Tyres - To Run Flat or Not

[mjheathcote]

In my opinion, all this talk of run flats being lethal is nonsense. I have them on my 320D MSPORT and they're fine. Handle well, grip well, wear well. Zero issue whatsoever.

I've done 20,000 miles on them and they still look good. I live in the countryside and enjoy the country roads as much as possible, so much so that I'd say point to point the car is quicker and more predictable than my elise!

Talking of the Elise, I run that on Toyo R1R. Great in the wet and better than the T1R for grip and they have a stiffer side wall that reduces the wobbly feel. Not sure how they'd be on a heavier car mind you.

Anyway, that's my experience. Take it or leave it

My 320d MSport likewise.
Now done 107k miles on the continental run flats, not the same ones I may add!!
My Elise S1 111s ran the Lotus Yokohama ADVAN NEOVA's... Great tyres but I think they stopped making them.

 

[drewf]

In my opinion, all this talk of run flats being lethal is nonsense. I have them on my 320D MSPORT and they're fine. Handle well, grip well, wear well. Zero issue whatsoever.

I'd agree with that Dan - had them on a 520d and they were absolutely fine. What they aren't though is run-flat... Any idea that you can just drive on them after a puncture is in my experience nonsense. Suffered two punctures in that car, and in both cases the car was simply not drivable after a mile or so, with the sidewalls destroyed. Same happened to a colleague with a BMW too. Turned what should have been a 15 minute change of wheel into a 2 hour wait for a truck, and a 1 hour ride home, since there's no spare. The tyres are fine, but I'd much rather have a spare which will actually work - even a spacesaver would be acceptable.

 

[BennyD]

I had run flats on my 335D and hated them. They give a hard ride and the stiff sidewalks tend to make the tread skip over rippled/broken Tarmac. I found them to be noisy as well and wore quite quickly too. I changed them at the first opportunity and even the wife noticed the improvement in ride, grip and handling.

 

[mjheathcote]

Regarding mine, it has to said although MSport with the low stiffer ride, the 18" standard rims were exchanged for SE 17" rims from new.
What was the point in 255 rear tyres (320d not an M3) at well over £250 each (may be cheaper now)...compared to less than £100 for the 225's. Plus can put the rears on the front to even out wear.
I find the ride and handling very good.