I have a 2009 E89 23i with 296 alloys.
Here is my situation:
- Both of the 2 original rear wheels developed cracks back in 2012 and were replaced for free under the extended warranty by BMW.
- All 4 wheels were refurbished in 2013 to remove some kerbing marks
- The front left wheel developed a crack in early 2016. I had this welded to get it through its MOT.
- As of 2017, all 4 alloys are pretty badly kerbed and all 4 tyres are heavily worn and need replaced.
- Refurbish all 4 296 alloys and fit 4 brand new Bridgestone RFTs (at a cost of £763 + whatever the refurb costs, say, £300) = £1076
- Refurbish all 4 296 alloys and fit 4 brand new Goodyear Eagle F1 non-RFTs (at a cost of £600 + whatever the refurb costs, say, £300) = £900
- Buy 4 x 290 (17" wheels) on eBay (without tyres), fit 4 brand new Bridgestone RFTs (at a cost of £371 + say, £400 for a set of 290 wheels from Ebay), and then sell the old 296 set on eBay for whatever I can get (say, £300) = £771 - £300 = £471
- Buy 4 x 290 (17" wheels) on eBay (without tyres), fit 4 brand new Goodyear "EfficientGrip Performance" non-RFTs (at a cost of £308 + say, £400 for a set of 290 wheels from Ebay), and then sell the old 296 set on eBay for whatever I can get (say, £300) = £708 - £300 = £408
- Something else? If so, what?
- Making the ride better by going for a smaller rim
- Making the ride better by going for a non-RFT tyre
- Making my future tyres costs cheaper by getting rid of the 19s"
- The 17" 290-style wheels are pretty ugly compared to the big, sexy 19" 296-style wheels
- Is it dangerous to move on a non-RFT tyre?
- Is insurance affected by changing to a non-RFT tyre? i.e. is this a 'modification'