Just picked up a new to me 06MCS, my first MINI, and I'm wondering about tires. It has the run flats, and the ride is really harsh. Is that to be expected?

I know folks have changed to non runflats, but what has been their experience?

I am not too concerned about the lack of a spare, I have not had a flat tire in over 10 years, and the last one was a slow leak because I ran them too long before replacement. Plus I have AAA

Pete

 

Well, unless you have the disposable income to keep them on @ twice the price or better, AND you are accustomed to an SUV, in which case the ride will suit you, go NON runflat and buy a 'smart spair' kit with Slime or something similar, the ride and handling gain will surprise you and cost less. Won't vouch for the wear since those gains come with increased temptation to push the fun quotient.

 

i ran my stock 17" runflats on my 09 for about 25,000 miles until I recently got some non-RF 16s on stock Bridgespokes.

Car has always been lowered w/ H&R springs.

The non-RFs have been a bit more comortable than the 17s but thats about it for me...always pretty stiff lowered.

This new setup is still about as heavy as the 17s so it wasnt too dramatic of a change. Now if id have gotten some ligher aftermarket 16s it would probably be a substantial difference (shaving probably 5-7+ lbs per corner.

Also am not using TPMS at the moment. Left those in the other set... light stays on, but its not bothersom. The plan is to get some new 17" rubber come spring, but i will probably try and see how hard the RFs feel again first lol..since theyre still pretty good tread-wise