I'm looking to buy a new 2012 Mini Cooper S this spring. It will be my only vehicle and I live in eastern Iowa.

My question to the group is if I should go with the run-flat tires or the all-season tires?

I'm going with the 17" wheel upgrade if that makes any difference.

Thanks in advance!

 

If it's an MCS it will have run flats because the configuration of the exhaust in the center of the car does not allow space for a spare. That doesn't mean you can't ditch them after you get it and put on non-RF's with a Slime kit in the boot like I did. My RF's were on the car for a whole 150 miles because I had had experience with RF's on the BMW 335 I had before the MINI and hated them.

 

One option...put 16" wheels on with AS tires...your back, wife and other passengers will thank you!

 

Good to see another local eastern Iowan coming into the MINI clan.

chas is correct; both the OEM performance and the all season tires that come with the MCS are SSRs (self-supporting run flats).

The SSRs get a bum rap in most venues because they typically have a ride that is firmer than "regular" tires and are quite a bit more expensive. That said, the ones that have come out during the past 18 months are superior to earlier versions. Check out this MotoringFile review:

http://www.motoringfile.com/2011/12/...y-come-of-age/

I've found that the tires that came on my '11 MCS are quite tolerable. I don't have the $$ to just ditch $1K worth of tires, so I'll keep running 'em until they need replacement (I run dedicated winter tires between T-giving and the 1st of Spring).

Good luck with your purchase! Hope we can interest you in some of our local EIM group outings, once your MINI is yours and you find that you can't wipe that off your face.

 

I recently took my CMS in for some service and got a loaner Mini. I NOTICED quite a difference in the R53 (I think) and would almost definitely replace the Run-Flats. But for my CMS, It's a lot better, not anywhere near as harsh a ride. I have All-season RF's.

This is the Mini I got to play with.

 

Thanks for all the great feedback. I see from one of the posts, that the 17" wheels with the MCS requires the run flat tires because there is no spare.

I was just on the Mini site and they have an option to replace the run-flat tires with all season tires.

ALL SEASON TIRES $0
Swap Performance tires for All-Seasons to improve grip in rain and snow.

It sounds like from the feedback that the ride with the run-flat tires is pretty harsh. I test drove a 2009 MCS and the ride was pretty rough.

If I got with (and they let me) the all season tires, what options do I have for a spare tire in the MCS? I'm not familiar with the "Slime kit in the boot like I did" from the previous post.

Do you have a link you can point me to?

Thanks!

 

I think I found the kit. Is this it? Have any of you actually had to use it?

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...ility_kit.html

 

I've heard that the only problem with the slime kits is that you can't get the tire back to a usable condition. Gunks up the inside as well as the TPMS transmitter.

I have non-runflat winter tires on for the season, and my insurance policy against being stranded out on the frozen tundra is one of these:

http://www.detroittuned.com/shop/?productID=504

I bought a nifty little black canvas bag with handles for tidy storage, and it rides neatly behind the passenger seat back. I usually forget it's even back there.

 

Continental DWS all the way. Ask around, they are awesome.

 

I would double-check with MINI, but I believe the swap from performance to all season tires on the S and JCW models is just a function of the tread design and that both are run-flat tires.

 

Carry a small compressor and a plug kit. Then you will have no worries.

 

I have this in my boot.
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...ortby=ourPicks


I always wave and even flash my headlights.

 

I replaced the run flats on my MCS with summer and winter tires. For day to day driving I do not carry a spare. I added roadside assistance to my Insurance plan for about $30.00/year. Most of my weekly driving is within 30 miles of my home. When we travel long distances I put my full size tire on an extra full size rim in the back. Even with myself & my husband and a week's worth of luggage and a cooler I have plenty of room in the back.

 

I enjoyed the all season RF's (Continental) that came with my 2008 MCS. As I got closer to the wear bar the ride did become rougher. Other than that I had no complaints. I would have got them again but at the time couldn't afford the price tag $210 each.

 

Can't use a "slime" kit on a MCS, it will clog up the tire pressure sensors.

 

You are confusing Fix-A Flat and Slime. Fix-A Flat will harden up and will plug up tire sensors. Slime just washes out.

Dave

 

According to Slime "SLiME Tire Sealant will not damage TPMS devices"
http://www.slime.com/category/faqs/


So I would use it but as a last ditch effort to get to a tire dealer or cell service to call for a tow. I also carry a plug kit with air compressor.

 

Blanket statements like that are fraught with hidden thorns. Not all MINIs are equiped with pressure sensors. Some have rotation sensors so it is a good idea to know which you have for future flat tire options.

 

If getting an MCS you will still have run-flat tires even with the all-season tread pattern.