NeilC123

Hi,

I was wondering. I saw an advert on tv featuring run flat tyres and they seemed a very good idea. It is always a nightmare of mine being caught on a motorway and then getting a puncture and having to change tyres mid motorway. Does anyone know if it is possible to get these on the SL? I think they were goodyear tyres but surely other tyre manufacturers do it as well? Anyone have any idea if you can get them for the SL? Anyone had any experience with them?

Thanks.

lkirchner

I had an SC430 Lexus with the run flat tires and the car rode like a tank. I switched to regular tires and it was like a different car; much smoother and better ride and handling. Based on my experience I would stay away from them,

NeilC123

Hi,

Did you have that car a long time ago? I would hope they would improve the technology if the ride was that bad?

ToonArmy

One of the "Fifth Gear" programs with Tiff Needell did an evaluation of run-flat tires, I think they used a new (E60) 5-series BMW for it. Don't recall the specifics, but I think they were favourable overall. Might see if you can find that episode somewhere.

lkirchner

:v It was purchased new in May of 2004. The technology still has a long way to go. To make them "run flat" the sidewalls are much more rigid than conventional tires, therefore the harsh ride. In addition, in most cases if you do get a flat it is normally not repairable; kind of a throwaway tire. My neighbor has a BMW Z4 and has picked up nails in her tire twice and in both cases they were not repairable.

Another thing that would keep me away is the ride is not only harsh but when you hit a rut in the road or a pothole the car slams extremely hard. With the "fragile" roofs on the R230 SL's that are prone to rattles, I would only imagine rattles galore.