I need to replace 2 tires on my 03 JCW mini. It has Bridgestone runflats on them size 205/40/18. I only checked with one shop but they want like $300 per tire which seems crazy to me. Do any other brands or sizes fit?

 

Could just buy a mobility kit with slime and compressor from MINI then buy a set of non runflats.

I had a set of Pirelli Pzero Nero 215/40/18 All season, and they were awesome tires.

 

Lots of threads on this. I have an 06 cabriolet with full JCW options. On my 18" JCW wheels, I'm running 215/40-18 Hankook Ventus V12 Evo's. Awesome tires. Highly rated by Car and Driver by test. No spacers, no rubbing.

Search this site for pucture plugging options. Slime is a last resort, IMHO.

 

Many options if you go with non-runflats.
I also use 215/40-18 Hankook Ventus V12 tires.

 

What is the ride difference with the 40 vs 35. Just purchased a 05 JCW Cab and it rides pretty hard. Has Koni Yellows and not sure of the springs yet.

 

Can't say for sure as I've never tried that combo, however, the 40's are on the edge, in my opinion, as far as the ride is concerned. With a 35, it's going to be noticeably harsher and unless the roads are in excellent shape in your area, you'll be increasing the possibility of rim and tire damage.

One thing you could do is buy an extra set of wheels and use them for special occasions. With a floor jack and an air wrench to spin the lug nuts off (and maybe on if you control the torque), you could swap them out pretty fast.

 

Yeah, been doing that with my other car and works slick. Roads are really crappy due to frost heave and just old roads. Car has new Hankook's and it is one rough mother!! Put my 17 Slites on with 205 45 17 and rode considerably better but with the Wildwood calipers on the front it is one close fit...even with the spacers. So those are coming off because it's just too close for comfort and back to the 18's and dodging the bumps.

 

Frost?? What's that?

 

Frost is step one. Snow step two and ice is step three but my Coopers are safely tucked away at that time.
The water from the snow gets in little cracks and overnight it freezes and expands and this is the birth of a "chuckhole".
18 inch wheels look great but the 35 series tire is just not enough meat and most roads aren't optimum for this wheel/tire combo.

 

I was just kiddin'.

 

LOL...you Ca boys have no idea what bad roads are like.

 

Same as above, I like 215/40-18.