Bridgestone OR Continental??

X5Beemaah · 04-01-2013, 07:54 PM

Hi All...I'm at a crossroads and need to buy new tires. I have the Sport package with the OEM 20" Bridgestone Dueller RFT's. Should I continue with OEM and keep the RFT's or switch to a regular all season like the Continental Extreme DWS? I like the idea of having the run flats in an emergency, but....Has anyone tried both? Any problems blowing flats on the Conti's?Thanks in advance!!

Jfpx5d · 04-01-2013, 08:12 PM

Just an observation for you. I bought the BS RFT at Discount Tire. When I came to pick up the X they had accidentally installed the BS but the non RFT version. Let me say how happy I was with the mistake. The tires were smoother, quieter and rode better than the previous Dunlops which only lasted 12K miles. They said they would right their mistake and eventually installed the RFT BS ( after about 500 miles). The non-RFTs BS were slightly better (ride and noise) than the same model BS tire in the RFT. I am partly sorry I did not leave well enough alone. But now I have the "security" of RFTs.

DDP2011X5M · 04-01-2013, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5Beemaah

Hi All...I'm at a crossroads and need to buy new tires. I have the Sport package with the OEM 20" Bridgestone Dueller RFT's. Should I continue with OEM and keep the RFT's or switch to a regular all season like the Continental Extreme DWS? I like the idea of having the run flats in an emergency, but....Has anyone tried both? Any problems blowing flats on the Conti's?Thanks in advance!!

I dumped the BS RFT for Conti DWS. Packaged a spare tire w/jack plus have AAA, so no worries as far as a flat.

Fg3X5d · 04-02-2013, 01:54 AM

I went non-run-flat on my last vehicle (Jeep SRT8) when time for non-OEM tires and I could not have been happier. It was like suspension upgrade with how much better it rode. I carry a tire slime kit. Comes with a compressor and the bits needed to remove the tire stem, dump in the "slime" and drive on with a fair amount of confidence. I also ordered the spare with jack as an option for this reason. And I have triple AAA. All because I have every intention of going non RFT when my 20's are up....

Fg3X5d · 04-02-2013, 01:55 AM

I also went with Yokohama's. Not sure they will fit the staggered X5, the rims are about an inch wider each than on the SRT8. At $220 each though, the price was right.

3s-a-charm · 04-02-2013, 12:30 PM

My conti's are going on today... will let you know!

fuddman · 04-02-2013, 02:31 PM

I shifted to Continentals Extreme Contact DWS on my X5 because:
1) I got only 17 k miles on the Dunlop RFTs
2) I have them on my other car and they've been great
3) Ride quieter and smoother.

Just saw this which confirms my gut feeling that a lot of other RFT owners are switching
http://www.freep.com/article/2013040...sts-study-says

The article implies I might not get as good an MPG, but I'll wait and see.

fuddman · 04-02-2013, 02:46 PM

Addendum to my comments above:

I had 20" Dunlop RFTs also and caught a razor blade flat. It was great not having to switch to the spare (which came with the car) because those 20 inchers are huge! I just drove to Americas Tire where they fixed it free.
That incident made me pause and think about going to non RFTs. But only for a moment. The nails I've caught in the past stayed in the tire and held enough pressure for me to drive to get it repaired. Besides, I have towing on my AAA club and they come to help if need be. Plus, the Continentals I have on my other cars do not seem to suck up nails like, for example, Pirellis.

X5Beemaah · 04-02-2013, 05:40 PM

Thanks all for your input. I ended up ordering the Conti's. Seemed like there were more pros than cons. They'll be installed on Friday and will update you with my thoughts.

3s-a-charm · 04-07-2013, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3s-a-charm

My conti's are going on today... will let you know!

UPDATE: Conti's on and loving it! Like many have said, it's like getting a suspension upgrade and my vehicle feels "new" again. They don't handle quite as predictable/solid as the OEM tires but it's worth it.

Also, I always "tempt fate" in the spring/summer with when to put my summer setup on. I switched the other day and today we had a snow storm! The benefits of the Conti's are that I actually get TRACTION and can use these well into the 3/4 seasons a year rather than just for summer.

Very happy... would recommend the Conti's to anyone with an X5.

doni01 · 04-08-2013, 08:28 AM

I did the same. Ditched the RFT for the non RFT...Ride quality increased about 100%. WIll never go back to the harsh RFT ride just so I can have a piece of mind. My spare gives me that ;-)

X5Beemaah · 04-13-2013, 09:52 PM

Hi All....Just an fyi, I went with the Conti's...Love 'em so far. Thanks for all your input

minnmarker · 04-19-2013, 01:27 PM

I just got the Continental Extreme DWS put on 2 days ago and we just had a late season snow storm with 6+ inches yesterday. I am amazed at the snow traction these have! I've been driving in snow for 40 years and, outside of dedicated snow tires, these are the best in snow I have had. They were also very quiet during the day of dry pavement before the storm. So far I am very happy.

When the shop was putting them on I looked at the stock Bridgestone RTF's being removed. First impression - HEAVY. Second impression - incredibly thick sidewalls. Thicker than the tread. I thought sidewalls were supposed to flex in order to maintain a good contact patch, absorb shocks, etc. My non-expert opinion is that the fast and uneven wear I saw with the OEM RTF's is just part of life with RTF tires.

Now what pressure should I run the Contis? The shop said they had a "database" and put in 32 front, 39 rear which is about 5 lbs. under the door sticker.

Kzang · 04-19-2013, 03:16 PM

Its simple... if you want a softer ride?? Get the Conti non RFT and carry a spare. Learn to change a flat if you don't know how.

If you want a firmer ride and security continue with the BS..

Based upon my own experience Conti DWS has a softer sidewall and therefore it feels non-responsive on tight turns. But the ride is very nice.

doug_999 · 04-20-2013, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minnmarker

When the shop was putting them on I looked at the stock Bridgestone RTF's being removed. First impression - HEAVY. Second impression - incredibly thick sidewalls. Thicker than the tread. I thought sidewalls were supposed to flex in order to maintain a good contact patch, absorb shocks, etc. ....

Those thick sidewalls are what support the tire when it loses air. They are also the cause of the ride harshness often associated with RFTs.

Trixter99 · 04-20-2013, 11:00 PM

I switched to non run flats and am super happy with the ride. I went the cheap route and went with staggered 20" aturro's and would not hesitate to buy them again.

mecheng1 · 04-21-2013, 11:46 AM

I have worn out the second set of Dunlop RFTs 275 fr, 315 rear on my X5 50i. I live in Florida so winter use is not a consideration. Any recommendations on non RFT replacements, from Tire Rack for example?

igorbmwx6 · 04-23-2013, 01:40 PM

Bridgestone 275/40/20 - front, 315/35/20 - rear

JNoSol · 04-24-2013, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5Beemaah

Thanks all for your input. I ended up ordering the Conti's. Seemed like there were more pros than cons. They'll be installed on Friday and will update you with my thoughts.

Good Choice. I got DWS non-RFTs on my X5 Sport for over 10k miles, still rides quiet and looks brand new.

minnmarker · 05-20-2013, 04:05 PM

I am loving the Conti's compared to the Bridgestone RTF's. Smoother quieter ride and no difference in cornering that I can detect. Besides, who worries about cornering in an X5 when they have an M3 to play in? :-)

This may be handy if you ever get a flat: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
AKA: Slime 70005 Safety Spair 7-Minute Flat Tire Repair System 12-Volt
You can get same at WalMart for the same price.

It fits nicely behind the left cover in the back end (where you access the left tail light) wrapped in an old T-shirt and a pair of gloves.

Bought one for the M3 too. It has no spare and no RTF option - not that I would ever use RTF's on it anyway. BMW actually supplies their own version of slime with that car but it's just a can of goop and compressed air - no compressor.

AAA works well too.

fenderltd · 05-31-2013, 08:19 AM

What' the best tire air pressure? I see the door jam, but not sure if it makes a difference when your using NON-RFT's or RFT's.

Right now from BMW, they just put on the DWS for me and they are put in
F:34psi R: 37psi Just looking for some input on people who have put on the Continental DWS on the 20" staggered setup.

Thanks in advance!

Fastphoneguy · 05-31-2013, 08:24 AM

I switched over a few weeks ago and love the DWS ! It rides so much better! I also have AAA so not too worried about a flat.

04-01-2013, 07:54 PM	#1
X5Beemaah Private First Class 29 Rep 118 Posts Drives: 2011 X5 50i Alpine White Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: North of Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	Bridgestone OR Continental?? Hi All...I'm at a crossroads and need to buy new tires. I have the Sport package with the OEM 20" Bridgestone Dueller RFT's. Should I continue with OEM and keep the RFT's or switch to a regular all season like the Continental Extreme DWS? I like the idea of having the run flats in an emergency, but....Has anyone tried both? Any problems blowing flats on the Conti's?Thanks in advance!!
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

04-01-2013, 08:12 PM	#2
Jfpx5d Enlisted Member 2 Rep 40 Posts Drives: 2012 x5 35d sav Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Just an observation for you. I bought the BS RFT at Discount Tire. When I came to pick up the X they had accidentally installed the BS but the non RFT version. Let me say how happy I was with the mistake. The tires were smoother, quieter and rode better than the previous Dunlops which only lasted 12K miles. They said they would right their mistake and eventually installed the RFT BS ( after about 500 miles). The non-RFTs BS were slightly better (ride and noise) than the same model BS tire in the RFT. I am partly sorry I did not leave well enough alone. But now I have the "security" of RFTs.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2013, 01:54 AM	#4
Fg3X5d Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2012 X5d Join Date: May 2012 Location: California iTrader: (0)	I went non-run-flat on my last vehicle (Jeep SRT8) when time for non-OEM tires and I could not have been happier. It was like suspension upgrade with how much better it rode. I carry a tire slime kit. Comes with a compressor and the bits needed to remove the tire stem, dump in the "slime" and drive on with a fair amount of confidence. I also ordered the spare with jack as an option for this reason. And I have triple AAA. All because I have every intention of going non RFT when my 20's are up....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2013, 01:55 AM	#5
Fg3X5d Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2012 X5d Join Date: May 2012 Location: California iTrader: (0)	I also went with Yokohama's. Not sure they will fit the staggered X5, the rims are about an inch wider each than on the SRT8. At $220 each though, the price was right.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2013, 12:30 PM	#6
3s-a-charm Major 135 Rep 1,328 Posts Drives: 2017 Tesla Model X Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Calgary, Canada iTrader: (2) Garage List 2007 BMW X5 [0.00]	My conti's are going on today... will let you know! __________________ 17 Tesla Model X 90D (I've been converted!) PAST: 14 Tesla Model S P85D, 16 X1, 13 X5 M-sport, 04 M3 Cab, 08 E92 M3, 08 535xiT, 07 X5 4.8i, 06 E90 325i, 87 E30 325i, 85 E30 318i
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2013, 02:31 PM	#7
fuddman Major 353 Rep 1,404 Posts Drives: 528-maybe Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: California iTrader: (0)	I shifted to Continentals Extreme Contact DWS on my X5 because: 1) I got only 17 k miles on the Dunlop RFTs 2) I have them on my other car and they've been great 3) Ride quieter and smoother. Just saw this which confirms my gut feeling that a lot of other RFT owners are switching http://www.freep.com/article/2013040...sts-study-says The article implies I might not get as good an MPG, but I'll wait and see.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2013, 02:46 PM	#8
fuddman Major 353 Rep 1,404 Posts Drives: 528-maybe Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Addendum to my comments above: I had 20" Dunlop RFTs also and caught a razor blade flat. It was great not having to switch to the spare (which came with the car) because those 20 inchers are huge! I just drove to Americas Tire where they fixed it free. That incident made me pause and think about going to non RFTs. But only for a moment. The nails I've caught in the past stayed in the tire and held enough pressure for me to drive to get it repaired. Besides, I have towing on my AAA club and they come to help if need be. Plus, the Continentals I have on my other cars do not seem to suck up nails like, for example, Pirellis.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2013, 05:40 PM	#9
X5Beemaah Private First Class 29 Rep 118 Posts Drives: 2011 X5 50i Alpine White Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: North of Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	Thanks all for your input. I ended up ordering the Conti's. Seemed like there were more pros than cons. They'll be installed on Friday and will update you with my thoughts.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-08-2013, 08:28 AM	#11
doni01 New Member 0 Rep 12 Posts Drives: BMW X5 Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	I did the same. Ditched the RFT for the non RFT...Ride quality increased about 100%. WIll never go back to the harsh RFT ride just so I can have a piece of mind. My spare gives me that ;-)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-13-2013, 09:52 PM	#12
X5Beemaah Private First Class 29 Rep 118 Posts Drives: 2011 X5 50i Alpine White Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: North of Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	Hi All....Just an fyi, I went with the Conti's...Love 'em so far. Thanks for all your input
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-19-2013, 01:27 PM	#13
minnmarker Enlisted Member 17 Rep 48 Posts Drives: 2012 X5 xDrive35i, 2003 M3 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Minnesota iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW X5 45e [0.00] 2012 BMW X5 [0.00]	I just got the Continental Extreme DWS put on 2 days ago and we just had a late season snow storm with 6+ inches yesterday. I am amazed at the snow traction these have! I've been driving in snow for 40 years and, outside of dedicated snow tires, these are the best in snow I have had. They were also very quiet during the day of dry pavement before the storm. So far I am very happy. When the shop was putting them on I looked at the stock Bridgestone RTF's being removed. First impression - HEAVY. Second impression - incredibly thick sidewalls. Thicker than the tread. I thought sidewalls were supposed to flex in order to maintain a good contact patch, absorb shocks, etc. My non-expert opinion is that the fast and uneven wear I saw with the OEM RTF's is just part of life with RTF tires. Now what pressure should I run the Contis? The shop said they had a "database" and put in 32 front, 39 rear which is about 5 lbs. under the door sticker. __________________ Minnmarker - Minneapolis, MN 2012 BMW X5 - Daily driver 2003 BMW M3 - Summer Fun!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-19-2013, 03:16 PM	#14
Kzang Major General 3237 Rep 5,066 Posts Drives: 2015 X5 35i Msport SG Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0)	Its simple... if you want a softer ride?? Get the Conti non RFT and carry a spare. Learn to change a flat if you don't know how. If you want a firmer ride and security continue with the BS.. Based upon my own experience Conti DWS has a softer sidewall and therefore it feels non-responsive on tight turns. But the ride is very nice.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2013, 11:00 PM	#16
Trixter99 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: black x5 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: the frozen north iTrader: (0)	I switched to non run flats and am super happy with the ride. I went the cheap route and went with staggered 20" aturro's and would not hesitate to buy them again.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-21-2013, 11:46 AM	#17
mecheng1 New Member 2 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 135iM Dinan Stage 2 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Tampa iTrader: (0)	I have worn out the second set of Dunlop RFTs 275 fr, 315 rear on my X5 50i. I live in Florida so winter use is not a consideration. Any recommendations on non RFT replacements, from Tire Rack for example?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-23-2013, 01:40 PM	#18
igorbmwx6 Lieutenant 160 Rep 508 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW 328i F30 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: San Carlos, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW 328i F30 [0.00] 2011 BMW X6M [0.00] 2011 BMW 335i [0.00] 2009 BMW X6 E71 xDr ... [9.00]	Bridgestone 275/40/20 - front, 315/35/20 - rear
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-20-2013, 04:05 PM	#20
minnmarker Enlisted Member 17 Rep 48 Posts Drives: 2012 X5 xDrive35i, 2003 M3 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Minnesota iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW X5 45e [0.00] 2012 BMW X5 [0.00]	I am loving the Conti's compared to the Bridgestone RTF's. Smoother quieter ride and no difference in cornering that I can detect. Besides, who worries about cornering in an X5 when they have an M3 to play in? :-) This may be handy if you ever get a flat: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 AKA: Slime 70005 Safety Spair 7-Minute Flat Tire Repair System 12-Volt You can get same at WalMart for the same price. It fits nicely behind the left cover in the back end (where you access the left tail light) wrapped in an old T-shirt and a pair of gloves. Bought one for the M3 too. It has no spare and no RTF option - not that I would ever use RTF's on it anyway. BMW actually supplies their own version of slime with that car but it's just a can of goop and compressed air - no compressor. AAA works well too. __________________ Minnmarker - Minneapolis, MN 2012 BMW X5 - Daily driver 2003 BMW M3 - Summer Fun!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-31-2013, 08:19 AM	#21
fenderltd Private 4 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW X5d Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Dallas iTrader: (0)	What PSI are you running 20" Staggered DWS's at? What' the best tire air pressure? I see the door jam, but not sure if it makes a difference when your using NON-RFT's or RFT's. Right now from BMW, they just put on the DWS for me and they are put in F:34psi R: 37psi Just looking for some input on people who have put on the Continental DWS on the 20" staggered setup. Thanks in advance!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-31-2013, 08:24 AM	#22
Fastphoneguy New Member 0 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 2010 X5M Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Fuquay Varina NC iTrader: (0)	I switched over a few weeks ago and love the DWS ! It rides so much better! I also have AAA so not too worried about a flat.
	Appreciate 0 Quote