Noisy runflats on 535d

[Griffski]

I've now done 35,000 miles on my 535d Sport Touring and the tyre noise has been getting noisier and noisier. It sounds like a wheel a bearing (it's not) and it's slightly louder when braking, no difference steering/turning left or right.

I've replaced the rears due to wear with Good Years which were fitted when new, but the fronts are still ok.

Anyone any similar experience?
Are Michelins any better?
Or are they all shite!

Shame because the runflat tyres really do this car no justice. My previous 530i Sport Saloon had 18" rims with normal tyres and had a far superior ride.

[Marki]

Griffski said:

It sounds like a wheel a bearing (it's not)

Funny you should say that ,,,, i have the same on my MCS but only when cold in fact they also seem to be flat spotted when cold

[MattOz]

I've got the same on my 330i. It's running Pilot Sports though. Only happens below 20mph, and usually there's a rumble that I thought was a wheel bearing. It's not a bearing but is certainly noisy enough for a concern. The front tyres have about 3.5mm of tread and wear is even. Will be interesting to see what happens when they're changed.

Seems to be a common problem!

Matt

[blackspider]

It is common-you will find the inner and outer edges have stepped-if you run your hand backwards on the tyre you will feel and see it-its because the side walls of the tyres are so hard,you will also find it tram lines more than it used too.
You can swop to normal non run flat tyres,which is better

[Griffski]

blackspider said:

It is common-you will find the inner and outer edges have stepped-if you run your hand backwards on the tyre you will feel and see it-its because the side walls of the tyres are so hard,you will also find it tram lines more than it used too.
You can swop to normal non run flat tyres,which is better

I've investigated the normal tyre option and as my car is on contract hire with BMW this is apparently not possible.
To change would cause a problem as there would be no spare in the event of a breakdown and I am not prepared to cough up for a spare rim & tyre.
I'm going to change the front tyres, question is which manufacturer do I use? I assume they are all shite!

[blackspider]

Dunflops are awful..
Continetals are good and the most commonly fitted but do step at half worn
Bridgestone seem to suffer with stepping
Pirreli seem to be good as do the michies

[CatherineJ]

Our 3 Series M Sport is fitted with Bridgestones. I am really quite happy with them and I noticed that these tyres came top in the Auto Express.

[Egbert Nobacon]

MattOz said:

I've got the same on my 330i. It's running Pilot Sports though. Only happens below 20mph, and usually there's a rumble that I thought was a wheel bearing. It's not a bearing but is certainly noisy enough for a concern. The front tyres have about 3.5mm of tread and wear is even. Will be interesting to see what happens when they're changed.

Seems to be a common problem!

Matt

My 530 Sport is the same - runs on Contis.

I thought it was a bearing and took it to dealer.

Tech swopped wheels with a another vehicle, also with Conti's - we tested it and it was quiet as a mouse !

Tyres looked evenly worn, but when we put car on a 4 post lift it was apparent they were stepped.

I had a four wheel alignment done as some bushes had been changed under warranty and the noise reduced markedly at higher speeds but it still drones away below 40 mph.

Just debating whether to live with reduced noise as tyres only half worn or bite the bullet and change them.