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 tyre 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 12
Car been in for a service 28000 on 1 set of tyres not bad at all. However had it not been for a groove worn on the inside edge of each tyre 25mm wide x 8mm deep i would think i would have got another 15.k There is 6mm of tread left across the full width of the tyre but the inside edge of each is down to the steel wires. Car only 15 month old never bumped a kerb. Either car set up wrong or tyres have a major fault. ?250 each + Vat Ouch!!!
To be fair to these tyres the grip is very good in both wet and dry conditions BUT the ride is very hard and i only got 6000 miles out of a brand new set before they were scrap!! I drive spiritedly but never spin my wheels as at ?170ish per tyre i cant afford to make them wear out any quicker than they already do!
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After trying these in a wide variety of conditions, road and track, smooth and extremely poor surfaces, generally covered enthusiastically, I'm happy with these latest generation RFT's. They warm quickly, grip very well indeed in the dry and offer good communication and superb progression near the limit of grip.
They are more sensitive to pressures than other tyres I have experienced - less than 36psi exacerbates tramlining while over 38psi does affect harshness. Run in this range and ride is fine - there are more issues (my passengers, not me)with the firmness of the BMW chassis than the small bump absorption of the tyres it seems.
As for re-purchase, I like the safety aspect of RFT's and the consistent handling. The main issue will be the cost of replacement which appears significantly higher than that of a good conventional tyre.
Good grip levels in the dry but can be a bit iffy in the wet. extremely crashy ride, almost feels like there is no give in the side wall at all(i know there runflats and 30 profile....)i'm changing tomorrow to Good Year Asymetrics - non Runflats. extreme wear on the inside of both front and back potenzas, maybe a combination of m-sport suspension and runflats.
These run-flats were supplied from new and I hate them! the run-flat construction means a very stiff side wall hence terrible tyre-roar and a very jittery ride. Tramlining is a problem and road undulations rip the wheel from my hands on occasion which is quite disconcerting. in the wet the grip is pretty bad and on a wet roundabout just understeers - again dangerous. my previous Mini was transformed with Goodyear F1s so intend to get the Asymmetrics asap.
Can't wait to get rid and after just 9000 miles the fronts are on the tread limit indicators. Avoid!
Ok in the dry, lethal when wet especially when cold, noisey and uncomfortable. Car bounced down country roads tramlining all over the place. I was going to sell the car then fitted Goodyear F1 GS-D3's (non run-flat)what a transformation!!
Have these fitted to my Z4. Now worn out and looking for something else - probably going to try the Continental Sport Contact 3 (if I can get some!)
Generally, these are ok, but not sparkling. They are pretty good in the dry but take on a life of their own in the wet; I find myself having to be really careful! Can't really comment on the progressiveness because the traction control (which I tend to leave on) on the car is pretty good and tends to cut-in and stop any slide before it happens. When they do go though, they go very quickly, but this is probably an unfair assessment at obviously the car has already reached the limits of the traction control, so I suppose it's to be expected.
I don't think I'll fit these again (they were fitted when I bought the car); the wet-weather performance just doesn't cut it, even when being very sensible. They seem to have worn rather quickly too, but I suspect that's my fault :-)
