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- Jan 1, 2024
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- 39
I am looking at a BMW with run-flat tires. Is it true they do not have a smooth ride and they are noisier than regular tires? Thank you
Run Flats
- Thread starter jerseyguy357
- Start date
they are made to have sidewalls strong enough to support the vehicle without air in the tyre. Smooth riding is not compatible with that.
junk
Criminals love them since the cops have been using those pesky stop sticks. 
I had them on my 2020 X5 and thought they rode well and were quiet. I had the 20" wheels so the sidewalls had a little more meat than the X5's with the larger 21/22" wheels and certainly more than the sedans with minimal sidewall. That probably helped negate the complaints most people have.
My SIL had run flat tires on her 2006 Z4 and I can understand them on this car. Stagger wheel/tire setup and no place for a spare tire. She has since changed them out several times with non RF tires. For a vehicle that is special/limited use car, I could except having RF tire or no spare but not for my DD vehicles.
A great ZP is better than a mediocre non-ZP. A great non-ZP is outstanding compared to a ZP.
Many people chuck the runflats and replace them with regular tires 
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2022
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- 1,138
The runflat was a decent tire on my Z4 but I replaced them with a performance tire. The only issue was no spare.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
My BMW, like all BMWs from 2004, came with RFT and no spare space. It is DD, it is actually a workhorse. And I run regular tires with quick patch kit.
When I go to ski, I shovel spare in the trunk.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
What BMW is that? Some newer BMWs were optional with a spare, so they have space for a spare. You just have to get it after purchasing a car.
RFT is an abomination!
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2021
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- 204
I have a 2018 X5 bought new with RFT. Swapped out for regular tires after 18 months ownership. They weren’t noisy but the ride was stiff.
Don't believe in them. Overpriced. Save it for Nascar. That's why they make " AAA"
Our 18 X3 has Dueller RF's, no complaints on ride but in comparison to the 04 Escape with KYB shocks a horse and buggy would be a better ride. We're going to put regular Dueller's on next. Get a HF plug kit for the trunk.
Actually, tire advancements have eliminated most of those issues. If you are really concerned, make sure you replace the tires with MOE (MB Original Equip.) or whatever BMW calls them, (5 Star ?) .
I'd say you'd get a much harsher ride with 20" wheels than you'll ever experience with run flats.
If you have room for a spare, do whatever you like, but ultimately, the 50 miles or so that RF tires afford is OK. I haven't had a flat in 30 years!
how about 20" runflats?
I bought my 2013 X5 in 2016 as a certified used vehicle from a BMW dealer. It came with run flat tires, but also came with a space saver spare tire. The tires did run pretty rough, and had a short tread life. When they wore out, I replaced them with non run flats. Between the spare tire and the fact I have a AAA Premier card, I think I am covered in the event of a flat. Which I have not had.
I don't think the noise and ride are terrible on my wife's '22 X5, which rides on 21" run flat Hankook Ventus S1 evo summer tires. It isn't as comfortable of a ride as my '14 MB E350, which has 18" tires, but it's not far off.
I suspect, as others have pointed out, that the 21" wheels have as much to do with the ride, as the RF tires do.
I just had a set of Michelin X-ice tires mounted on a set of 19" wheels, and went with non-RF tires for this. When the Hankook tires wear out, I think I'll replace them with non-RF tires. First, RF tires are not cheap. Second, I'm not exactly enamored with the scenario of driving on a flat RF tire.
You are supposed to drive on a flat RF tire for no more than 50 miles at speeds no greater than 50 mph. I guess that's fair, not much different than what is recommended for driving on a space saver spare. But once you have driving on a flat RF tire, for more than a few miles, it will most likely have to be replaced. Did I mention that RF tires are not cheap?
I'm intending on picking up a can of tire sealer and keep an inflator in the car, and forgoing the RF. And I may get a AAA membership.
I suspect, as others have pointed out, that the 21" wheels have as much to do with the ride, as the RF tires do.
I just had a set of Michelin X-ice tires mounted on a set of 19" wheels, and went with non-RF tires for this. When the Hankook tires wear out, I think I'll replace them with non-RF tires. First, RF tires are not cheap. Second, I'm not exactly enamored with the scenario of driving on a flat RF tire.
You are supposed to drive on a flat RF tire for no more than 50 miles at speeds no greater than 50 mph. I guess that's fair, not much different than what is recommended for driving on a space saver spare. But once you have driving on a flat RF tire, for more than a few miles, it will most likely have to be replaced. Did I mention that RF tires are not cheap?
I'm intending on picking up a can of tire sealer and keep an inflator in the car, and forgoing the RF. And I may get a AAA membership.
