Tire Noise

I have a 2007 328i with 16" Bridgestone Run Fats. At about 5000 miles they started getting noisy by 8000 they were overpowering the radio at low volume. I took it to my local BMW dealer and without much complaining at all they said they would replace them at no charge. He told me under 10,000 miles they would replace them for free over 10,000 and they would prorate them. I told a friend with a 07 335i with 17" Bridgestone RFT's, he when to a different Dealership and they told him they would replace his free also. Looks like ther might be having a problem with these tires. The gave me a set of Continentals as replacements, we'll see how these last.

The problem is that they're runflats. Runflats are very noisy due to their construction. They also are very heavy and handle like crap. RFTs are pretty much a waste of money IMO. The Contis are not runflats, which is why they're much more quiet.

Remember- when it comes to runflats, Just Say NO.

I've heard what you are saying before by others that have had runflats. The Contis are runflats and are probably quiet because they are new. The Bridgestones were quiet when new also. Your right I wouldn't buy a set but if they're going to give me a new set every 8000 miles I'll take them. Or they can give me non-runflats, a spare, a jack, and tools since the new cars don't come with any of that.

is it possible to get an E90 with normal tires (not runflats ?)

With the xi models you can choose non-runflats with the sports package. Everything else has them. You can also request non-runflat tires at the dealership and make an agreement with them to remove and replace the tires. They may do it for free, or they may pro-rate you for the tires.

i switched mine out for non runflats...they're noisy. the only problem you have now is no spare. i bought a little spare for the car that i only use if i go on long trips...checking tire thread is a must every week

I have a 2007 325i with the 2nd set of Bridgestone Turanza RFT (16"). When the 2nd set had about 28000 miles (6,ooo miles ago or so) I had them siped at the local Discount Tire. I was surprised not only how much better snow/ice traction they had (this was done early this year during a Michigan winter), but also the tires are significantly quieter on the dry pavement. According to the company that manufacturers the siping machine, one of the benefits of siping is a quieter ride as it essentially makes the tire more compliant, flexible, and this will also improve your treadwear.

For the nominal charge ($10 each tire I believe), its worth it to have your RFT's siped, especially since the tire options for RFT's is somewhat limited and the cars obviously don't have spares (or room for them without sacrificing trunk storate) if you switch to non RFT's.