The Potenza RE050A RFT (Run-Flat Tire) is Bridgestone’s Max Performance Summer run-flat tire developed exclusively for specific BMW, Ferrari, Mazda and MINI vehicles. The Potenza RE050A RFT is designed to provide temporary extended mobility for a distance of 50 miles at up to 50 mph even after a puncture has allowed complete air pressure loss. The Potenza RE050A RFT was developed to provide good traction along with responsive and predictable dry and wet road handling. It is not intended to be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.
The Potenza RE050A RFT features a high-grip tread compound molded into an asymmetric tread design. Stable outboard shoulder elements, intermediate tread blocks and a continuous center rib provide responsive handling, high-speed stability and traction on dry roads, while circumferential and lateral tread grooves pump water out from under the tire’s footprint to minimize hydroplaning and aid wet traction. A continuous rib adjacent to the inboard shoulder promotes even wear and resists inside wear generated by suspensions that specify negative camber alignment settings.
The tire’s internal structure includes twin steel belts reinforced by spiral-wrapped nylon to stabilize the tread area and enhance handling, high-speed capability and ride quality. The structure of the Potenza RE050A RFT also features Bridgestone Side Support Run-Flat technology reinforced sidewalls to support the vehicle after a puncture causes a loss of air pressure.
| SIZE | UTQG | MAX. LOAD | Max. Inflation Pressure | Tread Depth | Tire Weight | Rim Width Range | Meas. Rim Width | Sect. Width | Tread Width | Overall Diam. | Revs. Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 225/50R16 92V | 140 A A | 1,389 lbs | 51 psi | 10/32" | 27 lbs | 6-8" | 7" | 9.1" | 7.5" | 25" | 833 |
| 245/45ZR17 95W | 140 A A | 1,521 lbs | 51 psi | 11/32" | 32 lbs | 7.5-9" | 8" | 9.7" | 8" | 25.7" | 811 |
Founder at Tiresout. Used to be working as an engineer at Bridgestone Tires Akron Technical Center. The responsibilities included but were not limited to technical computing, indoor & outdoor testing of new tires.
I absolutely HATE these tires. I love winter when I can switch to snow tires because it is easier to drive with those on even in snow. These tires are loud and if the road is wet the car is all over the road. They are unforgiving and you feel everything. If the pavement is a little rough on one side sure it uneven you can bet you are going to be pulled in one direction or another. Driving is work with these tires and you better not looose concentration. I cannot wait to get a different set of tires! Worst tires I have ever had and probably the most expensive as well.
Treads don’t last long
I love this tire the vehicle was definitely designed for the tire . I average about 10,000 to 15,000 out of rear ties 255/30/19 and 20,000 to 25,000 out of fronts 225/35/19. I’ve had to use the run flat twice and both times car felt safe and responsive both times was on Friday so had to use it thru a weekend around town and even though 50mi at 50mph I used it for about 75 and 150mi till my tire arrived with no issue but have smaller 335i.I did try non run flats for a year at around 35,000 miles wear didn’t change in the 5/9 options available for the car but it did give the feel of blown shocks (minor bouncing and shudder) because of the shock and control arm setup. I went back to run flats and all suspension issues corrected themselves
New set was placed on vehicle by dealer when purchased. Front tires lasted approximately 32k miles, with hard inner tread wear. All around, if you live in area with pothole issues, and it’s your daily driver I would probably avoid these tires since harsh hits tend to cause sidewall bubbles. On a positive though, general rural roads and highways are fine, and can give you some indication of the capabilities of this tire and the grip it gives you. The winding roads of the Ozarks provide a public test of that.
These tires are average when it comes to handling and performance. The real issue is that they wear out too quickly. Most of my driving is to and from work (about 20 miles round trip) and occasionally a trip out of state. I average around the usual 10k to 12k annually. I had to replace the rear tires on my vehicle because they had worn down to the point that the caging under the tread was exposed and the tire burst while I was driving on the interstate. That was the only time I was thankful that these tires are run-flats. While not noticing the wear was my own mistake, I went ahead and purchased these same tires for the rear. Within 6 months and not even 5k miles the same thing is happening again. It’s dangerous and it’s ridiculous that these tires wear as quickly as they do. I’ve had the suspension checked and the cambers checked on my vehicle and there is no issue. These tires simply don’t last. Also if you’re particular about road noise or ride softness, run-flats are never a good option. These tires are the manufacturer recommended and applied by BMW, however any of the advisors or technicians I have talked to recommend Continental or Michelin over these Bridgestones. Stay away from these tires. There are better (and less expensive) options available.
The Bridgestone Potenzas were original equipment from BMW. Predictably for a run flat tire, they’re noisy and not the smoothest ride. Dry traction on the tires when they’re cold, is pretty bad. In fairness, I have a heavy foot. It’s not uncommon for these tires to break loose on a hard acceleration, or around corners during hard accelerations. I like to autocross my car as well, and the squirlyness of the tires can be fun. I will most likely switch to Michelin Pilot Super Sports (with a spare) next time.