Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.

Tramlining with run flats on front z4 2.5 se

Discuss problems you have had or are having with your Z4
Post Reply
bmer Z4
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 5
Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2017 9:41 am

Tramlining with run flats on front z4 2.5 se

Post by bmer Z4 » Tue Jun 06, 2017 1:56 pm

Hi there,

i am new to this forum and am having some tramlining issue with my z4 with run flats on the front. Is there a tyre that would stop he tramlining as it is a tad annoying.

thanks

User avatar
Marlon
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 10899
Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2015 11:13 am
Location: Lancs.
Contact:

Tramlining with run flats on front z4 2.5 se

Post by Marlon » Tue Jun 06, 2017 2:02 pm

Swap to non-run flats :wink:
Image
Gone: 3.0si 2008 E85
911 997 Carrera S

bmer Z4
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 5
Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2017 9:41 am

Tramlining with run flats on front z4 2.5 se

Post by bmer Z4 » Tue Jun 06, 2017 2:22 pm

Any tyres you would recommend?

User avatar
Marlon
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 10899
Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2015 11:13 am
Location: Lancs.
Contact:

Tramlining with run flats on front z4 2.5 se

Post by Marlon » Tue Jun 06, 2017 2:37 pm

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetrics
or
Vredestein Sessanta
Image
Gone: 3.0si 2008 E85
911 997 Carrera S

bmer Z4
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 5
Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2017 9:41 am

Tramlining with run flats on front z4 2.5 se

Post by bmer Z4 » Tue Jun 06, 2017 3:02 pm

thanks

User avatar
GBZ4
Member
Member
Posts: 863
Joined: Fri Jan 27, 2017 12:45 pm
Location: Rhoose Point

Tramlining with run flats on front z4 2.5 se

Post by GBZ4 » Tue Jun 06, 2017 4:38 pm

Can I ask, why is it always considered that RFT's are the cause of tram lining? There are many factors which can contribute to the phanonemum like wrong tyre pressures (too high), worn tyres, road conditions etc etc.

I have owned and driven various BMW's and don't recall experiencing tram lining or many of the other reported issues with RFT's. I'm not saying that these issues don't exist just I've never had them.

An explanation is all I'm after not a 'let's rip the new guy to bits'. :)
2016 E89 18i Roadster - gone and forgotten

User avatar
Ewazix
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 4721
Joined: Sun May 02, 2010 5:30 pm
Location: Somerset

Tramlining with run flats on front z4 2.5 se

Post by Ewazix » Tue Jun 06, 2017 4:56 pm

When developed and built in the US in 2002 the e85 Z4 was the first BMW model to adopt RFT as the only tyre fitted as standard and they used the Bridgestone Potenza RE050 as it was the only RFT tyre available for the Z4. The stiff RFT sidewalls accentuate the feedback from linear road surface lines and ruts, and as soon as the tyre has any appreciable wear the profile flattens (like a shaved race tyre) and becomes even more 'over responsive' to tramlines.

Later RFT tyres and later suspension set-ups handle things better, but for the money a switch to non-RFt's is generally the best performance mod you can make on the e85 &86, the transformation was instant when I switched :thumbsup:

.......but we don't hear so much complaint from the E89 drivers, presumably the later suspension and tyres are better or the drivers are less sensitive :wink:
2003 2.5 SE, low miles, Sterling Grey, 108's & Eagles, no stubby here! Unmolested.
2018 Cooper S Countryman
Fiesta Ecoboost

User avatar
Nanu
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 3912
Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2012 4:47 pm
Location: Sunderland

Tramlining with run flats on front z4 2.5 se

Post by Nanu » Tue Jun 06, 2017 7:52 pm

GBZ4 wrote: Tue Jun 06, 2017 4:38 pm Can I ask, why is it always considered that RFT's are the cause of tram lining? There are many factors which can contribute to the phanonemum like wrong tyre pressures (too high), worn tyres, road conditions etc etc.

I have owned and driven various BMW's and don't recall experiencing tram lining or many of the other reported issues with RFT's. I'm not saying that these issues don't exist just I've never had them.

An explanation is all I'm after not a 'let's rip the new guy to bits'. :)
Likewise, had three zeds all with RF's and never had that issue. Suspect the cause should be looked for elsewhere
G29 M30i M Sport San Francisco Red

Previous
E89 35is Valencia Orange
E89 28i Crimson
E89 25i White

User avatar
Marlon
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 10899
Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2015 11:13 am
Location: Lancs.
Contact:

Tramlining with run flats on front z4 2.5 se

Post by Marlon » Tue Jun 06, 2017 7:57 pm

Interesting. My advice was based upon one test drive on RFT and the comments I've read here over the years. Perhaps we should have a Poll to see how many owners are on RFT and having no issues :)
Image
Gone: 3.0si 2008 E85
911 997 Carrera S

User avatar
Mr Tidy
Legend
Legend
Posts: 23608
Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:18 pm
Location: North West Surrey

Tramlining with run flats on front z4 2.5 se

Post by Mr Tidy » Tue Jun 06, 2017 8:31 pm

Marlon wrote: Tue Jun 06, 2017 7:57 pmInteresting. My advice was based upon one test drive on RFT and the comments I've read here over the years. Perhaps we should have a Poll to see how many owners are on RFT and having no issues
Can't beat a good poll, Marlon! :thumbsup:

I've only had two Z4s, both on Bridgestone RFT's, but my current one is so much better than my first!

But given what Ewazix said above maybe it's because the front tyres are far less worn :scratchhead:

I suppose I won't really know for sure unless/until I fit something different.
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

User avatar
Ewazix
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 4721
Joined: Sun May 02, 2010 5:30 pm
Location: Somerset

Tramlining with run flats on front z4 2.5 se

Post by Ewazix » Tue Jun 06, 2017 9:21 pm

bmer Z4 wrote: Tue Jun 06, 2017 1:56 pm Hi there,

i am new to this forum and am having some tramlining issue with my z4 with run flats on the front. Is there a tyre that would stop he tramlining as it is a tad annoying.

thanks
I've just realised you mention having RFT's on the front, presumably non-RFT's on the rear? if so that's not going to help. The front and rear will grip and behave differently in ruts and lines causing pull/weave sensations. It's legal, but not advised.

Some light reading :) https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech ... ?techid=47
2003 2.5 SE, low miles, Sterling Grey, 108's & Eagles, no stubby here! Unmolested.
2018 Cooper S Countryman
Fiesta Ecoboost

User avatar
Ethicsgradient
Member
Member
Posts: 87
Joined: Sun Jun 19, 2016 10:19 pm

Tramlining with run flats on front z4 2.5 se

Post by Ethicsgradient » Tue Jun 06, 2017 10:01 pm

Mine did tramline on RFT ..then I got new RFT fitted and my tracking done ...it now behaves fine and does not tramline . Now was it the tyres or was it my tracking being out ..because it was out , I don't know ..but the combnation of both things being done sorted it .

Pembroke
Member
Member
Posts: 55
Joined: Thu May 19, 2016 10:10 am

Tramlining with run flats on front z4 2.5 se

Post by Pembroke » Mon Jun 12, 2017 8:43 pm

GBZ4 wrote: Tue Jun 06, 2017 4:38 pm Can I ask, why is it always considered that RFT's are the cause of tram lining? There are many factors which can contribute to the phanonemum like wrong tyre pressures (too high), worn tyres, road conditions etc etc.

I have owned and driven various BMW's and don't recall experiencing tram lining or many of the other reported issues with RFT's. I'm not saying that these issues don't exist just I've never had them.

An explanation is all I'm after not a 'let's rip the new guy to bits'. :)
I had the same problem with run flats, and switched to a full set of Michelin cross climates (winter rated summer tyres) and since then my Z4 has tracked the road perfectly with no more tram lining, and handles excellent in the rain. Well worth the expense, IMO.

kevzed57
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Nov 17, 2013 9:27 pm

Tramlining with run flats on front z4 2.5 se

Post by kevzed57 » Wed Jun 14, 2017 9:19 pm

My E85 3.0 terrible on Bridgestone RFTs , I would say dangerous on anything but ultra smooth roads. Switched to Conti non runflats, unbelievable transformation, could be a different car. Tramlining now non existent, just do it and treat yourself to a compressor and some sealant just in case! :

Post Reply