The Potenza RE050A I RFT (Run-Flat Tire) is Bridgestone’s Max Performance Summer run-flat tire developed exclusively for selected BMW Z4 vehicles, as well as 3 Series cabriolets, coupes and sedans equipped with BMW’s sport package. The Potenza RE050A I 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 I RFT is also designed to combine responsive and predictable handling with good traction on dry and wet roads. It is not intended to be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.
The Potenza RE050A I 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 I 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 205/50R17 89V | 140 A A | 1,279 lbs | 51 psi | 9/32" | 26 lbs | 5.5-7.5" | 6.5" | 8.4" | 7.5" | 25.1" | 829 |
| 255/40R17 94W | 140 A A | 1,477 lbs | 51 psi | 9/32" | 28 lbs | 8.5-10" | 9" | 10.1" | 8.6" | 25.2" | 835 |
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 bought a Certified Pre-Owned 2011 BMW 335d in July 2015 and the BMW dealer installed all 4 brand new Bridgestone Potenzas RE050A as part of their CPO program. Folks, these are the worst tires I’ve ever driven on. Extremely noisy, unstable in dry conditions, veers to any ridge/low spot in the road, and rides extremely rough- feels like your driving on rocks. It’s unbearable how hard these tires are when it comes to bumps here on our bumpy Dallas roads. Moreover, the car hydroplanes viciously in wet conditions and is very, very dangerous. I normally don’t write reviews for products, but I thought it was my responsibility to reach out to the community and tell them my experience with these tires.
I’ve had these tires on for over 50K miles with no problems. I would recommend them for the BMW 4.Do not drive in the snow, they are not designed for slippery conditions.
Beware of cupping. I replaced the front tires of my BMW 328i Sport because the front pair on the car were cupped. I thought since the back tires were OK, two new front ones would last at least till the back ones were worn. Wrong. The last days of a 5,300 mile road trip were unbearable! There was noise and wining at every speed. And the roar with braking made my car feel and sound like a truck with mud tires. Close examination revealed the exact same cupping as the first pair with 5,000 miles!. Of course the tire installers say it’s the cars fault and the dealer says these tires are know to be crap. Check the internet under “Bridgestone Potenza RFT cupping”. There should be a class action suit.
I purchased Potenza Run Flat tires because my vehicle has no spare tire. Unfortunately I live in the Northeast and the combination of cold weather and pot holes the Run Flat tires destroyed my Alloy Wheels.Run Flat Tires pass any road abuse (pot holes) directly to the wheels, making the wheels go out of round, which then caused them to vibrate. I had the run flats for 11 months and had to get rid of them so the new wheels a purchased would not be ruined as well. The Run Flats were nothing but trouble, actually $1200 worth of trouble.
Got a 335i CPO with new Potenzas on them. Had been told by BMW guys that this is the OEM on the car.What a bad tire!! Makes a lot of noise. Cupping already at 12000 miles. Did a cross country last month and the tires just gave up on me.Extremely unsafe tires and will never recommend anyone to ever buy this!
These are the worst tires ever!!!! Noisy, Noisy, Noisy!! I’ve had my car for 4 months (certified pre-owned) and I do drive alot but now I have to buy tires already! The steel is coming thru on the front! They grab every little ridge or whatever on the freeway!! It’s crazy!! Passengers ask “Are you ok? Like it’s my fault the tires do that. Who wants to spend $1000 on tires every 4 months? Service anywhere but BMW voids your warranty, which doesn’t cover tires!! Do yourself a favor and don’t buy these tires!!