Hi,
I need to get new set of tires (in case anyone ask, probably Bridgestone Potenza G 019 Grid, 195/55R16) for Dora. Before going to a local NTB place, i was wondering if anyone can recommend a good tire place to change the set of tires on MINIs, especially with the tire monitor system (I believe I need to get new sensors, etc)? I live in Arlington and would prefer VA, but am open to elsewhere if they're open on the weekends.
Thanks!

 

I ordered my tires from the Tirerack and they have list of recommended installers with pricing for the work. They will even ship the tires directly to the shop so you don't have to hassle with it. I also bought the G019's and love them.

Hope this helps, Brian

 

Thanks! I was considering ordering from Tire Rack, in case I couldn't find a good price locally, but didn't know they had preferred installers though. Which of the preferred installer have you used?

Thanks again!

 

WHen you look at the installers, most of them have the price listed. Don't forge to check that too. Some charge much more, especially for low profile tires. I've used two NTB locations and never had a problem. I think you can even have the tires shipped there if you want.

 

I put those exact same tires on my MINI four weeks ago replacing my worn out RFs. I found a Tires Plus dealer who could get the Potenza G 019 Grid in the stock 16" size. I think they ordered them from Tire Rack. NTB actually told me that they dealt with Tire Rack and looked up tires on their site for me, said they charged Tire Racks advertised price. I went with Tires Plus because they were close to work and had dealt with them in the past. They were equiped to handle Run Flat removal and torque all lugs by hand as a rule. Very pleased with the service and the new Potenzas.

 

I'm partial to Mr Tire because they did a good job fixing leaky RF beads. They are equipped and they will install TireRack tires for you.

 

I ordered from tire rack, wheels and tires. Upon receipt one of them had a leaky valve stem. I went to Mr. Tire over on Wilson Blvd., Just north of the Court House area before you get to Clarendon. I've been back to them twice since for a swap-out of the summer rubber and replacement of the original Goodyear Run flats. They may not win customer service awards for the cleanliness off their staff (the shop is right behind the service desk and most of the staff work the shop), but they have been spot on everytime. I have the 17 low profile tires which have never been a problem.

On a related note I ended up ordering my Brigestone Potenza's for the summer tires through them. Their prices matched Tire Rack at the time.

Highly recommended, but I warn you ... if you want somebody to cuddle you ... consider some other location.

Mr Tire
2503 N. Franklin Road
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 522-1166

 

Correct me if I am wrong, but the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is based on individual wheel rotation, not on any in-rim monitor/sendor. At least it was that way through the R53 series. Your R56 may be different, but a quick search of the NAM forums didn't show a hit for anything but wheel rotation based tire monitoring system. I appreciate that I am out on a limb with little experience with the newer series components, so smack me silly if I am wrong on this one.

 

R56 do use sensors, rather than monitoring the rotation rates. Hence TPMS must be installed with new tires, or I'll get tire pressure alerts all the time.

 

The TPMS on your R56 does have sensors and they are installed inside your wheels. They do not need to be replaced, just reset, after new tires are put on. Check your manual or posts on NAM for instructions if you are not already familliar with how to. You have to reset it in the computer, if the guys doing your tire change are not famillar with the MINI as mine were not, they may be looking for a reset button. After five minutes of wondering what they were doing looking under the dash and steering columb I found out what the guys were looking for and told them I would reset it and not to worry!

 

So the TPMS can be transferred to new tires? I had thought new TPMS has to be installed, rather than transfered. I won't be doing the tire changes, a tire place will do that for me (after I order the tires from TireRack and have them ship to the tire place). Good to hear I don't have to buy new TPMS after all.

 

I've used tirevan in the past with good results and having them come to you is great.

 

The TPMS actually takes the place of the traditional rubber valve stem on Mini's produced after 8/31/07 (IIRC). So the sensor is actually bolted to the wheel and never touches the tire. The only time it would need to be transfered is if you were switching to a different set of wheels.

 

We can supply and change out your tires, and we're familiar with the TPMS stuff. I also live in Arlington; it takes me about 25 minutes to get out here to work in the morning.

--Dan
Mach V

 

And I can vouch for being Happy with Mach V from a customer standpoint.

In fact, I just made a appoint for Thur am for a minor tweak :-)

 

Oh, and thanks to everyone for smacking me silly so nicely when I was wrong about the TPMS. I bow humbly before the DCMM group, I appreciate the lack of flame.

- Jim

 

Had the above work done today and another good visit... Thanks Dan, Will, and crew. Good job.

 

Hi Dan, just PMed you. Thanks!