[Redguy]

Bought my 330i back in April this year. Previous owner had it fitted with Continental Sport Contacts.

Thought I'd do a tread check last week. Closer inspection showed that the rears are SC's 2's, but the front are SC 5's....so we have a differing tread pattern.

However, the treads are as follows - front O/S 4.3, N/S 6.9. Rear O/S 6.1, N/S 3.1.

So I have a bit of a mix - 2 excellent (but different tyres), one in the middle, and one I'd change before the Winter for sure.

I could just change the rears for new SC 5's, the front O/S will need doing soon, and the 5's are just over £100.

Or a new set of something a bit more mid-range, the Falkens are £325 for the lot. I'm sticking to the run flats for sure.

I'm just after some opinions on this - what would you do? Like most, cost is important, but for me it's safety first - especially with the RWD 330i!

[Kerr]

Looks like the guy has been buying part worn tyres. That's quite a big gap between wear levels at opposite corners.

I wouldn't be too fussy about differing quality brands of tyres as long as they are in pairs.

I wouldn't want 3mm difference in wear through.

Why do you want to stick to runflats? Most people get rid of them when they get the chance.

[Redguy]

Only as I don't carry a spare....not to keen on being caught out as I've never been a good tyre changer....!

What are my alternatives?

[Redguy]

I should ask....does a 3mm difference - on the same axle - hold a big effect?

Silly question, and I've always been quite tyre-savvy, but a new vehicle is always different to get right!

Hence I did think about a new set all round and be done with....

[Thermobaric]

I think hardly anyone that uses non RFTs carries a spare. Easy to carry a compressor and some tyre Slime instead.

[JJ0063]

Originally Posted by Redguy

Only as I don't carry a spare....not to keen on being caught out as I've never been a good tyre changer....!

What are my alternatives?

I carry my AA card and a compressor/repair kit.

If it's a blow out/shredded tyre.. having a runflat would make no difference. AA card comes in handy..

If it's just a nail in it or something, quick go with the repair kit & compressor will be enough to get you to a garage.

I do try to avoid the gunge type repairs though as they can ruin the tyre/valve/get messy. I pay for AA cover so if it's that bad then they can recover me to a garage

[Dann]

I run non rfts and don't carry anything except my recovery card.
Still need to get a compressor etc

What I would do is get a new set that are all the same tyre and tread depths and sell the others on eBay as part worns.
Someone will buy them as they are a decent tyre and still have a fair bit of tread left.

[Russbmw]

The rumour that type repair stuff wrecks tyres is a bit of an urban myth.

I'ts come about just because if you want the tyre repaired properly, the tyre place you take it too will have to clean out the tyre goo, which generally is a bit of a messy job, and they can't be arsed to do.

[djgandy]

Originally Posted by Redguy

Bought my 330i back in April this year. Previous owner had it fitted with Continental Sport Contacts.

Thought I'd do a tread check last week. Closer inspection showed that the rears are SC's 2's, but the front are SC 5's....so we have a differing tread pattern.

However, the treads are as follows - front O/S 4.3, N/S 6.9. Rear O/S 6.1, N/S 3.1.

So I have a bit of a mix - 2 excellent (but different tyres), one in the middle, and one I'd change before the Winter for sure.

I could just change the rears for new SC 5's, the front O/S will need doing soon, and the 5's are just over £100.

Or a new set of something a bit more mid-range, the Falkens are £325 for the lot. I'm sticking to the run flats for sure.

I'm just after some opinions on this - what would you do? Like most, cost is important, but for me it's safety first - especially with the RWD 330i!

What tyre size are you running?

Most people ditch run flats at the first chance for improved ride and massively reduce tyre costs.

£325 for a full set of Falken run flats? Just rear axle surely at that price?

If you are on 17/18's then you should be able to do a full set of decent non run flats for around £400+ fitting.

I expect the reason the tyres are mixed models is because run flat availability is so limited and that's all that is available in the sizes you need.

FYI - The front tyres last ages. 4.3 is loads of tread. The rears burn out much quicker.
Me personally, I'd keep them on for now and when that rear needs changing change the lot and flog the old tyres on fleabay. You might get £100 back with little effort.

[edowen]

I just put a full set of Dunlop SportMaxx RT2s (I think thats the model) on a 2007 330i.

Non runflats and the ride is MILES better for it. 360 quid for the new tyres and got 200 for the old ones with 5-6 mm on, so all in upgraded for 160 quid. Well worth it.

[Redguy]

Thanks guys.

Been doing more research today, and TBH, the consensus is massively against run flats.

Looks like I'll be going for a normal set, and will try to sell the current ones as suggested. Have a local part worn seller, so may see what he'd offer before I eBay.

A better ride, better grip and handling....and I'm already in Green Flag....so it's looks like a done deal!

Just have to pick the tyres now.......XL (reinforced) or not....?

[Dace64]

Originally Posted by edowen

I just put a full set of Dunlop SportMaxx RT2s (I think thats the model) on a 2007 330i.

Non runflats and the ride is MILES better for it. 360 quid for the new tyres and got 200 for the old ones with 5-6 mm on, so all in upgraded for 160 quid. Well worth it.

The only draw back is if you get a puncture in the middle of nowhere? I have deliberated over this for quite some time and have persevered with run flats. I have done three track days too and the car handled superb! However, once this set is done, I will have to try a set of non RFT's for my own piece of mind!

[IanS100]

Have you considered Bridgestone DriveGuard runflats, I've heard good things about them and they seem to be very close to non RFT in comfort and response?

[gaz_ball]

I'm about to get some non-RFT fitted and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for compressors/tyre repair kits? There seems to be a few out there so interested to hear people's experiences. Holts Tyre Weld gets decent reviews, anyone tried it?

[djgandy]

I have the BMW compressor and 2 spare cans of holts tyre weld, and my foot pump stowed away too.

In all honesty though, if the puncture was that bad that it wont hold air I'd probably just phone the recovery people and get it towed to a tyre repair place. Why buy a dog and bark yourself.

[Redguy]

Been looking for a couple of days, and reckon it's a choice between the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3, and the Michelin Pilot Sport 3/4.

The GY's (and PS4's) come in at a higher speed rating - (Y vs. W) than I currently have, load rating the same. Assume it would be fine, as I'm not going lower. PS4's have the higher load and speed rating. All looked at through Black Circles.

[Pearler]

Originally Posted by Redguy

Been looking for a couple of days, and reckon it's a choice between the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3, and the Michelin Pilot Sport 3/4.

The GY's (and PS4's) come in at a higher speed rating - (Y vs. W) than I currently have, load rating the same. Assume it would be fine, as I'm not going lower. PS4's have the higher load and speed rating. All looked at through Black Circles.

I changed my tyres this year from RFs to Michelin Pilot Sport 3 XL Y rating, all round, and have a space saver strapped down in my boot. The Michelin PS 3 are a great tyre. Particularly in the wet I would say. Have had no scary moments with them at all. The pirelli RFs used to be well scary in heavy rain on a dual carriageway.

[Fundguy1]

Originally Posted by Redguy

Bought my 330i back in April this year. Previous owner had it fitted with Continental Sport Contacts.

Thought I'd do a tread check last week. Closer inspection showed that the rears are SC's 2's, but the front are SC 5's....so we have a differing tread pattern.

However, the treads are as follows - front O/S 4.3, N/S 6.9. Rear O/S 6.1, N/S 3.1.

So I have a bit of a mix - 2 excellent (but different tyres), one in the middle, and one I'd change before the Winter for sure.

I could just change the rears for new SC 5's, the front O/S will need doing soon, and the 5's are just over £100.

Or a new set of something a bit more mid-range, the Falkens are £325 for the lot. I'm sticking to the run flats for sure.

I'm just after some opinions on this - what would you do? Like most, cost is important, but for me it's safety first - especially with the RWD 330i!

Ewhhh run flats. Heavier, slower, harsher, worse mpg, more expensive, and die after 5 miles anyway. At least my oem ones did. Any reason you don't want stickier tires?

[Fundguy1]

Originally Posted by Pearler

I changed my tyres this year from RFs to Michelin Pilot Sport 3 XL Y rating, all round, and have a space saver strapped down in my boot. The Michelin PS 3 are a great tyre. Particularly in the wet I would say. Have had no scary moments with them at all. The pirelli RFs used to be well scary in heavy rain on a dual carriageway.

I have ps3 for my mother in laws ford focus. Good tire. I use PSS in the past. Way superior. I'm on BridgestonePotenza re11 now because my power needs the grip. Decent at 85 mph on the rain but no where near the wet grip or mileage of the pss.

[Redguy]

All sorted.

Have ordered a set of Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3's.

Being fitted late next week, and I've got a potential sale of the outgoing Run Flats, so I'll be taking them home.

Thanks for all the opinions - really helped me go for the change. Can't wait to feel them on!

[Fundguy1]

GY again.

[Chappers 71]

I've recently changed from F1s to Michelin PSS on the rear & after having had them on for a couple of months now, I'd say I prefer the F1s. The PSS have better dry grip, but for me on my car only marginally.
I've found that although the PSS are OK in the wet, they are not as good as the F1 & I've had the TC light on more often
So unless the PSS last considerably longer (F1s between 6-10k) I would most likely save myself the £80 or so & go back to the F1s