I searched this forum looking for threads with a similar question, but could not find one so I wanted to throw this out there. We need to replace the run-flats and i want a good all season tire with the right performance rating. After driving in an R60 without the runflat tires I am convinced that the ride quality trade is worth the risk of having to call for help with a flat (or carry around a flat repair kit). We have an S ALL4 with the sport suspension and 18" wheels. I have seen a lot of threads covering changing to summer tires or using winter tires, but we want to stick with a good year-round all season tire. I have been on the Tire Rack site and am aware of my choices, but want to get feedback on the experience if anyone has done this. Thanks...

 

On my MCS I ran the Continental DWS and thought they were fine. Obviously not as sticky as summer tires, but no complaints. Currently running Bridgestone RE970AS (I think that is the right model). I'd say they are similar to the DWS. Probably won't get quite as much life.

 

dws is very good. i'm currently trying out also: purecontacts, rt43s, and noble2s

 

DWS is the current ride and snow handling king of all-seasons. This one does everything else better:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4013869
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4007536
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4003899
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post3993510
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post3969972
etc.

You can also read tire reviews and tests at TireRack.com.

 

I swapped my run flats for DWS's as well.... Very happy. Still trying to find out best tire pressure to run them at... Anyone?

 

The plaque on the driver's door sill is a good place start. You can go up or down a few pounds to see what is the most satisfying to you. You can' t go far though or you will wear the tires in the center (too high) or on the shoulders (too low).

 

I was under the impression that the tire pressure info on the door plaque related to the run-flat tires that came with the car......

 

The recommended pressure applies to all tires with sufficient load rating by size. It can also vary by model of MINI and speed driven. It ranges from around 35 to 42 psi.

Less pressure will help your ride but hurt your mpg and handling. But we aren't talking great gobs of difference. Find your personal preferred spot and then watch your center and shoulder treads for abnormal long term wear if you get more than a few pounds off of the recommended psi.

Not all MINIs come from the factory with runflats.

 

got a friend that races? borrow their tire pyrometer to find the correct tire pressure

the OM and doorpost says 32 psi for all 4 tires

my all4 with sport suspension, 18 inch wheels and 225/50R18 michelin pilot super sports ended up at 42 psi front and 37 psi rear using the tire pyrometer

at 1/2 of the usable tread worn, the tread depth is even across all 4 tires ... i rotate every 4k miles

my winter tires, dunlop grandtrek sj6 studless ice and snow AT tires, sized 205/70R16 on mini oem 16x6.5 alloy wheels ended up at 38 psi front and 35 psi rear, the pyrometer said 40psi front and 35 psi rear, but i saw accelerated wear on the center of the fronts so dropped 2 psi and now the wear is even across the tread

every tire brand/model/size will be different

note that i seldom if ever have rear seat passengers, if you regularly have rear passengers, have them aboard when setting the pressure