Sorry if this topic has been discussed before.

I need to replace one tire and the best deal I am getting is via Discount tire. In order for the sensor to work, do I need to go to a BMW authorized center to replace RFTs?

I have an 04 Z4 3.0i.

TIA.

No... just recalibrate the FTM system. I would recommend you replace both tires on that axle though.

KEvlar,

Thanks for the quick reply.

By recalibrate, do you mean fill tire up with air, press and hold the button and wait until it turns green before driving away?

Discount tires only recommended changing the one tire that had a huge nail in it. They said the other looked fine. Or maybe its because they saw the expression on my face when they told me how much each one cost. :)

By recalibrate, you have to check your manual because it is different for each car/model year. However, I think since you have an '04, you need to set all the air pressures, turn the key to on, push and hold the button for 5-7 seconds (maybe 10) at which point in time, the light will turn yellow. Then start driving. It will recalculate the rotation of each wheel/tire in relation to the others.

I normally recommend replacing two because if you have one 1/2 used tire compared one new tire, you essentially have different rotational diameters on each side of a car and it is the equivalent of taking a styrofoam cup and rolling it on a tbale, it will want to go around in a circle versus go straight because the larger end has a larger rotational diameter.

That is just my personal preference though.

Kevlar,

Man, I really appreciate your help. You make a lot of sense.

Thank goodness for this forum and for people like you.

I went to Discount tire and had no issues.

I can`t wait to get rid of the RFTs and put on a normal set.

The difference in ride and handling when you replace the POS FRT's is quite significant.

I also picked up a BMW Mobility kit to better mitigate any "no spare" problems, and personally believe that the risk / reward factor is overwhelmingly in favor of dumping the RFT's and reaping the benefits as soon as practicality allows. As I said, the difference is really surprising!

The difference in ride and handling when you replace the POS FRT's is quite significant.

I also picked up a BMW Mobility kit to better mitigate any "no spare" problems, and personally believe that the risk / reward factor is overwhelmingly in favor of dumping the RFT's and reaping the benefits as soon as practicality allows. As I said, the difference is really surprising!
Are we talking smoother ride, easier maneuverability?

Are we talking smoother ride, easier maneuverability?

Yup - and lots better feedback from the pavement/tire contact too.

You'll smile more too. :)

Thanks everyone.

Will definitely look into non-RFTs when my set gives out. But I would drive worried about having no spare.

My Z4 is an 04. I got it used in 05 with less than 2000 miles in it. I don't drive it daily since I have another vehicle so the other tires are still in great shape. Discount Tires did not see a need to replace the others, just the one with the huge nail in it. RFTs will have to do for now.

Thanks again.

Get a spare if you're worried and keep it at home, with a half-size spare in the trunk to get you there. The difference between RFT's and non-RFT's is night and day. You'll really be amazed at how much better the car handles, and it's absolutely worth the cost of replacing all four.

Excellent idea.

Z4's don't have the sensors in the wheels until I beleive 07 model year, so any joe blow with a tire machine should be able to change it. well... not anyone. runflats are a little tougher to deal with because of the stiff sidewall.

Z4's don't have the sensors in the wheels until I beleive 07 model year, so any joe blow with a tire machine should be able to change it. well... not anyone. runflats are a little tougher to deal with because of the stiff sidewall.

Sorry, my '03 has them. Sports pkg, 18" wheels.