Z4 on Regular Tyres (not Run Flats)

[Mint]

We have had our Z4 for a couple of months now so we've had plenty of time to try the run flat tyres. Whilst I understand the logic of them, actually driving on them is a different matter. I would describe the ride as harsh, very harsh, enough to shake your fillings out on our wondrous roads in the UK.

Advice on the forums is generally to ditch the run flats and put regular tyres on. Unfortunately there is plenty of meat on the tyres so don't want to just bin them. So I've taken advice from @Zed Carer and changed over the wheels from the Z3 (with Maxxis not run flats on) to the Z4 and vice versa.

Well, what a difference it's made. A much more comfortable and pleasurable drive. Non of the harshness of the run flats. I would like to put the style 101s in store and get some new wheels & regular tyres.

I really like the style 107 or the later 202 so if anybody has any for sale let me know - preferably without run flats on. The rears are 8.5 x 18 ET50 and the fronts 8 x 18 ET47. If you've read the post this far - thanks - it's one of my longest.

 

[t-tony]

Sure was Dave, I almost nodded off.

Tony. ps. Seriously though that's good info for anyone looking to go the Z4 route, I may yet be one of them, so thanks.

 

[Mint]

I almost nodded off.

Yes, nearly split it into two posts

 

[t-tony]

How's that mate? Half today and half tomorrow? Thanks again.

Tony.

 

[GazHyde]

Nice write up Dave, although I think you could have gone in to a bit more detail I went through the same change myself, and had exactly the same conclusion.

Certain tyres either make or break the handling/ride of some cars. The Bridgestone Potenza RFT's are so grippy in corners and all conditions, but they are just too hard for the UK road.

 

[miller1098]

We have had our Z4 for a couple of months now so we've had plenty of time to try the run flat tyres. Whilst I understand the logic of them, actually driving on them is a different matter. I would describe the ride as harsh, very harsh, enough to shake your fillings out on our wondrous roads in the UK.

Advice on the forums is generally to ditch the run flats and put regular tyres on. Unfortunately there is plenty of meat on the tyres so don't want to just bin them. So I've taken advice from @Zed Carer and changed over the wheels from the Z3 (with Maxxis not run flats on) to the Z4 and vice versa.

Well, what a difference it's made. A much more comfortable and pleasurable drive. Non of the harshness of the run flats. I would like to put the style 101s in store and get some new wheels & regular tyres.

I really like the style 107 or the later 202 so if anybody has any for sale let me know - preferably without run flats on. The rears are 8.5 x 18 ET50 and the fronts 8 x 18 ET47. If you've read the post this far - thanks - it's one of my longest.

Zzzzz Zzzzzzzz Zzzzzzz Zzzzzzz Zzzzzz

 

[Brian4]

Some tyre suppliers have uprated fitting machines now for the runflats as they are so stiff sidewalls and 40 profile standard tyres are stiff enough on their own.

I am sure you could have padded your original post out a bit more just to keep those at the back fully awake.

 

[EnthuZiaZT]

Hi Dave, you've seen the light, I changed mine from runflats shortly after losing most of my teeth. Although the noise has gone and the ride is a little less harsh I would still not describe it as comfortable on 18inch wheels. I know I have M///sport suspension on my Z4 and that in itself makes the ride exciting even with the Falken 453s, it is difficult to get away from the harsh ride. Nice going round corners fast though

Mike

 

[t-tony]

Nice going round corners fast

You little monkey you.

Tony.

 

[Mint]

Mike, the Z3 wheels are 17 inch so a bit more give in the sidewall. Still look ok though.

 

[billz]

Dave just bite the bullet and put some new tyres on the 18s. I dont find the ride harsh at all for a roadster. Its the same type of ride i had when i used to lower the Xr3s and Xr2s

 

[Grumps]

We have had our Z4 for a couple of months now so we've had plenty of time to try the run flat tyres. Whilst I understand the logic of them, actually driving on them is a different matter. I would describe the ride as harsh, very harsh, enough to shake your fillings out on our wondrous roads in the UK.

Advice on the forums is generally to ditch the run flats and put regular tyres on. Unfortunately there is plenty of meat on the tyres so don't want to just bin them. So I've taken advice from @Zed Carer and changed over the wheels from the Z3 (with Maxxis not run flats on) to the Z4 and vice versa.

Well, what a difference it's made. A much more comfortable and pleasurable drive. Non of the harshness of the run flats. I would like to put the style 101s in store and get some new wheels & regular tyres.

I really like the style 107 or the later 202 so if anybody has any for sale let me know - preferably without run flats on. The rears are 8.5 x 18 ET50 and the fronts 8 x 18 ET47. If you've read the post this far - thanks - it's one of my longest.

I read it all Dave, it was great lol!

 

[Grumps]

Dave just bite the bullet and put some new tyres on the 18s. I dont find the ride harsh at all for a roadster. Its the same type of ride i had when i used to lower the Xr3s and Xr2s

Boy racer! Some things never change!

 

[t-tony]

Old Boy racer! Some things never change!

Sorted that for you @Grumpy.

Tony.

 

[miller1098]

Oops just woke up! What's happening?

 

[Mint]

Dave just bite the bullet and put some new tyres on the 18s.

May just have to Bill. Need to do something soon - off on Euro trip 3 weeks tomorrow.

 

[Mint]

Oops just woke up! What's happening?

Nothing - go back to sleep have a lie in

 

[billz]

You could go the whole hog and get new wheels tooooooooooo

 

[Mint]

Yes Bill, that's also a path to take. As I said in my original post I do like the look of the Style 107 or the later 202s.
107s

202s

 

[billz]

No No and No you want ones similar to CSLs