I just noticed at mini website that run flat tires for JCW CM is now optional ($0) and not standard as before (few weeks ago when I ordered my JCW CM). I'm wondering if the dealer would agree to change to regular tires for no extra charge when my car arrives. Any experiences/recommendations with run flat tires vs. regular tires?

 

It also says under features and specs that run-flats are standard and all-season tires are optional. Don't trust it.

 

If it is not IN production, the MA can submit a change via the computer

 

Always go with Non Run Flats if you can....

 

As someone who worked at a shop in the semi-recent past, and done many many wheel/tire changes, please stay away from run-flats. There are multiple reasons to avoid them, but the one I want to interject is to save whoever does your tires the trouble. Mounting a normal-sized run flat is nearly as frustrating as mounting a low-profile tire on a 24 inch wheel. The sidewalls are insanely impossible(the reason they "run" when flat).

Oh btw, Hi.(my first post here).

 

When I purchased my pre owned Mini I drove numerous models at the dealership. The run flat tires give a very harsh ride compared to a conventional tire equipped car. The conventional tired models were much livelier and responsive in my opinion. My understanding is that the run flats are a much heavier tire package.

You will just need to equip yourself for a potential flat.

 

Yeah. It's called a cell phone

 

If it's too late for your dealer to change the order, the car will be shipped with run-flats. In that case, you will have to negotiate a separate, private transaction with your dealer. It's unlikely that they'll do it for free unless they normally stock the tires you want.

 

Are you sure that this is a "non run flat" option? I have been looking into this and what it says is "swap performance for all season run flats" I too have a order in and they are saying that this option only changes from performance to all season and both are run flats.

Did you ever hear back from the dealer?

Thanks!

 

Thanks for the info. No, I just assumed a choice besides run flat would be regular non-run flat. I'm yet to discuss this issue with the dealer. Thanks!

 

I have never understood why dealerships didn't offer more tire/wheel options. I'm almost positive that others like me would love to finance that along with the purchase price. I would have jumped at that with my jeeps. Aftermarket is a pain for me for lots of reasons.

 

The longer you leave it the less likely the dealer can make changes. Our 3 all have RFs. They are harsher in ride but the personal safety for MIMIMotherFgr and my daughter well out weigh that. Yes the tyre fitting can be a pig BUT a GOOD tyre shop with modern equipment should handle it no probs. MMF drove her MC with a 3 inch slice in the side wall for 15miles to my workshop with no problems. Urban drive max 30mph. You would need to retro fit Mobility Kit or spare if you ditch the RF's.

 

I can tell you for a fact that the all season run flats are NOT an option on the JCW CM, the option in the configurator is an error. You can try to order them and they even have an item code, but they will not let you get them. MINI released a memo a while back stating that it was a mistake and all seasons are not available on the JCW.

Wish it was otherwise as I had a lengthy debate about this with my dealer. There is no option for non-run flats, either. Basically for the JCW, your only "option" is to upgrade to 19" over the standard 18".

 

I worked at a good shop with the latest equipment. Didn't make mounting run flats a breeze. They're an annoyingly hard sidewall. I actually take personal offence at your condescending attitude about that.

 

Sorry for any offense taken. I didn't say 'breeze' I said 'no probs'. The three shops I have used since owning our MINI's changed them with minimal (no pun intended) fuss.
The only extra part their machines had (over the type I used when I was in that game) was an arm that rolled the tyre deep into the rim during fitting. I'll find out brands and models if you are interested.

 

oh we had that same kind of machine, but the point was merely that they're harder to mount and dismount than a traditional tire. That and I never did see the point in runflats. I guess in a car that doesn't give you a spare or room to put a spare, it makes a bit of sense.