BMW X4 - Changing from Pirelli P Zero Run Flats

Hi,

I am looking for some advice if possible. I have just purchased a BMW X4 Xdrive Xline 2017. and it has come with Pirelli P Zero run flats. I test drove the car and found it to be relatively acceptable in ride quality, however over the weekend I took it on a much longer drive fully loaded with 4 passengers and luggage in the boot.

The ride quality was awful felt all bumps and pot holes, the feedback through the steering and cabin was rough. My previous car was a BMW 320D M Sport, and this came with run flats which I switched out straight away.

Do you feel switching out from run flats to normal tyres will improve the ride comfort? I am used to the suspension being a little on the firm side due to my previous car being M Sport. This is also the first larger BMW I have owned so I am not sure if it is just a characteristic of the car?

Thanks.

 

I'm a bit surprised that the ride quality was worse fully loaded. In my experience with RFTs, when loaded the ride is typically better due to the tyre and suspension working more in harmony. Maybe it is an X3/4 trait, being harsher when loaded.

Non run-flats will likely be much better, but make sure you get the right tyres for xDrive.

Peter

 

Before dipping your pockets
Check the tyre pressures, ordinarily, the dealer will set them to the maximum which causes a lot/ the majority of the harshness you mention
The Pirelli’s are normally the better option for runflats, set the pressure to the low level and slow tune the pressure to your desire for comfort

Would love to hear about your x4, I shortlisted the x4 earlier this year!

 

The car itself is great, I really love everything from the added tech of heads up display, IDrive system etc. The cabin is nice, I know people complain about the lack of space in the boot and back of the car but, I like the look of the car with the sloping roof line coupe.

I drove it earlier along the motorway and it felt pleasant, it explodes through the cabin and you feel every bump as soon as you hit a poorer A or B road. I will try and tire pressure first tomorrow see if it makes difference, do not like how jarring it feels at the moment.

 

Out of interest what setup are you running? Suspension... wheel size...

Peter

 

Back : 275 / 40 / r19 101y

Front : 245 / 45 / r19 98Y

 

Even more surprising it's so harsh, running the smaller 19" wheels. As suggested, check the pressures and see what you find.

Peter

 

I will look to see if I can reduce the pressures see if it makes a difference. Thanks. If not will move to non run flats.

 

I've had Pirelli P Zero runflats (19 inch) on my F30 from new and have been pleased with their performance in wet and dry. They are also relatively quiet and refined. So I have never experienced the harshness that you mention. Obviously, it's a different car compared to an X4 and I have adaptive suspension, which may help the ride quality. I've noticed the same experience mentioned by @The CO, when I've fitted winter tyres on 18 inch wheels they feel a little more vague with less feedback, and I prefer the handling of the car with the 19 inch summer low profile tyres. Don't get me wrong, the winters do their job well - just not as positive.

As suggested, I would check the pressures on your tyres. If they are too high, that would explain the harshness.

 

Thanks all, took some pressure out of the tyres and it has made a massive difference. I think it was inflated to 38 PSI on the back and 35 PSI on the front, took 10% out of each and it has improved a lot.

 

Glad to hear that it's improved things.
FWIW my tyres front and rear are inflated to 2.6 barg (38 psig) as shown on the drivers door pillar.

 

Shucks!
It’s surprising, however do not forget to reset your tyre pressure monitoring system to the new Pressures

Slight changes in pressure make a huge difference, sadly it’s minuscule differences of 3-4psi that has huge detriment to ride comfort
I always run at the lower pressures stated on the door card, however it can lead to typical inner tyre wear, something to keep and eye on!

 

At that mileage, and with the pads requiring replacement, I'd expect new discs would be needed.

If you're going to it yourself, it may be worth tour while getting a parts quote from our site support (Cotswold bmw). You'll also need a new sensor and probably retention springs.

 

I'm on Mitchelin Latitude run flats on the X3 (19")
It's a firm ride for a big SUV. Far better than my old E90 Msport, but still firm

 

Just out of interest, Ed, are those Michelins BMW (*) rated?

I've always been a fan of Michelin tyres and thought of possibly fitting some to my F30. They are available in Pilot Sports for my 19 inch wheels, but not BMW (*) rated. After advice received and read, that might lead to issues on the transfer box on my Xdrive.

 

They are star marked in my size, Michelin Latitude Sport 3 ZP (245/50R19 105W)

 

changed from Pirelli P Zero (runflats) to Pirelli P Zero Rosso ( same tyre non runflat version) and the difference is night and day.
The X3 is now quiet, stable and a pleasure to drive compared to the runflats.
runflats encountered 3 punctures in 6 months v 18 months on new tyres and NO punctures.
same roads
same mileages

 

Are you saying runflats are more susceptible to getting pictures?