I'm still waiting for my MCS, and in the meantime have been reading tons about those who said switching out their run-flat tires for non-RFs was the best thing they ever did for their Mini. One person mentioned they had the dealer swap them out before he took delivery... is that even an option, or perhaps did this person pay extra to have it done?

I'm not thrilled about getting run-flats, but there was no other option when ordering the MCS.

 

Not sure about the tires, but my MCCS is owaiting in Southhampton, too, to board the MEDEA. Woo Hoo!

 

Swapping tires isn't part of your car purchase. It would be a private transaction and entirely what you negotiate with your dealer. They work on hourly rate and could charge you unless you talk them into doing it for free out of goodwill because you are buying the car.

I would just use the runflats and change when they wear out. You paid for them and would have the hassle of selling them. You should at least see if you really do hate them (many find them acceptable).

 

Good advice rkw, thanks! I'll probably just do that. Might as well see if I really do hate them, then I'll know what I'm talking about when I tell people later why I switched (if I switch).

MiniMB, woohoo! I learned that the Medea was delayed, so its departure should be tomorrow instead of today. I told my friends my car probably used the extra time to go sight-seeing and sampling local cuisine at the seaport. Much better than fretting and getting its oil filter twisted into a knot.

 

I think it also has to do with your typical trip as well as who is driving. Hands down, wife gets runflats...no if's ands or buts... Remember.."happy wife, happy life." I just don't want to hear about any roadside adventures.

Also, if you drive late, far from home, odd hours...all good reasons to just keep the runflats...no worries.

For me, short commute, busy area of the world, plenty of roadside experiences...I have no problem with running sans-spare...

Just a thought.

 

Good point HRM. There are various factors to consider. When I lived in Los Angeles, I encountered about 2-3 flats in 5 years, and all since getting a BMW. Before that, my humble little Civic encountered no tire problems, despite long distance trips to and from college. I think metro city driving you encounter more of those small road hazards like nails, bolts, etc.

I wonder, are certain tires more prone to being punctured than others? For example, if certain tires are softer in order to grip the road better, are they more likely to be punctured instead of just rolling over the objects? I don't know much, just wondering.

 

No, a harder tire won't be any less prone to punctures.
I've only had two flats on the road in 30 years. I swapped out my RFs two years ago, and got my one other flat earlier this year, late at night, in a bad part of a bad town. After I had (stupidly) removed my compressor from the boot. I was really wishing I had the RFs on at that point.
That said, I still have the conventional tires on. They're cheaper and stickier. Just know what you have to do in the event of a flat.

 

It has been scientifically proven that the newer the tire, the more likely it is to pick up a nail (just kidding) though having nice fresh tread may be more prone to pointing the sharp things skyward.

 

What's the problem with run flat tires, do they ride harsher?

I haven't noticed a significant difference in the ride between my Mini Clubman with 17" wheels, run flat tires and My Volvo V70 T5 with 16" wheels and a sports suspension.

I'd read that Mini Coopers have a bumpy ride, but was surprised that it wasn't bad at all, maybe I'm just used to tight suspensions.

Dave

 

I'll probably be more sensitive to the harshness, coming from a BMW 325i, but hopefully I'll get used to it. The bigger problem is how quickly they wear out and how expensive they are to replace. I was naively hoping the dealer might be willing to swap them for less expensive tires and I get to keep the difference.