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Tyres they are a changing

I have a BMW 330 SE Coupe and was interested in your comments re Michelin Primacy HP last Saturday. Since fitting these to the wife's VW Golf V5 Tiptronic with Sports Suspension last year they have absolutely transformed the car and the quiet running is unbelievable from the original Michelins. Have you any views on Runflats in terms of quiet running?

Asked on 1 August 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
Yes, big news on Runflats. I was testing the next generation Bridgestone RFT 3s in Italy recently. The sidewalls are softer, making them 15% less harsh than original runflats and 10% less than RFT2s. Nose levels are also reduced. RFT3s are comparable and in some cases better than conventional tyres. Also they can run flat for longer. Up to 80km without damage, though the carcass must always be inspected after a flat. New ‘NanoPro-Tech’ compound disperses heat better, and special plies tug the tyres back into shape after a puncture so the tyres don't come off the rims. But cornering is slightly compromised compared to RFT2s. All those we tried were 245/40 x 18, so it was a fair test. Bridgestone RFT3s should be on the market between October and the end of the year.
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