[Cay]

Hi all,

Finally getting round to ditching the runflats on my 2007 118d SE 3d hatchback. I know there has been several threads about the switch but couldn't find answers to the following;

1) What is the best sizing to go for?

I ask because I thought possibly due to the build of the runflats, that a different sizing with the non RF would give a better drive? I also notice there are 4 sizing options when I enter my car details on the tyre websites. [A) 205/55/16 Front &Rear B) 205/50/17 F&R C) 205/50/17 F with 225/45/17 R D) 205/45/18 F with 225/40/18 R].

At the moment the run flats are 205/50/17 all round.

2) Can anyone recomend a decent set for around £300-350 as I just don't have the funds to get the premium tyres right now.

EDIT - Sorry if this should be in the "Tyres/Wheels" section, I'm still a bit new to all this, if so please could a mod move it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[GarnZ]

Cay, you are on the right track, I have had many BMW's and was very disappointed with "Run-flats" on my 120i hatch.
I always want handling, however, I don't want to watch for every pothole or bump in the roadway.
To me run-flals make a great car feel like a Go-cart. NonRF's solve that problem!

Now funds.... since you already have 17" alloys there is no sense in parting out more money to buy 18" alloys, so all you have to do is find a garage that is expert in removing run-flats and fitting some "non run-flats" ( Some garages say they are difficult to remove).
Next is the tyre size. I would go for a reasonable good brand and get a quote for fitting NRF with a similar size to what you already have. That way you don't have to worry too much about spacers etc to have the correct tyre clearance, hence, you don't have to worry about whether or not your tyres are rubbing under suspension movement. You may want to "creep" up slightly larger on the rear sizing after checking clearances (Lets face it, the garage will be able to do that checking for you)

RegardZ.
PS. One of the main worries with non-run-flats is that you should have a spare tyre.
Well, I thought about this and read one report that 95% of the time when you get a flat, it is able to be inflated to get to a garage.
It made me feel easy about the problem and now just carry a portable tyre kit.

 

[Octavius]

Pm'd

 

[Twenny]

I was going to suggest 18's but GarnZ has made a good point about alloys so If you're looking for a great set of 17' tyres these are perfect and a bargain - Falken FK453 205/50/17 93Y

http://www.babybmw.net/viewtopic.php?t=82728

I too have changed to run flats recently and they are amazing, I also have a couple cans of tyre weld in the boot.

2010 E82 125i modded by Babybmw.net

 

[Toed64]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-1-3-S...507488?hash=item33b164d520:g:IAoAAOSwx-9WuhgU

 

[stevesurrey]

Don't forget to check with your insurance company that they are happy for you to fit non-standard tyres. Most don't seem to give a hoot but the odd one does. Plus you don't want to give them the chance to deny a claim coz you haven't declared a modification.

 

[Octavius]

All sorted. Bought my tyres

 

[Cay]

All sorted. Bought my tyres

Indeed, and thanks to everyone else for their replies

 

[GarnZ]

Cay, what brand and sizes? Realising it probably only an interim measure, before you get into 18" wheels in the longer term.
Interested in knowing how the new rubber feels! Glad you got sorted.
Regardz

 

[Octavius]

Cay, what brand and sizes? Realising it probably only an interim measure, before you get into 18" wheels in the longer term.
Interested in knowing how the new rubber feels! Glad you got sorted.
Regardz

In transit as from tomorrow to Cay.
Falken FK453 205/50/17 XL

 

[Octavius]

Delivered by courier and signed for today. Just waiting Cay to confirm.

 

[Octavius]

Forget to tell him they were wrapped up in 200 meters of cling film for transit so it could take a while to unpack them

 

[Natty]

I remember someone from the RAC telling me they aren't helping out cars which don't have standard runflats fitted anymore, not sure if that' true.

 

[marco_polo]

I remember someone from the RAC telling me they aren't helping out cars which don't have standard runflats fitted anymore, not sure if that' true.

They're only helping 2% of UK motorists now?

 

[SailingTom]

Don't forget to check with your insurance company that they are happy for you to fit non-standard tyres. Most don't seem to give a hoot but the odd one does. Plus you don't want to give them the chance to deny a claim coz you haven't declared a modification.

Sorry to Hijack the thread a little, im also going to be switching to non run flats soon. Hadn't even considered insurance so thanks for that, were all 1 series fitted with runflats?
Cheers

 

[marco_polo]

were all 1 series fitted with runflats?
Cheers

No, some SE's came with proper tyres from the factory. I know Barrie (Redwizard) ordered his E87 with proper tyres.

 

[Octavius]

were all 1 series fitted with runflats?
Cheers

No, some SE's came with proper tyres from the factory. I know Barrie (Redwizard) ordered his E87 with proper tyres.

But 16 inch ones.

 

[Seanpcashman]

+1 for the falkens - I wouldn't use anything else now. Worlds apart from the runflats.

 

[Octavius]

Cay pm'd me earlier this week. Tyres were delivered on Tuesday and fitted on Wednesday. He is more than happy with the Falkens and I must admit, I couldn't fault them.

No doubt he will post more on the tyres next time he's on the forum.

 

[Octavius]

Forgot to mention if anyone is looking to use a courier to send tyres or wheels I can highly recommend Paisley Freight. At less than £40 to send the tyres to the Isle Of White and delivered in no time whatsoever it was painless.