[T.C.]

I'm ready to ditch the Bridgestone S001 RF tyres that my 116i F20 Sport came with after 11000 miles.

I know the RFT vs non-RFT debate has been done to death on the forums but what I want to know is, has anyone put regular 91 load index tyres on their 1 series and what is the handling like?

My current tyres (225/45/17) are 91 LI however I've read that when switching from RFTs to go to XL rated to prevent too soft handling in corners.

My first choice tyre was Goodyear F1 Assy (94 XL) at £115 per tyre however Costco are offering £60 off a set of Michelins so I am now looking at Pilot Sport 3 (91) at around £90 per tyre after savings. Costco can order the PS3 in 94 XL however price is £130 per tyre (around £115 after savings).

£100 saving on 4 tyres isn't bad but will I regret it with the softer tyres? Note I do not have M Sport suspension. I do tend to throw the car around abit hence needing 4 tyres after only 11000.

[ovekvam]

I am running Michelin Pilot Sport 3 (not XL) on our 116i. These tyres are lighter than runflats, and have softer sidewalls. I see that as an advantage when it comes to grip, comfort and handling. If you want stiff and responsive tyres with less grip (more like runflats), you can run high pressures.

[AusF20/F48]

Originally Posted by ovekvam

I am running Michelin Pilot Sport 3 (not XL) on our 116i. These tyres are lighter than runflats, and have softer sidewalls. I see that as an advantage when it comes to grip, comfort and handling. If you want stiff and responsive tyres with less grip (more like runflats), you can run high pressures.

What are you using for puncture repair or have you bought a space saver

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by AusF20

What are you using for puncture repair or have you bought a space saver

A worm kit, a torque wrench, a 12V compressor and a jack.

[AusF20/F48]

I will be up for new tyres soon, and I am considering the Michelin Pilot Sport 3 (non XL)
and doing the same as ovekvam and keep the tools etc (as I used to do with past cars)
My only concern about going back to non runflat, is that there is some debate now about warrantee issues on suspension components by Manufacturers as they say that their suspension is set for run flats and that if non flats are fitted it could effect or void the warrantee.
Has anyone checked with their BMW dealer to get confirmation that they can use non XL

[johnnydad]

Australian M135is don't have RFTs standard and the warranty remains whichever you spec, besides which I cannot see how suspension components would be under more duress with ordinary tyres given they absorb a tiny bit more shock.

[iBeech]

My local tire fitter told me that i couldnt put a non-run flat tire onto the alloy which came from BMW with run flats on them... .is this true?

[AusF20/F48]

Originally Posted by johnnydad

Australian M135is don't have RFTs standard and the warranty remains whichever you spec, besides which I cannot see how suspension components would be under more duress with ordinary tyres given they absorb a tiny bit more shock.

Does the M135i come with a spare?

[T.C.]

Originally Posted by iBeech

My local tire fitter told me that i couldnt put a non-run flat tire onto the alloy which came from BMW with run flats on them... .is this true?

No it's not true. You can fit non runflats on runflat wheels but not the other way round.

I went ahead and got the PS3s (non XL) and first impressions are great. Ride and handling feels very similar, not too soft at all. Road noise is massively reduced. Much more comfortable when going over bumps and cats eyes etc.

Will buy some tyreweld just incase and I carry a compressor anyway. I have never had a puncture that caused the tyre to deflate in less than 24 hours before so I'll take my chances (touch wood).

As far as suspension and warranty goes, the BMW website lists RFTs as 'non standard equipment' so I can't see how they could void a warranty. As far as I'm aware the ES or SE(?) models come without run flats and they have the same suspension as the Sport.

[johnnydad]

Originally Posted by AusF20

Does the M135i come with a spare?

No, as with the M3 etc, just a compressor and goo.

[AusF20/F48]

I am still tossing up between run flats and non run flats (keeping the bits in the boot).

I would like to hear from other owners with M Sport 18" about which brands and types they recommend.
I am not happy with the Bridgestone tyres that are currently on mine.
(225R4088Y) front and (245R3588Y) rear

[johnnydad]

Logic suggests Michelin Pilot Supersports as fitted standard to the M135i would be the place to start.

Tirerack have the BMW specific ones for $232/$249 USD, I picked up fronts locally for $300 and the rears for $370 - front are still available (Tempe) but haven't since seen the rears that cheap. Still, at the Tirerack price, you could import a pair of 245s and still be ahead.

Other options include Pirellis and Continental CS5s but I don't think they would suit the car as well and will not be significantly cheaper. Or Goodyear F1 Assy's which I have similarly heard mixed reports about. Kumhos? Might save a couple of hundred a set but my experience with them on other cars suggests they are more inferior to Michelin than the price suggests.

[ttimbo]

Road &Track's recent tyre test recently rated the MPSS above the Advan AD08 and Goodyear AS II