Which rims and tires do you have? Some of us have an extra set of S-lites with runflats. I have a set with Pirelli RF with about 1500 miles on them. Give me a PM if you are interesed in them.

>>Got back from the dealer two days ago. Both front tires have "bubbles" and dealers says replace the rims too. Yeah, pay $300@ for 2 tires and $400 each for rims that I have to wait for (not in stock) and repeat this every year because of our potholes.
>>
>>Warning! Low profile tires, like the 205/45R17, damage easily due to our poor road conditions and may often fail to protect your rims.
>>
>>If my rims are indeed toast, I'm downsizing to 16" and going wider. I'm also going conventional with a $20 compressor from Costco, a can of "fix-a-flat" and AAA service via the cell phone.
>>
>>This is the wrong place for low profile tires and wanted anyone else considering a Mini here to realize what their annual cost of maintenance would be with 17" or 18" wheels. I'll let ya'll know when we're safe to cut corners again. Untill then we're driving gently and praying the sidewalls don't blowout before replacements arrive. Oh, didn't I mention that I haven't found cheaper non-RF tires in 205/45R17 locally?

 

just check with some of us...guarantee one of us has got some spares laying around. unfortunately i just sold my set of white s-lites.

wow, i can't believe those mammoth wheels need to be replaced. and 2 to boot.

i've got 16's on right now. ordered my asa lw5 with yokohama es100's from tirerack for i believe <$1200, s&h and extra locks included.

tirerack has got pretty much the cheapest prices. many times even with s&h they come out cheaper than local sources. i just ordered bfg g-force kdw2 in 205/50-16 for <$120 each. with s&h it came out far less <$600.

also considered goodyear eagle gs d-3. weird thing is tirerack is even cheaper than the local goodyear stores, and i'm talking like $40 cheaper per tire.

i love my 16's but i still have 17's for some variety.

 

HawaiEE,

Sorry to hear about your wheels and runins with potholes from Hell.

>>Got back from the dealer two days ago. Both front tires have "bubbles" and dealers says replace the rims too. Yeah, pay $300@ for 2 tires and $400 each for rims that I have to wait for (not in stock) and repeat this every year because of our potholes.

For that price you can sell your remaining less damaged wheels and buy aftermarket 16" rims and non runflat tires.

>>Warning! Low profile tires, like the 205/45R17, damage easily due to our poor road conditions and may often fail to protect your rims.

I have driven about 13,000 miles on stock 205/45-17 S-lytes and aftermarket 215/45-17 non runflats with no problems whatsoever. But I watch where I go and steer clear of trouble. Go slow if you cannot see ahead of you and be prepared always.

>>This is the wrong place for low profile tires and wanted anyone else considering a Mini here to realize what their annual cost of maintenance would be with 17" or 18" wheels. I'll let ya'll know when we're safe to cut corners again. Untill then we're driving gently and praying the sidewalls don't blowout before replacements arrive. Oh, didn't I mention that I haven't found cheaper non-RF tires in 205/45R17 locally?

You can order 215/40-17 ultra performance non runflat tires at a reasonable price from Costco. Tirerack is the other reasonable option. Local sources are limited.

If you run low profile wheels you have to be careful and know your roads. I recently saw a MCS in Mililani at Ruby Tuesdays with a very large rupture in the Pirelli runflat sidewall and damaged rim on the left front. Looks like it had been through a battle (with a pothole most likely). Very impressive damage. I would have not driven that car.
It was also about 20 times more dirty than kbseto's MCS on a very bad day. Funny how I just don't see many dirty MINIs.