The Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Run Flat draws its strongest owner criticism for a harsh ride, mentioned in well over half of reviews. Dry grip is the clearest positive, although it is not universally praised. Around a quarter of reviews criticises wet grip, and similar proportions mention noise or tramlining, with some describing the tire skipping over rough corners. Tread life is mixed, with more complaints than praise, while mid-life and end-of-life reports range from rapid wear to long service. Steering kickback and limited feedback are further recurring concerns, making comfort and confidence on uneven roads the main weaknesses.
What owners mention most counted across 136 reviews
Tap one to read only the reviews that mention it.
Owner ratings averaged from 147 ratings
Owner score49%
Dry Grip71%
Wear55%
Road Feedback55%
Wet Grip54%
Handling48%
Comfort32%
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Run Flat Reviews - Page 2
Turn a good car into a pig. Hard, noisy and unsettled by bumps, undulations, objects, in fact anything you are likely to find on a road. A sports car has firm suspension, in connection with these, you need to have a running order with your dentist to have your fillings tightened.
These tires came factory fitted on my E89 Z4. The tires didn't excel in any condition. The tires were above average in terms of dry and wet grip. They were very uncomfortable (even compared to other runflat tires) and not so good at road feedback. Wear wasn't bad, but could be better. Overall I was quite disapointed by the tires.
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I got Re050s only on the rear of my BMW 135i as they were the only Runflat tires available.
Despite always being properly inflated and driven quietly they were harsh and have only lasted 18 months and around 20,000 km before failing a vehicle check. Very disappointing.
I'm replacing them with the OEM Dunlops.
Absolutely terrible ride comfort. These tires are so stiff they may as well be made from plastic.I've seen rear wheels cracking due to the stiff sidewall these have. I felt like selling my Z4 due to these awful tires. No idea why BMW thought these would be a good tire to go for.
I recently purchased some Goodyears (non-RFT) and the car is now transformed. Less road noise, more grip, less tramlining, more steering feedback which loads up nicely and a more comfortable ride. The car feels like a proper roadster now - great drip (especially in the wet) and the feedback I get is out of this world. Love my car now!
If you're thinking of moving away from Bridgestone run-flats, do it!
These tires are simply awful. Grip is fair to good in most conditions but that is all I can say that is good about them. Ride is rock hard, it like having no suspension. They cause massive kickback through the steering while hitting bumps. I have also had three of the four tires split between the tirewall and tread area, despite being only a few months old and never been run flat or underinflated. Did I also mention than they are very expensive? I have since removed them and fitted regular non runflats, ride and handling is now miles better and they were much cheaper. I now carry a tin of tire foam and a pump in the car for emergencies. Fitting non runflats also helps prevent wheels cracking, as with a runflat there is nothing to cushion the wheel from the bumps as they are so stiff. Not sure how Bridgestone got away with selling these...
BMW 330d Not great in any respect. Have xDrive which is just as well as I can get the car to lose grip without trying very hard. Have done about 10,000 miles on them and as expected as the tread wears the grip is getting progressively worse. Have just gone to Pirelli P Zeros on the front and life is much much better.
Unfortunate enough to buy full set of these tires for 330D. On changing found original BMW wheels cracked-2 rear. Changed full set to 19 inch Rivas within weeks one rear tire ripped and yet another wheel cracked. 6 months later MOT failed 2 cracked rear wheels. 1) Avoid 19 inch wheels 2) Avoid Bridgestone Run Flats 3) Avoid Riva brand so weak.
The road sound is unbelievable and despite the amount of rubber on the road I didn't feel too confident on grip especially wet.
The worst tires I have ever had the misfortune to have on a car. The BMW Z4 has a stiff chassis to start with. The Run Flats made every bump and pot hole excruciating. They probably caused the crack in my windscreen and definitely responsible for the cracked rim. Just replaced them with Goodyear Eagle F1's. A world of difference.
Initially I hated these tires . Been using them from 2006 and still using them at present.Many failures in the first two years due to poor quality control . Zero assistance from Bridgestone.Theteafter the problems seems to have diminished. Good Tire I would recommend them
OEM tires on dealer approved used BMW F20 bought one month ago.
Terrible grip in wet or dry. If you want to drift or power slide, these are for you. If you want to drive on Devon country lanes or even dual carriageway without tramlininig, skittering, vibrating to death or cracking a rim, DO NOT get these.
Without doubt the worst tire ride I have ever experienced.
They are trying to kill me!!!!
Going tomoz.
