Pothole!

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z4 roadster and Z4 Coupe
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Buzz
Joined: Tue 18 Nov, 2003 11:22
Posts: 105

  Z4 roadster 3.0si

Pothole!

Post by Buzz »

Hi All,

It's been a long time since I posted on here but I'm looking for a little advice. I drove through a large pothole this week which made an almighty bang. Although the car drives ok (no noticeable difference) I'm concerned about potential damage. The car is going up on a ramp next Tuesday to have a look but I'm wondering if there are specific items I should be looking for? The car is an E85 3.0si on runflats (yes, I know) where the tyres may have made the impact sound worse that it was, but it really did sound as if I'd driven it off a cliff!

Any pointers will be gratefully received.

Many thanks,

Buzz.
therealdb1
Joined: Tue 25 Jun, 2013 21:47
Posts: 263

  Z3 roadster 2.0

Re: Pothole!

Post by therealdb1 »

What diameter wheels and profile tyres do you have?
I know that 19" wheels with 30 profile runflats are prone to cracking rims.
Worth taking the suspect wheel(s) off and inspecting the inside of the rim carefully and keep an eye on the tyre pressures.
They can be welded by specialists but I'd rather have a new one thanks.
If you are really worried you could get the geometry checked but you will probably got away with that and it sounded worse than it was.
Seriously consider ditching the runflats though and get a temporary gunk / compressor combo or rely on your favourite roadside assistance provider if you get a complete flat. The ride and handling will take a significant step forward.
Buzz
Joined: Tue 18 Nov, 2003 11:22
Posts: 105

  Z4 roadster 3.0si

Re: Pothole!

Post by Buzz »

Many thanks for your response. The wheels are 108s 18'' 35 profile. The car goes up on a ramp tomorrow - I'll let you know how that goes. You're right though - the runflats are going. Tyre recommendations anyone?

Cheers,

Buzz.
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Gazza
Joined: Tue 04 Oct, 2005 20:58
Posts: 9521

  M roadster S54
Location: Romford Essex

Re: Pothole!

Post by Gazza »

I had runflats on the 335i and changed them to Uniroyal Rainsport 3's
Gazza

"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"

Z3 S54 M roadster Image, BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
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therealdb1
Joined: Tue 25 Jun, 2013 21:47
Posts: 263

  Z3 roadster 2.0

Re: Pothole!

Post by therealdb1 »

Tyre recommendations anyone?
That's like asking for a favourite colour! :D

Personally for the 335i I fitted Fulda Sportcontrol 2 as I didn't fancy paying the same money for some far Eastern brand I have never heard of which is all tyre places stock these days or paying £200 per corner for a "premium" brand in a "couple of days time!" :roll:

Fulda is German but part of the Goodyear empire. Only downside so far is they are almost impossible to source in the UK so I got them from Germany, shipped them to the UK and got them fitted locally for around the same price as my local fitter wanted for Kwok Po Shite Grippers or something like that. TBH I stopped listening to him when he told me Fulda went out of business when I had just read a review of the Sportcontact 2 confirming it had only been released a month earlier.

To be fair Gazza's recommendation of Rainsport 3 was on my 'possibles' list as they are meant to be good but I went for Fulda as they have a quieter rating and better fuel efficiency if the sticker can be belived.

That said I do not drive many miles these days and normally have to replace tyres because the side walls crack through old age so don't ask me questions about tread wear as I will not be able to answer. :oops:
Buzz
Joined: Tue 18 Nov, 2003 11:22
Posts: 105

  Z4 roadster 3.0si

Re: Pothole!

Post by Buzz »

Thanks all. Car was checked over today and it looks like I got away without any damage. To be honest I'm amazed but very happy. New tyres next week.

Cheers,

Buzz.
Joycey
Joined: Mon 11 Jul, 2011 22:15
Posts: 290

  M roadster S52
Location: Basingstoke

Re: Pothole!

Post by Joycey »

Double check the rear wishbone bush, they are oil filled and I've killed a few from potholes.
Buzz
Joined: Tue 18 Nov, 2003 11:22
Posts: 105

  Z4 roadster 3.0si

Re: Pothole!

Post by Buzz »

Cheers. will do.
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