[geoffbaker]

I have Driveguard 225/40 18 on my 228i xDrive. Roads throughout winter and even now into summer have been very bad for where I live. I've gone through 10+ flat tires since February and I am not sure how many wheels (thank goodness I have insurance). These are almost always about a 1" sidewall pinch on the outside of the tire right near where it meets the wheel.

I've noticed my friends that have the 3 series 225/45 18s have not had near as many problems as I have.

I haven't been able to tell from searching but I am wondering if any of the following would be options:
- I think 205/50 17 might be an option. They are narrower but I think would add 0.5" cushion between the road and the wheel
- Switching to a non run flat. I was not sure if this would make enough difference without maybe also switching wheel size. I drive mostly interstate now because the roads are better. Downside is a flat would come at higher speeds.
- Some combination of the above
- I've debated about moving to a 3 series (I got the 2 more for size as its just me 90% of the time)

[BEM-S4]

17" wheel and non rft will be your best bet if you want to keep your 2.

[hwntime]

Get rid of those dang RFT's!! I had two bulges in two tires within a 6 month period so rather than spending another $300+ for a second replacement, I went Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ and couldn't be happier. I had the Bridgestone S001's which were the max performance summer UHP RFT's and they were unforgiving.

[jimT249]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

17" wheel and non rft will be your best bet if you want to keep your 2.

Are non RF more forgiving and less prone to failure than RFT?

[marcthedark]

Originally Posted by geoffbaker

I have Driveguard 225/40 18 on my 228i xDrive. Roads throughout winter and even now into summer have been very bad for where I live. I've gone through 10+ flat tires since February and I am not sure how many wheels (thank goodness I have insurance). These are almost always about a 1" sidewall pinch on the outside of the tire right near where it meets the wheel.

I've noticed my friends that have the 3 series 225/45 18s have not had near as many problems as I have.

I haven't been able to tell from searching but I am wondering if any of the following would be options:
- I think 205/50 17 might be an option. They are narrower but I think would add 0.5" cushion between the road and the wheel
- Switching to a non run flat. I was not sure if this would make enough difference without maybe also switching wheel size. I drive mostly interstate now because the roads are better. Downside is a flat would come at higher speeds.
- Some combination of the above
- I've debated about moving to a 3 series (I got the 2 more for size as its just me 90% of the time)

Why 205/50-17 .... stick with 225/45-17 or upsize to 235/45-17 both are inside 1% of the stock circumference

[hwntime]

Originally Posted by jimT249

Are non RF more forgiving and less prone to failure than RFT?

Absolutely.

[Maynard]

That sounds like the kind of damage from hitting manhole-rims or train tracks (or similar) - you might also revise some of your driving routes or style. Unless your insurance will transfer to non-RFT's (doubtful) then you are probably better off letting the dealership keep replacing them - 17" non-RFT's might be stronger, but probably not enough to have survived all 10 of those hits.