Tirerack.com is a fine site to look up replacement tires for my 2009 Clubman S. I new to it, two weeks into the Mini experience (and loving it), and can't wait to change out the run-flats. Will post photos when it stops raining.

The amazing thing is that the Run-Flats are relatively expensive tires and the dealer where I purchased my used chili red/black/auto put two new tires in front for "safety" reasons (sidewall bubble). I can't stand them much longer although I really can't afford to spend too much and I am a street motorist who drives the canyons of Mulholland daily.

The answer, at least according to tirerack.com is a Continental Extreme Contact DWS size 225/45ZR17 for my 17" chrome Mini spoke wheels (dinged one the other day in the rain in a pot hole!). Your advice is sought and greatly appreciated.

BTW, when the automatic tranny is picking the same gears that I would if I were still driving a stick, then I smile and enjoy the ride (twists and turns included). What an amazing machine. Why doesn't everyone (capable of) drive a Mini?

 

Not that familiar with that Conty, but as long as it's not a runflat it's probably OK. If you aren't into high speed curve carving a good all season is probably fine. Check around, ask some friends for advice, check out prices, see whats on sale. You will want to prepare for a flat tire with a kit of some sort, check the tire forum see what others are doing.

 

I get my Yoko Envigors put on today! It will be a good time to change since we are going into the rainy season (and snowy??!!).
I survived 29,000 miles on RFT, they were HARD (Flintstones?), and loud - started getting a loud droning "thwamp" sound - deafening!
Tire size is 215-45-17 W rated! Cost at Tire Rack - very reasonable - out the door was $460.00 and install should be right around $200 - total less than $700! That doesn't account for a $40 rebate!

 

I'm currently on some Conti EC DW and some of the folks in our club have the DWS. So far so good, but only about 4k miles and nothing really pushing them yet.

 

A year ago Molly got a new set of Bridgestone Potenza G 019 Grids...love them!!

 

Runflats have been on the MINI since the beginning from 16" wheels on larger. They are primarily for the MINI S with no room for a spare tire but carry over to the newer MINIs.

As a result you get the harsher ride and higher replacement costs but you have options to move to non runflats anytime you are ready. You figure out how to deal with the lack of a spare tire.

For your MINI- Tires are 205/45-17
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Select...9&autoModClar=

225/45-17 is too large and too tall.
215/45-17 will fit but is a little taller than stock
215/40-17 will fit but is a little shorter/smaller than stock.

For California you might try

205/45-17 non runflat
Ultra High Performance All Season or Summer tires
All Season tires last longer but don't grip as much- however good enough for street use under most conditions

Some examples
Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport (UHP summer tire) $104 each
340 treadwear

Continental ExtremeContact DWS (UHP All Season tire) $107 each
540 treadwear but on Back order

Yokohama AVID ENVigor (HP All Season tire) $103 each
540 treadwear (not as much grip but OK)
Test result-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=129

 

Aloha and mahalo. Did my homework for me.
Hate the run flats. Think the wife unit will appreciate a softer ride.

I'll be out your way end of November - will PM you.

Mahalo again - richard

 

below is a Car and Driver test comparison of tires that may help you.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...mparison_tests

 

I ordered the Hankook Ventus V12's from Tire Rack tonight. Being shipped via ground, so hopefully I'll have 'em on by this time next week at the latest. I was torn between Yoko S.Drive's & V12's, but the latter tires got slightly better reviews all around so I took the plunge. And hey, anything's gotta be an improvement over the RFTs!