure I've hit a pot hole or two, once it's was a VERY bad one. I though for sure I had a bent wheel and tire. but nothing.

my question is:
in a pothole situation...
is a run flat going to protect a wheel better than a traditional tire?

Eagle1oh7 · 03-14-2013, 03:18 PM

Worst feeling ever, I hit a very rough part of road on my way to my new duty station. Luckily the suspension is fine and after ditching my RFTs in Feb the car just feels smoother even over rough roads.

SuckMy_Nick · 03-18-2013, 03:06 PM

I hit potholes on these damn things and it feels like my cars being dropped from a building.. It's loud and hurts, no damage to the car but damn it's loud and scary

ozzy1 · 03-18-2013, 03:30 PM

You guys are talking about the known 'pothole explosion' issue. Cured it by keeping tires inflated to 100mph rating (38-41 on stock 16s). Only reason I drive the 16s is the idiotic Michigan roads. I have hit some major potholes and at worst alignment got messed up. No bubbles, bent suspension parts etc.

For noise reduction, keep high air pressure. It is counterintuitive but it works.

Ryebread · 03-18-2013, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryebread

my question is:
in a pothole situation...
is a run flat going to protect a wheel better than a traditional tire?[/SIZE][/B]

STILL want to know if anyone believes the run flat is better protection against pot holes.

GoRomeo · 03-18-2013, 03:37 PM

I ve had RFT since I bought my car and I like them, like the grip on them and have found good deals on them (used). I ve never hit a pothhole with them since roads around my area and driving communte are not bad; But I have to say if you live in an area with bad roads you dont want RFTs, they suck due to how rigid they are.

remmib · 03-18-2013, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryebread

STILL want to know if anyone believes the run flat is better protection against pot holes.

No, I believe the stiffer tire sidewalls tranfers more of the force onto the wheel.

idrift4wd · 03-18-2013, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by remmib

No, I believe the stiffer tire sidewalls tranfers more of the force onto the wheel.

This.

But RFTs offer safety features.

besides the original design of being able to drive without any air pressure (getting a flat)

But how about going 60 mph? the fact that the tire can stay in form at 60 when hitting a nail vs a non RFT can be your life. RFT are a safe route, but more expensive, rougher ride, weighs more, and lowers "gas mileage".

I ditched mine!

Bobbybmw22 · 03-18-2013, 04:31 PM

I hit a crater on the nj turnpike the other day and had to replace the tire huge bubble on the sidewall like the tire got pregnant..Luckily i had Road hazard and the tire replacement was FREE best 10 dollars i spent EVER

ozzy1 · 03-18-2013, 07:30 PM

I've gone thru potholes where I am the only survivor when there are 5-6 casualties on the side if the road. Plus even if I got a flat from a pothole I will most likely be able to drive off to gas station for safety, vs side of the 70mph highway.

Obviously, the slimmer the side-wall the more direct impact to the rim as well. The third gen potenza pole position rfts are a little different construction. I hear much better in ride quality.

f30newb · 02-17-2016, 08:07 AM

I know this is an old post - but I just experienced the same as the OP and hit my first pothole... Luckily, it was just at 20 mph.

My question, though, is what type of inspection do I need to do for the tire to make sure it is safe to drive. I can't see any physical bubbles or low pressure on my TPMS.

Any advice?? I am getting nervous/paranoid that there is something wrong with it...

Supra2k6 · 02-17-2016, 08:18 AM

You'll be fine just make sure you inspect the inside sidewall as well. Even if you have a bubble it will just ride like shit and youll feel a vibration.

Jesus do rft suck why does bmw even put them on ohh wait probably to save money. It should be mandatory to have a spare and jack. Oh and a oil dipstick lol class action law suit anyone? Lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by f30newb

I know this is an old post - but I just experienced the same as the OP and hit my first pothole... Luckily, it was just at 20 mph.

My question, though, is what type of inspection do I need to do for the tire to make sure it is safe to drive. I can't see any physical bubbles or low pressure on my TPMS.

Any advice?? I am getting nervous/paranoid that there is something wrong with it...

02-20-2013, 05:08 PM	#1
bcornwellatl Second Lieutenant 32 Rep 297 Posts Drives: 2013 F30 328i Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Suwanee, GA iTrader: (0)	Ever hit a pothole with Run Flats? So I'm kind of new to BMW and run flats - driving back last night, I hit a pothole in the road at about 70mph - felt like I ran over friggen Godzilla and my car felt like the entire damn thing just blew up - then everything was fine... I know these run flats are not very bouncy - but for those of you who have them - is that normal to feel every friggen crack and pothole in the road? Or- do you think my suspension is f'ed up? I'm planning to get the Pilot super sports here soon - but just hoping that makes some difference...
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02-20-2013, 05:33 PM	#2
Richurd Captain 16 Rep 639 Posts Drives: Too slow. Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: nyc iTrader: (6)	You may have a bubble on the sidewall. Cheers. __________________ 07 e92 335i \| BSM \| SB \| Gray Poplar Wood Trim \| 6MT \| Premium \| Sport \| Cold Weather \| iDrive \| Logic7 \| Comfort Access \|
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02-20-2013, 05:41 PM	#3
boris Борис 31 Rep 505 Posts Drives: e92 n54 335i Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: CT iTrader: (1)	I'd say 9/10 times you'll have a bubble on your sidewall. stock RFT's suck! 2nd day of owning the car I hit a pothole (raining/dark) and my car too, shuddered like something terrible happened. Pulled the car into my garage, noticed a nice size bubble in the tire. Yeah... they suck. Never will I run RFT's again. The price of the Bavarian Autosport spare tire kit will pay for itself if you have to replace a single RFT. __________________ 07 SG 335i GONE! COBB - Burger Motorsports -Ultimate Racing - Evolution Racewerks - TiAL- AMS In Winter Mode - Dunlop Wintersport 3D/Sport Edition Wheels
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02-20-2013, 06:55 PM	#4
VMRWheels BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 2038 Rep 25,989 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [10.00] 2015 BMW M4 [0.00] 2013 BMW F30 [0.00] 2014 BMW F22 [0.00] 2013 BMW F06 [0.00]	RFTs are known for being pretty rough. Plenty of people on here run non-RFTs though and are happy with the results. __________________ VMR\|Wheels \| 714.442.7916 \| sales@velocitymotoring.com \| www.velocitymotoring.com \| facebook \| flickr \| Instagram
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02-20-2013, 07:02 PM	#5
Chris_506 Colonel 241 Rep 2,705 Posts Drives: 2016 f82 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Central Florida iTrader: (13)	RFTs are very rough and at that speed i doubt the suspension is the culprit, is hard to tell the difference in a car with stock suspension unless you hit a gooood pothole, however take two lowered cars and run the same pothole with RTFs and non RTFs and you will definitely feel the difference!
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02-20-2013, 08:20 PM	#6
135Pats Major General 456 Rep 6,478 Posts Drives: A few BMWs Join Date: May 2012 Location: Maryland iTrader: (3)	RFTS are brutal ditch 'em the second you can. Your description of pothole impact is spot on, its downright jarring. __________________ E88 N54 Alpinweiss/Coral Red/Motiv HTA 3586r Tial .82AR/Other stuff...652WHP F30 N55 XDrive EBII
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02-20-2013, 08:45 PM	#7
FCobra94 Guest 0 Rep n/a Posts Drives:	Jarring indeed. I had to get a crack/multiple bends repaired on one of my stock wheels given the sidewall stiffness of the oem rft in general. Cant say I ever cracked or even bent a wheel before, even with multiple cars on low profile tires. Point being, check your wheels for cracks/bends BEFORE getting new tires mounted.
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02-22-2013, 09:02 AM	#9
Jeffjmu1908 Private 2 Rep 57 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi 2004 325ci retired Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: VA! iTrader: (0)	That sounds like the experience I've had when I hit a pot hole. It's real embarrassing when other people are in the car. I have to tell them it's ok, it's normal!
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02-22-2013, 04:29 PM	#10
sohlman Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 208 Posts Drives: E90 330iSE Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Surrey iTrader: (0)	We used to have a mini with rft's. hit a pot hole on two occasions that I had not seen. Felt like I had gone thought the world and landed on the other side. Tyre was fine as was the wheel. However front suspension top mount sheared on both occasions. My 330i with 17" rims has been cracked down the centre Nd had not seen a pot hole. Rft's are not only expensive but damage other parts of the car. Change them over everything improves. __________________ E90 330i SE Auto Graphite Grey Metalic
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03-14-2013, 11:47 AM	#11
Ryebread Diesel Fitter 36 Rep 424 Posts Drives: 335d m-sport LMB Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Philaburbia iTrader: (2) Garage List 2013 VW Golf R (awd ... [10.00] 2011 BMW 335D m-sport [0.00]	I have 20k miles on my stock run flats, staggered. they are wearing out the corners, fierce! grip is better than I imagined from the summer, oem rubber. noise isn't that bad. but alas, time for new tires. I ordered mich pilot sport 265 rear and 235 f, not run flats. LIGHTER, BETTER, QUIETER. My question is similar but different to the OP's. I only drive this car in the summer, but sure I've hit a pot hole or two, once it's was a VERY bad one. I though for sure I had a bent wheel and tire. but nothing. my question is: in a pothole situation... is a run flat going to protect a wheel better than a traditional tire? __________________ lemans 335D m-sport SOLD rising blue Golf R SOLD sepang blue Audi S3
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03-14-2013, 03:18 PM	#12
Eagle1oh7 Lieutenant Colonel 287 Rep 1,710 Posts Drives: '11 328i Sedan Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Chula Vista CA iTrader: (0)	Worst feeling ever, I hit a very rough part of road on my way to my new duty station. Luckily the suspension is fine and after ditching my RFTs in Feb the car just feels smoother even over rough roads. __________________ DONE: Seibon CF Hood, M3 Rep, MSport rear w/DD CF Diffuser, M3 Rep Skirts, Seibon CSL trunklid, Forgestar F14 18s w/Michelin PSS, Eisenmann catback, AA Headers, BPC Stage 2, Charcoal Delete+revMotor+AFE Drop In filter FUTURE MODS: LED headlights, CF rooftop, M3 Suspension Conversion, Dinan CAI Mod
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03-18-2013, 03:06 PM	#13
SuckMy_Nick Red Liner 10 Rep 129 Posts Drives: E92 335i XDrive Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	I hit potholes on these damn things and it feels like my cars being dropped from a building.. It's loud and hurts, no damage to the car but damn it's loud and scary __________________ 07' E92 328xi (First BMW) 09' E92 335xi (Current Car)
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03-18-2013, 03:30 PM	#14
ozzy1 Private First Class 7 Rep 107 Posts Drives: e90 - 328xi Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: MI iTrader: (1)	You guys are talking about the known 'pothole explosion' issue. Cured it by keeping tires inflated to 100mph rating (38-41 on stock 16s). Only reason I drive the 16s is the idiotic Michigan roads. I have hit some major potholes and at worst alignment got messed up. No bubbles, bent suspension parts etc. For noise reduction, keep high air pressure. It is counterintuitive but it works.
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03-18-2013, 03:37 PM	#16
GoRomeo Brigadier General 964 Rep 3,850 Posts Drives: 330i, 135i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: San Diego CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [9.50] 2006 330i [6.75]	I ve had RFT since I bought my car and I like them, like the grip on them and have found good deals on them (used). I ve never hit a pothhole with them since roads around my area and driving communte are not bad; But I have to say if you live in an area with bad roads you dont want RFTs, they suck due to how rigid they are.
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03-18-2013, 04:31 PM	#19
Bobbybmw22 JB4, BMS intake 17 Rep 244 Posts Drives: White BMW 335xi Coupe Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Millstone iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 335xi [0.00]	I hit a crater on the nj turnpike the other day and had to replace the tire huge bubble on the sidewall like the tire got pregnant..Luckily i had Road hazard and the tire replacement was FREE best 10 dollars i spent EVER
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03-18-2013, 07:30 PM	#20
ozzy1 Private First Class 7 Rep 107 Posts Drives: e90 - 328xi Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: MI iTrader: (1)	I've gone thru potholes where I am the only survivor when there are 5-6 casualties on the side if the road. Plus even if I got a flat from a pothole I will most likely be able to drive off to gas station for safety, vs side of the 70mph highway. Obviously, the slimmer the side-wall the more direct impact to the rim as well. The third gen potenza pole position rfts are a little different construction. I hear much better in ride quality.
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02-17-2016, 08:07 AM	#21
f30newb Enlisted Member 15 Rep 41 Posts Drives: 328xi Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Indianapolis, IN iTrader: (0)	I know this is an old post - but I just experienced the same as the OP and hit my first pothole... Luckily, it was just at 20 mph. My question, though, is what type of inspection do I need to do for the tire to make sure it is safe to drive. I can't see any physical bubbles or low pressure on my TPMS. Any advice?? I am getting nervous/paranoid that there is something wrong with it...
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