I have read all the negative reviews of this tire in a non runflat tire, but your tires are a different tire. On my '08 R56S, I had 17' Dunlops and the handling was terrible. On my '15 R56S, I have the 17's with the Optimo runflats and the handling is great.
The new car's suspension is greatly advanced and I don't know if the tires are better or if the car is better. But even with the 17" runflats, my '15 rides and handles better than my '12( my second of 3 Minis) with the very good Michelen A/S 3's.

 

Did you accept the car with the wrong tires on it? That is an ordering mistake easily corrected.

 

I did. I didn't realize what classification the Hankook Optima fell into until I came home. Unfortunately for me, I leave town for a week-long work trip tomorrow, so no rectifying things in the near term. Fortunately for me, I've got my winter wheels and tires coming from TireRack and they should be here right about when I get back (15x6.5 MSW Type 14 wheels and 185/65R-15 Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 SL tires).

I may or may not attempt to correct these tires. It's not a situation which is going to affect me in the near term, and my preference for a performance tire mounted upon delivery was fairly lukewarm.

 

TheMeal, just out of curiosity, were they going to charge you for upgraded tires? I didn't realize this was a negotiable point with the dealer. I must collect these tips for my NEXT Mini!

 

It was an option that Gale presented me at the time he placed my order. No price difference.

I'm blasé about it, as no OEM tire is likely to satisfy me. Upgrading the rubber on my '07 made a huge difference. I expect the same this time around. I may try to sell the tires once the Blizzaks are installed (and my life settles down).

 

Mine came with Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Runflat.
I just picked up my F56 + auto + sport package (16" tires 195/55R16) yesterday. I know it's kind of early to tell, but I'm very happy with my tires. It has Eco & Fuel saving & Quiet labels on it. According to Tirerack, it's made in Romania, and it has tread wear rating of 500! Their non runflats are rated about the same tread wear, so I think these tires will last even though they are runflats.

 

Meal,
I wonder if I got your tires. Mine came with Hankook Ventus S1 Evo2s. I don't believe they are all season tires.......as they are HORRIBLE in snow.
Wouldn't surprise me as Veg had a clear bra installed that he didn't request (but I did).
It seemed MofL was having a hard time keep us all straight.

 

Goodyear Efficientgrip runflats came on our 2015 Cooper S.

 

Could be the case. I wouldn't be surprised. They've had to FedEx me two additional contracts (all paperwork) due to errors they have made (and re-made). Up to the point where I drove the car off the lot the person at the dealership I was most impressed with was the finance lady. Now... I'm not sure who I'd say did their job well.

Love my car though!

 

Just picked up my new Mini. Came with Dunlop Sport Maxx RT DSST 205/45/17 on silver Cosmos wheels. Was planning on selling them asap and go for non-runflat, but so far the ride quality is pretty good, might keep em. Need to test out the handling more.

 

2015 MCS

Pirelli Cinturato P7 Run Flat Ultra High Performance Summer

205/45R17 88W

Which are for sale with 15 miles on them if anyone is interested.

 

If I lived in CO.....I'd likely spec the Cooper with base 15" wheels and put dedicated snows on them.... and even do same living in Iowa! Then I'd have all kind of options for a summer tire/wheel combo

 

 

Goodyear Efficient Grip runflats came on our 2015 Cooper S with 16" wheels.

Not very impressed with turn in feel. Seems the Michelins on a 2015 Justa loaner had better response.

Ed

 

17" Dunlop SS, very happy although could be softer. Swapped to after market wheels and tires 225/45/17 Yokohama Advan Sport RFT, great dry and wet traction but hydroplane some on really wet roads. Going to Michelin Pilots next summer.

 

At 300 miles I drove over to the tire store and swapped the 17" OE Hankook runflats for Michelin Pilot Sports (non-runflat). So I never really road tested the Hankooks - just didn't care for runflats in general and always have had good luck with Michelin.

Next time, however, I would try to store the Hankooks until trade-in time and then reinstall them. Instead I sold the set on craigslist for $220.

I think it's possible that modern runflats offer improved comfort and performance compared to those of 5-10 years ago - but I keep hearing that runflats seem more susceptible to flats and sidewall damage and are a pain to replace or repair. I geared up to plug and pump the Michelins and will take my chances.

 

16" Hankook runflats on mine.

3,000 miles on them so far without any issues. They handle OK, but are super noisy when cornering. I'll change 'em out to regular all weathers when they're dead I think.