Z4 on Regular Tyres (not Run Flats)

[kmc23w]

yep was thinking of doing same have a 2.0 sport with 18" run flats and hate the ride, note i didnt buy the car , wanted a 2nd Z3 instead , glad to know it improves the ride , what do you do for a spare ? , was thinking of getting a get you home tyre from a series 3 with the same PCD anyone done that ? cheers

@ljauto yes i have a proper spacesaver, the standard 3 series 17" spare doesn't maintain the rolling radius, it has to be an 18" and they are quite rare and expensive (mine cost about a ton but came with the jack, wheelbrace etc in a bige tough hd canvas bag, proper BMW stylel). Works well in terms of peace of mind but doesn't leave much boot space as I said. I will post a pic.

 

[paul heasman]

I have 107 18" wheels with run flats - given I need three new tyres to get through the MOT it seems a good time to switch to non rft but I've been told that it drastically effects braking distance and most tyre places won't make the swap..? If a swap is possible any recommendations on brand.

 

[t-tony]

Hi Paul, I bought my 108's with Goodyear Eagle F1's on them and I'm happy with them. Non run flat tyres increase braking distances ? , I think I've heard it all now, how does a wheel rim know what tyre is fitted on it ?? I'll bet you will find that more tyre houses will be happy to sell you and fit whatever tyres you want on your 107's. My wheels are 18" by the way. The original wheels and run flats may well go back on for the winter, but I haven't totally decided yet.

Tony.

 

[paul heasman]

Thanks Tony.. I did assume it was tosh but having heard it from two independent people it was worth checking.. If I swap it will be all year round so I'll do a bit of tyre research.. Cheers.. P

 

[GazHyde]

Hilarious advice, not sure what planet these people live on. Switching to non-run flats is a rite of passage for every Z4 owner, along with at least one broken spring! I never had any issue with a tyre centre not wanting to fit them.

 

[paul heasman]

Cool.. Had both rear springs break last year so ticked that box..! Cheers.

 

[t-tony]

Done all 4 on mine Paul. Fitted the same set as Gaz fitted on his after seeing how nice they look .

Tony.

 

[ljauto]

hi had a z4 sport rock hard ride , same idea but sold car instead but you need to tell insurance company ??? if you fit a non factory standard tyre , kwik fit tend to say they wont unless you sign receipt, in theory so long as its same profile cant see it doing anything but improving ride
just make sure the pcd matches and you might want an inflation kit as I been told the rac don't come out if you don't have run flats which are standard.

 

[Redline]

Non RFTs on 18" I find a good supple compliant ride compared to Gail's E89 with 19" RFTs (although perversely the ride on that improves in Sport mode). The car came with a compressor and can of tyre gunk.

The E89 is totally transformed however by the 17" with winter RFTs. It is a daily use car doing lots of country lane mileage in the dark - Non-RFTs are simply too much of a compromise for that. A puncture on a dark lane miles from nowhere is no fun when you have a spare. Without one doesn't need thinking about.
If you can afford to have a flat and the consequential delays, then non-RFTs are fine. Do consider it before you change.

The type of tyre and tread depth with have far more effect on braking distance than RFT v non-RFT I would have thought. Some tyres are much better than others and some degrade dramatically as tyres wear. The new Michelin Pilot Sport 4s are getting rave reviews but haven't seen any reviews by anyone I know.

 

[Sean d]

This is an old thread ressurected, at least @Mint had the sense to get rid of the Z4 and keep the Z3