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Hoping our Tirerack rep here can give us some info. The latest Tirerack Inside Track has a blurb on a new Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP runflat tire. On the website it appears to be currently available only in sizes for BMW 3 series but the blurb mentions it being OEM on the new Corvette ZR1 and becoming available in more sizes by August. This would seem to be a perfect fit for our Caymans if it comes in OEM sizes, all the traction you've come to appreciate in your PS2's along with some peace of mind. Any confirmation the tire will be made in our sizes? (How about for my MINI too, 205 or 215/45/17?) Thanks.
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Scott
2006 Cayman S
2008 MINI S
All the traction you've come to appreciate in your PS2's along with some peace of mind. Any confirmation the tire will be made in our sizes? (How about for my MINI too, 205 or 215/45/17?) Thanks.
I have always read that run flat tires compared to the original tire will not handle as well, they will have spongy and non-responsive handling due to all the reinforcement in the tire. I also believe the tire ends up being heavier.
The RE050A is already available in a run-flat version, and is OE on several bmw's. You can get sizes that will work for the Cayman (245 fronts, 275 rears in 18'' and 19'' inch.) They weigh a few pounds more than the regular version.
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- Suneet
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Not all runflats are created equal. The ones that come OEM on BMW's and MINI's are biased more towards longevity than traction. Corvettes have had OEM runflats for a long time and their spec has always included good traction as part of the bargain. I believe Michelin can make a RF PS2 that equals the performance of their regular tire, question is did they?
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Scott
2006 Cayman S
2008 MINI S
AFter only 800 miles on our new CS, we already had our first screw puncture of our PS2s. Fortunately, the TPMS system indicated a low tire pressure of 30 psi on the rear tire, and my wife was not stranded in her CS. Our Porsche dealer recommended replacement of the tire, but I could not see throwing away the practically new rear tire. She does not track the car. So instead of spending $350 - $400, I paid $4.95 for a plug and patch, and a $5 tip. Runs just great so far.
Run flats would be a great option. Since there are run flats available for a ZR1, it would seem a viable option for an non-tracked Porsche as a daily driver. Does anyone have any experience with putting runflats on their Cayman?
TPMS
TPMS - The Tire Pressure Monitoring System provides early warning of any drop in pressure by continuously monitoring the pressure in each tire and alerting you in the onboard computer display in the event of a pressure deficiency. It communicates the exact pressure of each tire and/or their deviation from ideal pressure. This does away with the need for regular air pressure checks at the service station, which often prove highly inconvenient.
All I know is that I would buy them. Even if it is only for peace of mind. Recently I drove up highway 1 north or San Francisco to a remote area with no cell service. It crossed my mind more than once, I hope I don't get a flat tire out here! Since I don't track my car, it would be a viable option for me.
I had Bridgestone runflats on my Z4 and they were wretched. While they ride hard, they wear fast, too. Check the ratings. The PS2s have a higher treadwear rating. They cannot be repaired under any circumstances, at least based on my experiences. And while BMW has this pact with Bridgestone, I would note that the M3, Z4 M coupe came with regular tires, not runflats. That has to tell you something. I wouldn't put them on my CS if you gave them to me.
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To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. '07 CS, Meteor Grey, stone grey, 19" Carrera Sport with meteor grey spokes/polished rim, headrest crests, bi-xenons, Bose, power seats, rain sensor, fire extinguisher, heated seats, dimming mirrors
'06 CLS 500, white, beige
'04 Black Ranger Edge
I'm with rcr on this one. Not optimum for a track car but if you drive in the real world certainly piece of mind. If I decide to run on the track a second set of wheels and track only tires would be a simple solution. Run flats are a planned upgrade for highway use but I really would rather have spent the money on something else.
I seem to average a puncture every year or two, Some have been such that no way would a can of goop fix it. Ever hit the remaining hook of one of those cheap rubber bungees? They disguise themselves very well as a tar patch on the pavement. The gash they leave won't be fixed by goop. So your walking. In some areas without cell coverage a long way to find it. Something I suspect the Porsche engineer never got far enough from his workstation to think about. I work with folks like this. Most times reality surprises (shocks) them.
You could spend some $$ on an inflatable spare tire,as I and others have. One that is available from Porsche in many parts of the world. Not so in the US. They are available as a separate item from Porsche dealers. Search this forum for related threads. Try "spare tire" and "flat tire" in your search.
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RobMason
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I had Bridgestone runflats on my Z4 and they were wretched. While they ride hard, they wear fast, too. Check the ratings. The PS2s have a higher treadwear rating. They cannot be repaired under any circumstances, at least based on my experiences. And while BMW has this pact with Bridgestone, I would note that the M3, Z4 M coupe came with regular tires, not runflats. That has to tell you something. I wouldn't put them on my CS if you gave them to me.
Have to respectfully disagree with you. Had run flats on a Z4; I thought the treadwear was not out of the ordinary, and they gave me peace of mind. I did not track the car and have no intention of tracking my Cayman. In my opinion, the puncture goop for the Cayman is a joke, a bad joke, particularly if you are in the the middle of no where with no cell service.
You are correct about repairing the run flats; BMW will not, they want you to replace the tire.
My friend has a 2008 Corvette with 435 HP with run flats, and the car handles very well. Seems to me Porsche could find a better solution than a bottle of goop.
And then when you use the Goop it fouls up your TPMS sensors, so one more thing to have to tend to.
TPMS
TPMS - The Tire Pressure Monitoring System provides early warning of any drop in pressure by continuously monitoring the pressure in each tire and alerting you in the onboard computer display in the event of a pressure deficiency. It communicates the exact pressure of each tire and/or their deviation from ideal pressure. This does away with the need for regular air pressure checks at the service station, which often prove highly inconvenient.
You could spend some $$ on an inflatable spare tire,as I and others have. One that is available from Porsche in many parts of the world. Not so in the US. They are available as a separate item from Porsche dealers. Search this forum for related threads. Try "spare tire" and "flat tire" in your search.
True. I'd already considered that option. While cheaper then the run flats there's very likely more weight increase, all in front, and loss of even more of the limited luggage area.
I'm with rcr on this one. Not optimum for a track car but if you drive in the real world certainly piece of mind.
In the "real world" you'll find they are hard as bricks and will make you regret the choice every day. You'd be far better off getting the spare if you want "piece (sic) of mind". The side walls are extremely stiff and will really make you feel every bump in the road, not to mentions strips on concrete roads.
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To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. '07 CS, Meteor Grey, stone grey, 19" Carrera Sport with meteor grey spokes/polished rim, headrest crests, bi-xenons, Bose, power seats, rain sensor, fire extinguisher, heated seats, dimming mirrors
'06 CLS 500, white, beige
'04 Black Ranger Edge
Until 
