phoenixgold

iTrader: (2)

Hi All,

I have a BMW 330D which is currently fitted with run flat tyres. The rears are due replacement, and due to the cost of new ones, I've been looking for some part worns. I've found a couple of good ones 6-7mm, however, when the second one has arrived the models are slightly different. They are Bridgestone RE050A and RE050AI. Should I be worried about fitting them together?

Thanks for any help/advice

Cheers, Jason.

nik52wrx

I'd have been tempted to ditch the run flats and buy some new normal tyres and an emergency repair kit, many do this with BMW Mini run flats.
What sort of guarantee and past history come with part worns?
I'd be worried they'd been bounced off a kerb suffering wall damage or something.

Nik.

Jamescsti

I'm sure I read somewhere that part worms are meant to have some sort of stamp on them to show they have been inspected.
Doubt it happens much though.

Frosticles

iTrader: (1)

I'm in exactly the same position with the same car. Cheapest Bridgestone run flats in 255/35/18 are £280 each!!!!!!!!!!!!!

phoenixgold

iTrader: (2)

I thought about it with the none run flats. £900 for 4 Bridgestone run flats, £500 for Vredestein normals, or about £200 for 6mm part worns. Gone for the part worn option this time. I know I'll get at least 20k out of them. Don't know what the wear rate will be like on Vreds. Also, I read that to get the best out of changing the tyres, I would really need to change the suspension too.

tony de wonderful

I think you'll invalidate your insurance if you fit non OEM tyres as it counts as a mod.

ScoobyJawa

No suspension change needed if you ditch RFT's instead. Improves handling, ride and is tonnes cheaper, you won't look back.

bigredrob

[QUOTE][/I think you'll invalidate your insurance if you fit non OEM tyres as it counts as a mod.QUOTE +1

robby

correct - it's now required to have white stamps on the sidewalls

SPEN555

£280 for run flats must be a pisstake? Guy at work has an v10 m5 and has been quoted £260 fully fitted at a bmw dealer which seems reasonable to me. £280 on a 330d is someone trying to rip u off surely?

richs2891

BMW run flats do seem to be ridiculously expensive, even more so when sold by BMW.
To the OP I would suggest reading up on some of the many BMW forums - there will be lots of information on this topic.

Richard

phoenixgold

iTrader: (2)

I think the rear tyres are an odd ball size at 255/35/18. The fronts are cheaper at £150 for 225/40/18, but these seem to be fitted to a lot more car models.

I think I will probably change for standard tyres next time around if I still have the car by then!

geesta

No run flats on M5

They don't put them on M cars

SPEN555

I know that. What I am saying is the sheer size of the M5's (275's i think) tyres means £280 for 255 runflats is a right rip off.

craigo

iTrader: (1)

Do the benefits of run-flats outweigh their purchase price ?

richs2891

well run flats dont stop you getting puntures. Its a normal tyre with an extra hard sidewall.
They do allow you to drive a certain distance with a punture though, generally without any damage to the tyre.
Lol BMW wont repair runflats but most garages use common sense and repair them if its safe to do so.
Unsure if the advantages outweigh the extra purchase price or not.

Richard

craigo

iTrader: (1)

Add to that the issues with insurance perhaps Hmmm

SPIDERWRX

My 335i came alive after getting rid of the run-flats. BUT im only getting about 10,000 miles from the rears with over 400bhp and 450t

chrislake90

I work in a garage and using those two tread patters together will be fine, also regarding the comment about insurance - dont worry your insurance wont be invalid if you use a different make of tyre.
in terms of legality just make sure you have the same speed rating on the same axle so say for example 225/40 R18 91V - the V is the speed rating and must be the same for the tyres across an axle.
Where about are you based as if you are near essex i may be able to help you out with a good deal
Chris

phoenixgold

iTrader: (2)

Thanks Chris. The tread patterns are the same. As far as I can tell, there is a slight difference in the sidewall. Even the bridgestone site has no reference to RE050A, RE050AI or even RE050AII. It seems they are different generations of the tyre.

The fitter that I used said it shoudld be fine too. The speed and weight ratings are the same.

Based in Yorkshire, so a fair way away! Looking for a front pair in 225/40/18 now!