Has anyone logged some good mileage using the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires on a MiniCooper?

Tire Size: 205 45R 17s
Wheels: OEM 6 spoke
2002 Mini Cooper S

(Tirerack threads show only a few postings for these tires on Minis, I suspect because these are relatively new tires)

I plan to switch from Pirelli Run Flats, but still want good cornering.

Thanks for any help!

 

I have a new '09 MCS convertible and had dealer remove Dunlop run flats before I took delivery. I purchased new Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires from Tire Rack. I have only 1200 miles so far but have been very pleased with combination of ride quality, low noise, and good crisp turn in. These suit me very well and the 45k treadlife warranty makes the $180 price look great.

Expansion stips on Interstate are barely noticable. Good wet/dry traction and good resistance to hydroplaning.

They are unidirectional and I like the look and tread pattern. The PLUS is a new tire (much improved from the regular Pilot A/S which I understand was a dog). They should have introduced these under a different name as I understand there is no comparison.

 

I did replace Pirelli run-flats with the Michelin Pilot Sport AS Plus.

First impressions are:
1. These Michelins are an excellent replacement tire.
2. The Pilot Sport AS Plus is a bit softer on the turn-in response but not excessively so and the tires still handle cornering excellently. There is no real compromise on quick turns, or grip, and the car still has that go-cart felling, but is less harsh. My Mini Cooper S still handles off-ramp cornering equally well to the Pirellis, and its overall handling is markedly improved with a smoother, more controlled ride over road imperfections. I do not have any tramlining concerns or issues now.
3 Of course the Michelins are non-run flats, and I will likely carry a foot pump or compressor for any risk of slow air lead flats. On long trips, I may consider carrying a doughnut. Because the Michelins are non run flats, they can be easily repaired at any tire shop (not the case with a run flat).
4. Why the switch? The main issue I had with the Pirellis related to tramlining caused by any road imperfections pulling the car in the direction road cracks/depressions invoked on the tires. Yes the Pirelli dry grip and cornering was excellent (great on smooth perfect pavement), but the tire ride was very harsh (stiff run-flat), and the tramlining quite dangerous at times on less than perfect pavement.

So - my overall first impressions are that the Michelin Pilot Sport AS Plus is going to be a very good tire for sport handling, and yet retain a comfortable ride.

 

minica I have now logged an additional 600 miles on the Michelins since my first posting and I have yet to find a condition where I have not be very satisfied with my choice of this tire.

I ran over a sheathing nail and and the tire was repaired for about $25 and I was on my way. I keep one of the Continental Comfi Kits that I bought from Tire Rack in the boot. It is a six pack-sized unit that includes the compressor and the sealant for an emergency. I agree with you and will buy a donut spare should I decide to make a long trip with the MINI.

I had a MCS loaner the other day when my MINI was in for service and it had a new set of Dunlop OEM runflats on it. The poor ride quality compared to the Michelins was amazing.

I read on MotoringFile.com the other day that MINI in was dropping the run flats on future MINi's sold in England.

Happy Motoring!