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Tyres for the 35is

Specific discussion about the E89 2009 Z4 (sDrive35is, sDrive35i, sDrive30i, sDrive23i)
TeeMac
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Tyres for the 35is

Post by TeeMac » Fri Dec 01, 2017 5:01 pm

Hi All,

I've been an avid lurker on this site since I got the E86 Coupe a few years ago, a 3.0i Sport with the sequential 6 speed autobox. I've read loads of good discussion and advice on this blog over the years for which, it strikes me, I've never said thanks. So, thanks!

I've swapped the E86 for the E89 35is in the past week or so. I find it remarkable how different the cars are, in almost every respect: ride, handling, power delivery, technology are all markedly improved over the old Coupe - albeit I'm not exactly comparing apples with apples, the new generation is a step-change from the previous.

The most notable difference is the almost limitless torque of the 35is. It is startlingly eager to gallop. The handling is so much more assured, almost a point and shoot experience when cornering, and therein lies the issue - maintaining traction when opening up out of the bends. The engine wants to fly, but the tail has other ideas.

The car was supplied with Bridgestone Potenza run flats on the 19" wheels, and with at least 6mm on them, there's no issue with tread depth. I'm wondering what the experience of the blog is in terms of the best tyres for this model?

BTW, if anyone's interested, I've got a pair of 18" 255/35 winter tyres, done about 1000 easy miles, and available free to a good home on a collect basis.

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Talksthetorque
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Tyres for the 35is

Post by Talksthetorque » Fri Dec 01, 2017 5:14 pm

Hi TeeMac, Where about are you - I'd take the 18 Tyres off your hands Beer would be provided as a thanks ( real beer - not just internet beer)

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Tyres for the 35is

Post by TeeMac » Fri Dec 01, 2017 5:26 pm

Talksthetorque

Glasgow - I should have said.

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Tyres for the 35is

Post by tomscott » Fri Dec 01, 2017 6:26 pm

Ditch the run flats, it will make a vast improvement :thumbsup:

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benv6
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Tyres for the 35is

Post by benv6 » Fri Dec 01, 2017 7:08 pm

The RFTs aren't that bad on the e89 compared to e85 from my experience, however, they are lethal when it comes to the rims cracking (296s & 326s). I wouldn't think twice about getting rid of them.
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Tyres for the 35is

Post by Busterboo » Fri Dec 01, 2017 9:19 pm

If you keep the RFTs, you won't know how good the 35is is.
If you keep the 19"s, you'll worry about them cracking, which they may well.
So, put some good tyres on your 18"s and enjoy the car. :driving:

p.s. I speak from experience. (But not of cracked 19"s.)
Last edited by Busterboo on Fri Dec 01, 2017 9:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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sunnydays
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Tyres for the 35is

Post by sunnydays » Fri Dec 01, 2017 9:29 pm

Buy some good non rft tyres ie Michelin MPS4S

Change the 19" alloys to something decent. The BMW ones just crack

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Mr Tidy
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Tyres for the 35is

Post by Mr Tidy » Fri Dec 01, 2017 10:11 pm

It's just a thought OP, but if your winters would fit and don't have run-flats on them you could always put them on your E89 to get an idea of how they compare to your RFTs.

Welcome to the forum BTW!
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Talksthetorque
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Tyres for the 35is

Post by Talksthetorque » Fri Dec 01, 2017 11:33 pm

TeeMac wrote: Fri Dec 01, 2017 5:26 pm Talksthetorque

Glasgow - I should have said.
The Oh's dad lives in Glasgow and is coming down for Christmas. Unfortunately on the train.....

I'll have to pass this time.
Thanks for the generous offer.

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mr wilks
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Tyres for the 35is

Post by mr wilks » Fri Dec 01, 2017 11:37 pm

Busterboo wrote: Fri Dec 01, 2017 9:19 pm If you keep the RFTs, you won't know how good the 35is is.
If you keep the 19"s, you'll worry about them cracking, which they may well.
So, put some good tyres on your 18"s and enjoy the car. :driving:

p.s. I speak from experience. (But not of cracked 19"s.)
Worth noting that it is possible to enjoy a E89 with 19s not just 18s :wink:
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Tyres for the 35is

Post by mr wilks » Fri Dec 01, 2017 11:39 pm

Mr Tidy wrote: Fri Dec 01, 2017 10:11 pm It's just a thought OP, but if your winters would fit and don't have run-flats on them you could always put them on your E89 to get an idea of how they compare to your RFTs.

Welcome to the forum BTW!
Read his post again :? op has a pair of 255 35 18 winter tyres no longer required , not a set of winter wheels :roll:
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Tyres for the 35is

Post by Mr Tidy » Sat Dec 02, 2017 12:00 am

mr wilks wrote: Fri Dec 01, 2017 11:39 pmRead his post again op has a pair of 255 35 18 winter tyres no longer required , not a set of winter wheels
Doh! :oops:
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black

TeeMac
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Tyres for the 35is

Post by TeeMac » Sat Dec 02, 2017 12:54 pm

Thanks for the chat guys.

Michelin PS4s seem to be well regarded. I switched to EagleF1s on the Coupe (with a compressor and skoosher in the boot), but am considering keeping run flats on the 35is.

Any good run flat alternatives to the Potenzas?

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Tyres for the 35is

Post by Busterboo » Sun Dec 03, 2017 1:54 pm

TeeMac wrote: Sat Dec 02, 2017 12:54 pm ... but am considering keeping run flats on the 35is.
In which case, sell the 35is and buy something that doesn't need good tyres. :)
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Tyres for the 35is

Post by john-e89 » Sun Dec 03, 2017 2:14 pm

Tbh I didn’t find the Bridgestone run flats particularly bad on my 35is, the ride was remarkably good in fact, it felt fine. It’s just that the difference is night and day so yes, I’m soooooo glad I switched but unless you really hate the ride on the run flats they’re really not bad. (Apart from helping to crack the 19” wheels of course..... :roll: ) Id like to try it on 18” run flats just for the experience, would be interesting to know how it felt.
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