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  • BridgestonePotenza S001 RFT
  • BridgestonePotenza S001 RFT

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The Potenza S001 RFT (Run-Flat Tire) is Bridgestone's Max Performance Summer self-supporting run-flat tire developed as Original Equipment exclusively for BMW 3 Series sedans beginning with 2012 model year F30 chassis vehicles. 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 S001 RFT also delivers sports performance in dry and wet conditions. However, like all summer tires, they are not intended to be driven in near freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.

Potenza S001 RFT tires feature an asymmetric design combining a large outboard shoulder, interlocking tread blocks and a central circumferential rib to enhance dry road steering response, high-speed stability and cornering precision. Notches in the shoulders expel water to the sides while high-angle lateral grooves in the intermediate ribs pump water into the wide circumferential grooves to help resist hydroplaning.

The tire's internal structure features a lightweight belt package consisting of twin steel belts supported by a spirally wrapped aramid/nylon cord reinforcement that reduces rolling resistance, enhances ride quality and ensures high-speed durability. The internal structure of the Potenza S001 RFT also features Bridgestone Side Support Run-Flat technology reinforced sidewalls to temporarily support the vehicle after a puncture causes a loss of air pressure.

Install Bridgestone Potenza S001 RFT tires in sets of four only.

Due to the traction and handling capabilities of the Potenza S001 RFT, Bridgestone recommends they be used in sets of four to provide the best handling characteristics and tire performance. Potenza S001 RFT tires may NOT be mixed with other tire models, such as the Potenza RE050 RFT, Potenza RE050A RFT, 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 BridgestonePotenza S001 RFT

Tire Category: Max Performance Summer

Consumer Surveys

 
Best in Category
Miles Reported
Recommended
Treadwear
Bridgestone Potenza S001 RFT
Good
89%
1.5M
7.4 - Good
8.5 - Good
8.4 Hydroplaning Resistance
8.6 Wet Traction
9.0 - Excellent
9.0 Corner Stability
9.1 Dry Traction
9.0 Steering Response
N/A
N/A Light Snow Traction
N/A Deep Snow Traction
N/A Ice Traction
7.8 - Good
8.0 Ride Quality
7.7 Noise
7.2 - Good

Customers Say

Customer ratings showcase the Bridgestone Potenza S001 RFT as a strong performer in its Max Performance Summer category, with excellent dry traction (scores 8-10) and confident wet grip (7-9) aligning with its intended use. Drivers praise responsive handling and stability in warm conditions. Comfort receives mixed feedback, with many noting a smooth, quiet ride (7-9) but a minority reporting harshness (scores as low as 0-2). Treadwear shows polarized feedback: some highlight durability (8-10), while others report quicker wear (scores 0-3), suggesting variability based on driving style or conditions. Overall, it satisfies summer-focused drivers prioritizing grip and performance, though comfort and longevity may vary.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

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Customers Like:

109 customers mention "Wet Traction"

  • 98 positive
  • 11 negative

Most customers rate the Bridgestone Potenza S001 RFT's wet traction highly, with scores of 8-10 highlighting confident grip and responsive handling in rainy conditions. While a few ratings dip to 5-7, the majority reflect strong wet performance expected from a Max Performance Summer tire.

September 09, 2013 (Verified Purchase)

4 out of 5 Star Rating
4 out of 5

...They are great in the rain at interstate speeds of 70+ mph. I've been in some heavy stuff, and I've been happy with what I've seen...

These are the factory-installed OEM performance tires for my F30 328i M Sport running the 400M style staggered 18" wheels. Running 225/45-18 Front, 255/40-18 Rear. I was apprehensive at first because I was expecting the Pirelli Cinturato RFTs and instead got Bridgestones. My mom's E90 328i had the previous generation Bridgestone RFTs, and they were very poor tires with rock hard side-walls and unimpressive handling. My BMW dealer assured me that the new generation Bridgestones were improved. They were right, because this tire is a far cry from earlier models. Handling and responsiveness is good, and being that these are performance run-flats, the quality is pretty impressive. They are great in the rain at interstate speeds of 70+ mph. I've been in some heavy stuff, and I've been happy with what I've seen. The traction is solid in most conditions, but these tires will break loose at the first hint of sand or dirt on the road. Another issue is something I've seen from Bridgestones- they don't talk to you. Some tires will talk and make noise as you pull near the threshold of grip. These tires make very little noise until right before the tires break loose, which is fortunately higher than expected. I hit a lot of freeway cloverleaf ramps at speed, and these tires will hold pretty high speeds, so all is not lost.
The biggest issue you will always have with RFTs is the ride quality. The ride comfort is significantly better and more compliant than previously, and for a RFT they're very good. Still, you feel all of the bumps and road imperfections with these. It's unavoidable.
Treadwear is marginal. Middle of tires are 9/32 (-10%). Insides and outsides of tires are at 7/32 (-30%). Wear rate is pretty even, and I suspect I'll get about 15,000 miles out of these tires before they need replacing.

Vehicle: 2013 BMW 328i Sedan M Sport Line Staggered Tires
Miles Driven on Tires: 6,200
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: PLYMOUTH, MN
Driving Style: Spirited
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123 customers mention "Dry Traction"

  • 117 positive
  • 6 negative

Most customers rate dry traction as excellent, with scores of 9s and 10s highlighting responsive handling and reliable grip in dry conditions, as expected from a Max Performance Summer tire.

December 31, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
4.4 out of 5

...Flooring it around a cloverleaf or driving 'spiritedly' on a canyon road, these tires grip well and I haven't heard them squeal yet...

These tires were recommended for my vehicle ('17 BMW 430i) and I'll buy them again next time around - they are quiet on the highway, communicate well to the driver via the steering wheel, and seem to keep gripping in the situations I've been in. Flooring it around a cloverleaf or driving "spiritedly" on a canyon road, these tires grip well and I haven't heard them squeal yet. They're not cheap but in this case you get what you pay for, and that seems to be a lot!

Vehicle: 2017 BMW 430i Gran Coupe M Sport Pkg Staggered Tires
Miles Driven on Tires: 10,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: OXNARD, CA
Driving Style: Spirited
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122 customers mention "Ride Quality"

  • 97 positive
  • 25 negative

Most customers rate ride comfort and noise levels highly, with scores mostly 7-10. High marks highlight smooth handling and refined noise reduction, aligning well with summer tire expectations.

106 customers mention "Treadwear"

  • 68 positive
  • 38 negative

Most customers rate treadwear highly with scores of 9-10, praising durability in summer driving. While some report lower scores (0-6), the majority highlight long-lasting performance for max performance use.

March 15, 2017 (Verified Purchase)

4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

...At 33,000 miles they are pretty much shot but I was expecting only 20,000 since they are a max perf summer tire so I'm pretty happy with the wear. I drive a 40 mile round trip commute mostly highway which may account for the longer wear life...

These are the tires that the car came with new from factory. At 33,000 miles they are pretty much shot but I was expecting only 20,000 since they are a max perf summer tire so I'm pretty happy with the wear. I drive a 40 mile round trip commute mostly highway which may account for the longer wear life. I take curvy back roads rarely but do drive spiritedly when doing so. I've never had a problem with traction dry or wet but we've been in a drought. My car also has standard suspension and only 18"s so the ride is pretty comfortable for a sport suspension to begin with. Even now, the tires aren't that noisy. Overall pretty happy with this set of tires, I'll have to replace them with the same tires since I'm returning the lease and there aren't many alternatives for OEM BMW tires in this particular size. If I was keeping the car, I'd get a set of non-RFTs.

Vehicle: 2015 BMW 435i Gran Coupe M Sport Line Staggered Tires
Miles Driven on Tires: 33,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: SAN DIEGO, CA
Driving Style: Spirited
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March 19, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

3.9 out of 5 Star Rating
3.9 out of 5

...The fronts are wearing well. The rears need to be replaced... Which at this point would be minimal since the wear bars are almost even...

Purchased a full set of tires. The fronts are wearing well. The rears need to be replaced. I'm told there is no tread life warranty. Which at this point would be minimal since the wear bars are almost even. This was a bad purchase. If I'd had these tires for a year or so, I'd feel as though I got my money's worth. If I'd actually obtained some real mileage, I'd feel different. If the wear was even front to back, I'd feel different.

This was a bad purchase.

Vehicle: 2018 Mercedes-Benz S450 Sedan
Miles Driven on Tires: 3,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: DALLAS, GA
Driving Style: Easy Going
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September 10, 2022 (Verified Purchase)

3.6 out of 5 Star Rating
3.6 out of 5

...That said, they don't last long. Maybe 22,000 miles...

I like the Potenza S0001 a lot. They are OEM so I bought them again. They look aggressive and really fill the wheel well. It also has great rim protection, with a noticeable lip. The traction is amazing and they are not loud until they get worn down. That said, they don’t last long. Maybe 22,000 miles. Since I switch to winter tires and don’t drive as many miles as I used to, I figure these will last a while. Another con is that they are expensive, but if they are good enough for Alfa Romeo engineers to put on one of their sportiest models, they’re the right tires for me.

Vehicle: 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia
Miles Driven on Tires: 309
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: ALDIE, VA
Driving Style: Spirited
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Consumer Reviews

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The Downshift Episode 65: The One About Tires(14:11)

Motor Trend's The Downshift, a team from Tire Rack, and a team from Motor Trend headed out to Willow Springs for some tire testing. Are performance tires better than factory tires? How much can they really make a difference? These questions and more are answered when Randy Pobst hits the track in a BMW 328i, Mustang V-6, and Subaru BRZ.

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