I just ordered an X1 sDrive which comes with 18" run flats. Although I like grippy, planted rides, I find the ride of the 18" run-flats a little harsh. Is there a way I can get a more forgiving ride? Like get a different kind of run-flat? Or asking the dealer to replace the x-line tires with non run-flats (and if so what kind)? I love the look of the 18" wheels but am not a fan of the RF tires. Suggestions appreciated!
Harsh ride from 18" run-flats - solutions?
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The best solution is to remove the runflats for conventional tires. I have done this in my previous BMWs (128i and E90 335i). We carry a donut spare for emergencies.
If we do this in our X1, we will invest in the fully zippable spare tire bag vs our tire totes so that the interior of the X1 won't smell like tire.
If we do this in our X1, we will invest in the fully zippable spare tire bag vs our tire totes so that the interior of the X1 won't smell like tire.
Agree with Nospam. I hung on to the runflats on my 650 for years thinking they were the latest technology in tires. I was really, really surprised at the improvement in ride, road noise, and mileage I got once I was convinced to switch back to conventional tires. I don't have a spare, but I keep a tire inflator/repair kit in the trunk.
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Do you have more info about the zippable spare?
You should be able to order from your dealer or most BMW parts sellers. I bought my 128i spare from bavauto.com so that is where I first saw the zippable bag.
THREAD: X1 Space saver spare tire - now available
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Our X1 s28i M Sport with 18" run flats was VERY harsh when we first bought it. But after a year, the suspension has loosed up. It's still tight and sporty, but now small driveway curbs don't feel like potholes.
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rough ride
Thanks. I'm coming off my 10 year old X3 3.0 sport package with 192,000 miles and test drove Xi (awd): [X1 3.5 sport package (not M sport), 328 wagon and 328GT and X4 2.8.
The X1 is perfect for me but was transmitted considerably more and felt far less refined ,ie, slightly grating and less insulated on the highway at higher speeds compared to the other vehicles or my old X3 with it's sport suspension. I'm hoping it's the runflats but even so, with no good place for a spare donut tire I'm not trilled about ditching the runflat tires. And I believe the other cars were equipped with the same types of tires so I'm not confident that is the issue. It's the only thing holding me back from ordering an X1 .
*and I'm not a luxury car kind of guy.
Thanks. I'm coming off my 10 year old X3 3.0 sport package with 192,000 miles and test drove Xi (awd): [X1 3.5 sport package (not M sport), 328 wagon and 328GT and X4 2.8.
The X1 is perfect for me but was transmitted considerably more and felt far less refined ,ie, slightly grating and less insulated on the highway at higher speeds compared to the other vehicles or my old X3 with it's sport suspension. I'm hoping it's the runflats but even so, with no good place for a spare donut tire I'm not trilled about ditching the runflat tires. And I believe the other cars were equipped with the same types of tires so I'm not confident that is the issue. It's the only thing holding me back from ordering an X1 .
*and I'm not a luxury car kind of guy.
I just got my first set of new tires for my 2013 X1 35i. Wanted a little bit more rubber so went with 235/45/18. Best choice I have ever made. Car rides and looks great now. This size is just a wee bit taller and wee bit wider. Wanted a good all season so went with the Pirelli P7 Centrino plus. They are rated #1 in their category. So far so good. Did I mention the ride is night and day vs. stock run flat Continentals. I also installed 15mm spacers on rear and 12mm on front just yesterday. I will snap some pics and post shortly.
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