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  • Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT
  • Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT

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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.

Install Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT tires in sets of four only.

Due to the traction and handling capabilities of the Potenza RE050A RFT, Bridgestone recommends Potenza RE050A RFT tires be used in sets of four to provide the best handling characteristics and tire performance. Potenza RE050A RFT tires may NOT be mixed with other tire models, such as the Potenza RE050A I RFT or Potenza RE050A II RFT.

Though they cannot be labeled as run-flat tires, tires branded with MOExtended or MOE on their sidewalls offer run-flat-like characteristics by delivering limited temporary extended mobility after a puncture results in complete loss of air pressure. Because MOExtended or MOE tires do not have the same speed and distance endurance of conventional run-flat tires, they should not be substituted in any situation where a conventional run-flat tire is required. To confirm what your vehicle needs, check our Original Equipment tire listing for your year, make and model or see your vehicle owner's manual.

Related Information: Learn more about MOExtended/MOE tires here.

Ratings Charts & Reviews Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT

Tire Category: Max Performance Summer

Consumer Surveys

 
Best in Category
Miles Reported
Recommended
Treadwear
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT
Fair
72%
1.7M
4.0 - Poor
6.9 - Good
7.0 Hydroplaning Resistance
6.8 Wet Traction
8.3 - Good
8.2 Corner Stability
8.3 Dry Traction
8.3 Steering Response
N/A
N/A Light Snow Traction
N/A Deep Snow Traction
N/A Ice Traction
5.8 - Fair
5.6 Ride Quality
6.1 Noise
5.1 - Fair

Customers Say

Consumer feedback shows the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT delivers excellent dry traction (scores 8-10 dominate) with precise cornering and responsive handling, meeting expectations for a max performance summer tire. Wet traction receives generally positive ratings (6-9 range), with most users reporting confident grip in rain despite occasional hydroplaning mentions. Ride comfort draws mixed feedback, with criticism focused on firmness and road noise-common trade-offs for high-performance tires. Treadwear scores vary widely (0-10), though shorter lifespan is a frequent concern even among positive reviews. Drivers prioritizing dry-road performance and sporty dynamics tend to rate this tire highly, while comfort-oriented buyers often note compromises.

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Customers Like:
Customers Dislike:

99 customers mention "Wet Traction"

  • 62 positive
  • 37 negative

Customers praise wet traction with most scores 7-10, highlighting confident grip and hydroplaning resistance. Some report lower scores (0-6) in heavy rain, aligning with summer tire capabilities.

August 24, 2013 (Verified Purchase)

4.9 out of 5 Star Rating
4.9 out of 5

...In Florida we see a lot of rainy weather and again, but I have never lacked confidence that the RE050A would perform for me when I needed it, wet or dry...

The Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT was the OEM tire for my BMW 550i equipped with the sport package. I trust BMW to put the best or nearly best tire possible on one of their top of the line sports sedans and this tire has not disappointed me whatsoever. I am not an aggressive driver but I do drive very fast. Consequently, I need a tire that gives me confidence to push my car to its limits. The RE050A does just that. In Florida we see a lot of rainy weather and again, but I have never lacked confidence that the RE050A would perform for me when I needed it, wet or dry. BMW is one of the premier auto makers in the world and if they issue these tires as standard equipment, they do so because they know they're good enough for the Ultimate Driving Machine. So far I have no reason to disagree with them.

Vehicle: 2006 BMW 550i Sport Package Sedan
Miles Driven on Tires: 3,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: GAINESVILLE, FL
Driving Style: Spirited
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May 31, 2013 (Verified Purchase)

3.6 out of 5 Star Rating
3.6 out of 5

...They grip very well in dry, and are good when wet as well. My previous car was a Subaru STI so the overall wet handling is not as great by comparison...

This is the stock tire for the BMW 135i. Generally I enjoy the tires. They grip very well in dry, and are good when wet as well. My previous car was a Subaru STI so the overall wet handling is not as great by comparison. I'm very happy with the noise levels too. However, my main complaint with the tires is how quickly I go through them, especially the rears. I'm not seeing more than 10-12K on them.

Vehicle: 2011 BMW 135i Cabriolet M Sport Package
Miles Driven on Tires: 10,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: NORTH SALEM, NY
Driving Style: Spirited
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104 customers mention "Dry Traction"

  • 88 positive
  • 16 negative

Customers overwhelmingly rate dry traction as excellent with most scoring 9s and 10s, highlighting responsive handling and grip. A few note lower scores (6 and below), but performance aligns with expectations for a Max Performance Summer tire.

May 07, 2013

3.5 out of 5 Star Rating
3.5 out of 5

For an OEM tire, these were very sticky... I did several track days and lots of spirited mountain road driving on them and they had awesome grip...

For an OEM tire, these were very sticky. I am very surprised I got 18.5k out of them before they were done. I did several track days and lots of spirited mountain road driving on them and they had awesome grip. They did begin to give up around 17k and it was harder to push them. I would probably buy them again, but the runflat combo on the MINIs is horrible. I am moving on to another max summer performance tire.

Vehicle: 2012 MINI Hardtop Cooper S
Miles Driven on Tires: 18,500
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: null, null
Driving Style: Spirited
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March 06, 2010

4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
4.4 out of 5

...On Autobahn at 130mph these tires are firm and true. In mountainous curves we apply more acceleration not less. Always two hands on wheel and these tires provide instant reliable return...

A Great performance tire hands down. Driver is BMW trained. Car is powerful and responsive with these performance tires. Tramlining only occurs due to poor road conditions. On Autobahn at 130mph these tires are firm and true. In mountainous curves we apply more acceleration not less. Always two hands on wheel and these tires provide instant reliable return. Looking only for even more capability in another Bridgestone or we remain with these. Rough ride is part of the package--its a Sportster after all! LOL

Vehicle: 2006 BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster
Miles Driven on Tires: 22,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: Germany, PZ
Driving Style: Spirited
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November 12, 2014 (Verified Purchase)

4.7 out of 5 Star Rating
4.7 out of 5

Incredible tire, impressive handling and grip...

Incredible tire, impressive handling and grip. Some may say, Run Flat Tires are a bit noisy and are a little on the stiff side going over bumps, but mine have neither. Quiet ride, with the confidence of being able to drive 50 miles, and 50 mph on a flat tire, can't get any better. Although these are strictly Summer tires, i have a set of Winter wheels to extend the life.

Vehicle: 2006 BMW 330i Sedan Sport Package
Miles Driven on Tires: 5,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: SPRINGFIELD, MA
Driving Style: Spirited
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104 customers mention "Ride Quality"

  • 42 positive
  • 62 negative

Customers report mixed comfort experiences: many rate ride comfort 9-10 with smooth handling, but others score 0-6 citing harshness. Noise levels vary widely, with some praising refinement and others noting excessive road noise.

June 11, 2016 (Verified Purchase)

2.9 out of 5 Star Rating
2.9 out of 5

...Having put about 25K miles on them, I have found the ride comfort to extremely poor! That alone is a sufficient reason for me to switch these out and never opt for these again...

Due to a poor experience with these tires, I'm switching to non RFTs. Having put about 25K miles on them, I have found the ride comfort to extremely poor! That alone is a sufficient reason for me to switch these out and never opt for these again. I've had RFTs on a Z4 before and they were certainly not as bad as these.

Vehicle: 2007 BMW 328i Coupe Sport Package
Miles Driven on Tires: 25,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: SACRAMENTO, CA
Driving Style: Average
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July 15, 2014 (Verified Purchase)

3.6 out of 5 Star Rating
3.6 out of 5

..."Car originally had a bubble with these tires so I had the dealer replace it before buying (used). One and half years later, another tire developed a bubble. The tire must be replaced if it bubbles." Note: There are no phrases related to comfort performance in this text to bold based on the given criteria...

Pros: Sidewall stiffness, dry performance, cornering, predictable, runs when flat.

Cons: Expensive, so-so wet traction, harsh ride, heavy, sidewalls are prone to bubbles at which point you must replace them.

Car originally had a bubble with these tires so I had the dealer replace it before buying (used). One and half years later, another tire developed a bubble. The tire must be replaced if it bubbles. I avoid all potholes and have never curbed the tires/wheels. Some of the major roads in NoVA can get bad, and some construction/repairs in the roads go across the entire roadway, so you cannot avoid some road imperfections. Unless the roads in your area are near perfect, avoid these overpriced tires.

Read the forums to see how many others have had these same issues. And that's only the ones who have actually taken the time to post.

Vehicle: 2007 BMW 335i Coupe Sport Package
Miles Driven on Tires: 24,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: ARLINGTON, VA
Driving Style: Spirited
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November 15, 2014 (Verified Purchase)

2.8 out of 5 Star Rating
2.8 out of 5

...Awful ride and noise (RFT or not)...

These tires come OE on my 135is and they came OE on a Mazdaspeed6 I used to own but in non-RFT. Excellent dry traction and grip. Mediocre wet traction. Awful ride and noise (RFT or not). Tread wear is bad on both versions. They are about spent after 11,000 miles in both cases. For a RFT I would recommend the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP. Makes up for everything this tire lacks. Dry performance is about equal.

Vehicle: 2013 BMW 135is Coupe
Miles Driven on Tires: 10,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: DENVER, CO
Driving Style: Spirited
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97 customers mention "Treadwear"

  • 38 positive
  • 59 negative

Customers report mixed treadwear experiences, with many scoring 0-2 citing rapid wear, while others praise durability with 9s and 10s. Scores vary widely, indicating inconsistent longevity for this summer tire.

November 23, 2020 (Verified Purchase)

1.5 out of 5 Star Rating
1.5 out of 5

...the tires are just plain awful and the tread is gone after 7500 miles, in less than 6 months!...

OEM tires, I guess for the run flat feature (no spare, just a goo pump). I bought the car for SCCA Solo and spirited mountain driving. Since I’m new to this sport I didn’t notice the 140 TW rating... the tires are just plain awful and the tread is gone after 7500 miles, in less than 6 months! I hope to gain 2 seconds on the track simply by getting rid of these. They don’t hold on turns, they don’t give any confidence, and they are rough and noisy on the interstate.

Vehicle: 2019 FIAT 124 Spider Abarth Brembo Brakes
Miles Driven on Tires: 7,500
Driving Conditions: Track/Autocross
Location: MARIETTA, GA
Driving Style: Spirited
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July 26, 2014

3 out of 5 Star Rating
3 out of 5

Tread is wearing down too quickly and tires develop bubbles...

Tread is wearing down to quickly and tires develop bubbles. Climate here is cool and wet and traffic congestion really does not allow me to get to more than 65 mph for short periods of time. Am not happy with these tires. Purchase other performance run flats but not these. Am going to replace them.

Vehicle: 2013 Cadillac ATS 2.0L Turbo RWD Premium with Rubber Valve Stem
Miles Driven on Tires: 7,400
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: PORT COQUITLAM, BC
Driving Style: Easy Going
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January 28, 2013

2.9 out of 5 Star Rating
2.9 out of 5

...With 24,000 miles, I need to replace the rear tires. No crazy driving or wheelspins...

As an OEM tire, the quality of this model leaves much to be desired. With 24,000 miles, I need to replace the rear tires. No crazy driving or wheelspins. I'd understand the short life if there was a ton of traction. However, every aspect of these tires is lackluster at best. BMW must have received a killer price in order to spec such a horrendous tire (esp for the M-sport package).

Vehicle: 2011 BMW 328i Cabriolet M Sport Package
Miles Driven on Tires: 24,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: Austin, Te
Driving Style: Spirited
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