Switching TO RFT?

[lordgrover]

I'm considering going the opposite way to most, so apols in advance.

For the sake of safety and convenience I'd like to explore the options when running run flat tyres. Common wisdom says they make the ride harsh - can this be offset and/or improved with matched dampers/coilovers?

[sw4nny]

Not sure on the suspension side of things but definitely use Michelin not Bridgestone as the tyre choice

[gannet]

Not sure on the suspension side of things but definitely use Michelin not Bridgestone as the tyre choice

+1

or Dunlop's - the one on my new MINI are also fine...

[Busterboo]

Two pieces of good advice above.

Changing your suspension, OP, would surely be uneconomic, wouldn't it?

So, time to go looking for reviews of 2017 RFTs.

[lordgrover]

Changing your suspension, OP, would surely be uneconomic, wouldn't it?

Maybe, but at 50,000 miles the OEM setup is not as fresh as it once was anyway.

I had great success upgrading to Bilstein B14 on my GT86 - it was like night and day improvement, so looking to see if similar can be had for the Z4. I don't need/want adjustable nor do I track it; so just a comfortable, pliant ride that's better than stock.

[lordgrover]

Bridgestone to be avoided, duly noted. Ta.

[Busterboo]

Have you decided, then, to go to 2017 RFTs and Bilsteins?

[MACK]

Runflats are in general alot better than they were 10+ years ago but are never going to be as good as the equivalent non runflat tyre. Suspension refresh is a good idea anyway and I'm shortly about to do the same so will be interested in your thoughts on your outcome there.

Why are you considering runflats again? Is it solely that they were original equipment and the lack of a proper spare? There's a reason the BMW M division cars dont use them and neither do the likes of Porsche etc or any other manufacturer for that matter other than BMW/Mini. On the subject of Porsche, 2004 onwards 987 Porsche Boxster's, which are a similar car and vintage to the E85 zeds only came with an inflation kit (can of goo and inflator). If you had bought one of them instead of a zed would you even be contemplating using runflats?
Not trying to be awkward just a bit of food for thought so to speak.

[lordgrover]

Fair question, Mack.

It was only that a colleague got a flat on his 730d. His RFT got him home with no drama - seemed such a 'civilised' solution.
Running a staggered set-up and asymmetric tyres carrying spare(s) is not terribly practical without a trailer.

As I'm considering upgrading the dampers, I thought why not chuck tyres into the mix - nothing more than that. Existing tyres have plenty of meat on them anyway so won't be making a change too soon.

[Brasseye]

If you had 17" wheels the stiff side walls would be a more normal size and make the ride a good compromise.

[bmw>benz]

If you're switching because you think it is more convenient, know this:

1. A RF tire cannot be repaired. So if you are on a long road trip, you will have to eventually source a tire. In the US, most shops will repair a regular tire free of charge. I drive around with a compressor and tire repair kit. Easier and much more assuring than RF tires.

2. You can get a space saver spare.

[Mr Tidy]

And know this too!

1. I had a Pirelli RFT repaired for £10 in the UK!

2. You can buy a space-saver, but in a Z4 storage is a bit of an issue.

[GBZ4]

+1 for above

Repaired Bridgestone RFT with less than 2500 miles of use for £14:50

[Busterboo]

Repaired Bridgestone RFT with less than 2500 miles of use for £14:50

Now there's a waste of £14.50.

[csm180]

Having just got an e89 with 17 runflats the ride is so much more comfortable than my e85 with 18 non runflats. Suspension and profile definately make a huge difference. The move from runflats in the e85 did make a difference but I would not say it made it comfortable ( well that is what swmbo would tell you.)