New tires on the Z4, finally!

Originally Posted by vasr

I am looking at going the same route with the M tire size on a Z4 3.0si coupe. Have you had any issues with bottoming out or rubbing with the tires being slightly taller than the stock? Is the z4MC and 3.0si similar in ground clearance if the z4MC had the same lower profile tires as the Z4 3.0si?

No issues at all. The difference in size is VERY subtle. The only change has been an improvement in the accuracy of my speedometer. It used to read faster than the car was really going. Now it is dead on accurate. The si with the sport package sits about the same as the M and the suspension is similar so you should have no issues.

Guys n Gals, I have a question about RFL's conversion to regular Tyres. I have RFL's with a fair amount of life on them so I will wear them down more before I convert. However I plan to convert to regular tyres so here's my question. The goop 'fix a flat' is good for what kinds of punctures and repairs ? I have a tyre plugger for my motorcycle (same issue as the Z4 - no spare) and it seems to work well [not tried it yet, fingers crossed]. I also have the gummy-worm plugger too as a back up.

Anyway, would love your thoughts.

Hey mhughett,
Very nice Z4C. What color is the interior and do you have more photos?
G

Originally Posted by Garyl53

Hey mhughett,
Very nice Z4C. What color is the interior and do you have more photos?
G

Here's a picture of the interior after I brought it home last year and one after I installed the M steering wheel at Christmas this year. Also note I now have the ZHP shift knob which surprisingly is a very nice mod as it shortens the shift throws.

Thanks mhughett! Awesome color combination. I think I am sold on a Z4 3.0si w/Montego Blue with the beige/black interior. Very nice touch with the M steering wheel. I am sure it is a challenge keeping the white clean but it is worth it! Sorry for the diversion from tire talk, couldn't resist finding out more about the sig picture.
G

I run non-runflats on my MINI with no spare. I made up my own emergency pack with Slime brand goop and pump, in addition I carry a plug kit. I need to get a plug kit for my new M coupe. The precautions won't fix a catastrophic blowout, but should get you home or to help on a smaller failure. I wouldn't use anything on a slow leak nail type of puncture, just pump it up and head to the tire shop.

Great advice. Thanks.

Originally Posted by RufusKing

I have been trying to kill these tires for a bit now because i simply cant wait to get rid of the RF tires.

The analyst in me just cant seem to get rid of the old tires without using them up. I cant tell you how much i am looking forward to getting new non RF tires.

This may take some time. I have a similar attitude of frugality to the point of foolhardiness and ran my OEM RFTs down to cord. It took 42K miles to get to that point. I think that most (including me) would suggest replacement with non-RFTs well before that.

I went with the Bridgestone Potenza RE 960 AS tires. Partly by default, as I purchased a used car with 3 rfts and 1 RE 960. I was an early adopter of this tire. When I bought the first one to get at least the same tire on the same axle, it was $139 at Discount tire. Later I bought 2 more (should have bought all 3 at the same time, different tires drive the traction control crazy) and they cost me $159 ea.

I have been very pleased with the ride, quietness and handling. When I took the last 2 rfts off, it was like a different car. Better control, quieter, better ride.

I personally think the harsh riding run flats will lead to more squeaks and rattles, and vibration damage to the car.

Do it before you need new tires

Originally Posted by mhughett

No issues at all. The difference in size is VERY subtle. The only change has been an improvement in the accuracy of my speedometer. It used to read faster than the car was really going. Now it is dead on accurate. The si with the sport package sits about the same as the M and the suspension is similar so you should have no issues.

FYI: I tried using Continental Extreme Contact DW tires in the M-size (225/45 & 255/40) on my 3.0Si roadster w/ sport package and there was definitely not enough clearance between the front outside tires and wheel wells. I'm not sure if it's because these tires have a more square-edged profile or if the Si's sport suspension has less room than the M suspension but the tires definitely rubbed the black plastic in the front fender over even moderate bumps. Luckily I noticed it within a few miles and the retailer is willing to swap them out for the stock Si size. I'd stick with the stock aspect ratio to be safe or try using the M's stock PS2's (might be more rounded).

Maybe it's the front wheel offset...does anyone know offhand what the stock offset is for the M wheels and the style 108 wheels for the Si sport? I'm pretty sure they're the same rim width but doubt it's the same offset.

I would like to get rid of my RFT's but in these economic times I'm gonna wear the damned things out before switching! I've heard from many others that going to normal tires is definitely an improvement in their experience.

As far as the fear of having a flat, I've already got the tire plug kit for my motorcycle. So what's the difference ? Nothing. Tire pluggers are quick and reliable, non messy and allow easy repair of the tire at the shop if required. I also have a mini air compressor.

You might want to check this out:


http://www.stopngo.com/automotive.asp

Here's how it works:
http://www.stopngo.com/products/vide...etplugger.html


http://www.stopngo.com/

Don't forget about Cheng Shin Tires. You can get these on Amazon free with purchase. Your Z will handle like no other. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_au...20Shin%20Tires

Originally Posted by mhughett

You're right. I should have ignored the very extensive testing done by Car & Driver, Tire rack as well as the opinions of about 95% of the people who have bought these tires and raved about them, simply because the tires don't have Bridgestone, Continental, Michelin or Dunlop on the side of them. What was I thinking?

I move from Bridgestone OEM's to Khumo's Acosta SPT RF and that was a considerable improvement in ride, comfort and price was pretty good to. They are more a general all season tire than extreme performance so that may be the difference. I would have loved to try the Michilen RF's, but at $300 plus I decided to wait till I can move up from the 17 rims to 18s and get wheel and tires at same time. But if these Khumo's hold up I may just go back with them.

I have a set of Goodyear Eagle Gts ordered for mine. I need all season tires so I will give them a try. Looking forward to removing the runflats!

Bob

If driving in winter I highly recommend Bridgestone Blizzaks or similar technology. All season tires are just a compromise with an aggressive tread. The blizzak is a true winter compound that gets traction on ice. I use my BMW 18 inch runflats in summer, and have a set of 17 inch Blizzaks for snow and ice. I spent last winter in Wisconsin and never got stuck. The car still can do impressive donuts if you shut off the DTC.

The car is certainly different on 17 versus 18 inch wheels. I don't mind the stiff feel of the runflats and it is interesting how handling is different with the snow treads, softer and less responsive.

Originally Posted by rmorin49

If you are running 18s did you stick with the OEM staggered sizes?

Did you get an answer on your question about changing the staggered wheel and tire sizing?

Perfect timing for this post to get bumped! I'm going to buy new tires before the summer road trips start. I'm considering the Continentals or Michelins. Now I will look some of the other brands mentioned. Hey, by the way, thanks for the advice on those Amazon tire with free shipping!!! They look like some awesome tires!

Out of curiosity, does anyone know why the 17" Style 106 Turbine wheels do not fit on a 3.0si? I really like the way they look, and a reduction to 17" wheels would bring nice ride and performance benefits.

When my '07 Z4 Coupe picked up a screw in the RR, my dealer said RFT's are not repairable and wanted $658 for one tire. A little bit of shopping revealed that I could replace all four tires in non-RFT for $700. In the interim, I bought a tire plug kit for $5 and plugged the hole. It's been over a year now with no adverse consequences. I asked my good friend, who races BMW's, about the plug. He says he often plugs his tires and races them at speeds in excess of 130 mph. Since then, I keep a small compressor, a tire plug kit and a can of Flat Fix in all three cars. For many years, Porsche used a similar tact, minus the plug kit. Lessons learned: RFT's are repairable. RFT's are grossly overpriced. Old fashioned cures are often still effective. Don't rely on everything the dealer tells you.

Originally Posted by dominoaz

When my '07 Z4 Coupe picked up a screw in the RR, my dealer said RFT's are not repairable and wanted $658 for one tire. A little bit of shopping revealed that I could replace all four tires in non-RFT for $700. In the interim, I bought a tire plug kit for $5 and plugged the hole. It's been over a year now with no adverse consequences. I asked my good friend, who races BMW's, about the plug. He says he often plugs his tires and races them at speeds in excess of 130 mph. Since then, I keep a small compressor, a tire plug kit and a can of Flat Fix in all three cars. For many years, Porsche used a similar tact, minus the plug kit. Lessons learned: RFT's are repairable. RFT's are grossly overpriced. Old fashioned cures are often still effective. Don't rely on everything the dealer tells you.

While I agree with you(obviously you can repair a RFT as with other types of tires) I am sure the dealer is simply following protocol. If The tire manufacturer says their RFT's can not be repaired and your dealer decides to do it anyway you could come after the dealer if something happens down the road saying they should not have repaired a RFT. I don't think you would do that, but the dealer doesn't know....

I am thinking of replacing all four tires and wheels on my 05 Z4 3.0, eliminating the run-flats and the staggering and going with 8.5 X 18 " wheels and 225 40 18 Pirelli Pzero-Nero all season treads. Does this seem reasonable? I understand that I will need a tire repair kit in the trunk... I spoke with folks at Tirerack.com and they said everything would fit fine - but will it drive and handle as well?

PShad: I have a 2006 3.0si with staggered wheels. The car has 30,000 miles. I needed two new rear tires so I decided to replace all four. I did an enormous amount of research and decided to buy the Continental Extreme Contact DWS all season tires with the 50,000 mile warranty. It rides better but I haven't had the tires long enough for a road trip. I bought them from Discount Tire because we have them all over Chicago. Lifetime free rotating, etc. and a great company to deal with. However...

WARNING: MAKE SURE they put the right length valve stems in. My car came out with 3 new valve stems sticking out about an inch past the tire, and one original. Oh, and they "lost" my chrome valve cover caps. Looked terrible! They had gobs of chrome caps so they gave me a bunch. They are ordering in the "right" length valve stems (all four hopefully) and will replace them and re-balance the wheels. Still a waste of my time and not good for the wheels or tires. I will update the forum on the new tires after about 5,000 miles. FYI. The manager at Discount Tire has the same tires on his car so the choice can't be terrible. Good luck with the Pirilli's. PM me if you have any questions.

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/fil...*&fcs=*&fcsr=*

Thanks Wheaton 2010 - I will post my experiences.

I replaced all four with 18X8.5" wheels and 225/40-18 Pirelli P Zero Nero A/S tires. Noticeable improvement in ride quality and seems a little more sprightly on acceleration due to lighter (unsprung) weight. Keeping a big can of Fix-a-Flat and a little air compressor in the trunk and roadside assistance in the insurance. I will now be able rotate my tires - Yaaay! Anybody want a set of the '05 staggered 18" ellipsoid wheels with Bridgestone RFT's? At least 2/3 tread left.

I just had a set of Continental Extreme Contact DWS installed last week...best thing I ever did. I carry a large can of slime fix a flat, one small 12v slime pump, a plug kit, a cell phone and an auto club card....same stuff I had on my motorcycle.

My Bridgestone RE050 Runflats still had 75% tread so I sold them for half the cost of the Contis. It's not worth wearing the RF Tires down, they will be harder to sell. Just bite the bullet and get new tires, there is a big market for used run flats. Just look on Craigslist to see what they sell for.

Results...Smoother, quieter, no tram lining, all season traction for daily driving and 50,000 miles of warranty.

There is a reason BMW does not install RFT on M models...they don't meet the performance requirements...so why settle for them on any BMW.