Run flat tires or not ? ?

[JRX5]

Hello, I'm new to the BMW X5 world, just get one 2009 3.0, and I have to replace tires, now it have 18' Bridgeston RFT, and I was thinking to replace it with non RFT. Smoother ride, less noise and lighter.
Small compressor in the trunk, a can of sealer and AAA.
Any suggestions ?
Thanks in advance

[55 cent]

I would get a spare tire kit. Good luck.

[baby huey]

All things considered, the only thing a spare tire provides is security if you have a sidewall tear/failure. And in that situation, an RFT is no good. So, if you venture primarily in populated areas, and stay on pavement, I think the spare is overkill, particularly given its cost. Go with the Fix-a-Flat.

[DDP2011X5M]

I opted for spare tire kit; i guess i am more old fashion in that sense

[1HOT BMR]

Originally Posted by JRX5

Hello, I'm new to the BMW X5 world, just get one 2009 3.0, and I have to replace tires, now it have 18' Bridgeston RFT, and I was thinking to replace it with non RFT. Smoother ride, less noise and lighter.
Small compressor in the trunk, a can of sealer and AAA.
Any suggestions ?
Thanks in advance

Excellent plan. The car club membership is usually enough but the compressor and sealer is a nice extra insurance. Don't walk . . run from the RFTs

I highly recommend the Pirelli Scorpion Verde which is a new model with excellent reviews at the Tire Rack site. I've had them for almost 10K miles and I agree with the reviewers - it's a great tire. My wheels are 19" but they might come in the size you need for your X.

[watrob]

I have been running RT's for 8 years now, and can only ever remember having a flat when I was on normal tyres. By a spare if your that worried, Rt's & a spare is better than normal tyres and a spare.

The X5 handles better with Rt's, less movement in the side walls, its sports SUV, not a people mover, its like putting light truck tyre of a Ferrari, the X5 suspension is designed for RT's, if you want comfort the best is 18" RT, otherwise why buy a X5.

[1HOT BMR]

Originally Posted by watrob

The X5 handles better with Rt's, less movement in the side walls, its sports SUV, not a people mover, its like putting light truck tyre of a Ferrari, the X5 suspension is designed for RT's, if you want comfort the best is 18" RT, otherwise why buy a X5.

Have you driven the same car with normal quality tires?

IMO: Big difference! No, HUGE difference. If by handling better you mean quicker turn in when you turn the wheel that is true only with some tires not all - my normal Pirelli Scorpion Verdes have a quicker turn-in than the Continental RFTs that I removed from my X5. Other than that a normal tire handles better in every other situation except running without air in it. The car is designed to run with RFTs not because they are better tires but because BMW made the decision to save the weight and expense of a spare to increase their CAFE and profits. Designing for run flats is to make up for all the deficiencies that RFTs bring to the equation, e.g. noise, harsh ride, crashing the suspension over road imperfections (moderate potholes) etc., etc. Quality normal tires like Michelin Super Sports will always give you a better ride and handling than any RFT installed on a 5 series. I have driven a 550i with both and the difference is huge in favor of the Michelin SS.

My X5 rides AND handles much better with the normal Pirellis than the Continental RFTs I removed

[fatmatt0116]

Originally Posted by 1HOT BMR

Have you driven the same car with normal quality tires?

IMO: Big difference! No, HUGE difference. If by handling better you mean quicker turn in when you turn the wheel that is true only with some tires not all - my normal Pirelli Scorpion Verdes have a quicker turn-in than the Continental RFTs that I removed from my X5. Other than that a normal tire handles better in every other situation except running without air in it. The car is designed to run with RFTs not because they are better tires but because BMW made the decision to save the weight and expense of a spare to increase their CAFE and profits. Designing for run flats is to make up for all the deficiencies that RFTs bring to the equation, e.g. noise, harsh ride, crashing the suspension over road imperfections (moderate potholes) etc., etc. Quality normal tires like Michelin Super Sports will always give you a better ride and handling than any RFT installed on a 5 series. I have driven a 550i with both and the difference is huge in favor of the Michelin SS.

My X5 rides AND handles much better with the normal Pirellis than the Continental RFTs I removed

I have to agree with you, though I have not yet switched the RFTs on my x5 to regular, I plane to. When I swapped the factory RFTs on my M Coupe to Dunlop Direzza Star Specs there was a significant improvement. The ride is harsh on RFTs. They are also overpriced and can be difficult to locate if you're on a roadtrip. They don't get you very far either, correct?