Hi all,

I've searched and researched, but would like advice from real-world drivers! I live in SoFla, so snow is never an issue. What tires would you recommend to replace my oem 16" runflats? Here's my criteria:

Tires should fit my OEM 16" rims
NON-runflat
Grippy--and I do not mind a bumpy ride!
But will last as long as reasonably possible for spirited daily street/rare track use.

Thanks in advance!

 

GS-D3's 205/50/16's.

 

Is budget an issue, or is cost no object for "the best" tire?

 

the best tire for the price...


made in china 4 tires for $100?

 

I was gonna replace the OEM v-spokes and tires, but think I'll keep the wheels and put the $$ into the tires. So money is a concern, but they don't have to be really cheap.

And no Chinese tires please!!

 

I'll second Kenchan's Goodyear F1 advice. I choose them because even though they are high-performance summer tires they perform well in the wet, too.

Compared them to runflats (the only comparison I can make) they ride much better, though the ride is still plenty rough, and take a much more confident set in turns.

 

Using stock 16x6.5" rims and stock suspension

For maximum grip (Both Extreme Performance summer tire)
Bridgestone Potenza RE01R
In 205/45-16 $151 180 treadwear 21 lbs 23.2" tire diameter
Will work on lowered MINIs but tire diam is smaller than stock so you get higher than actual speed and odometer readings.

Or
Kumho Ecsta MX
In 205/55-16 $90 220 treadwear 21 lbs 25.1" tire diameter
Larger than stock tire diameter -barely fits stock suspension.

You give up treadlife for higher grip.

Or in Max Performance summer tires
In 205/50-16
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 $125 280 treadwear
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx $101 240 treadwear
Pirelli PZero Nero $129 220 treadwear

If you consider 205/55-16 then also
Bridgestone potenza RE050 Pole Position $122 140 treadwear

You'll get better treadlife and better value with
Ultra High Performance Summer tires
See General Exclaim UHP, BF Goodrich g-Force Sport and Kumho Ecsta SPT

 

I'll third kenchan's goodyear f1 advice. I have them on my 16in stock rims (x-lites), and I have not been disappointed in them in any single way. They meet all of your criteria and exceed them as well.

mb

 

Thank you very much, all of you, for the advice! Now I have somethin to do/buy this weekend! ; )

 

watch kentiki get pursuaded to buy those "4 tires for $100" deal at
discount tire center...

 

You tryin to kill me???

As my father would say, I have way too many bills to die. So maybe I'll get the 4 for $100 from some guy selling them out the back of his homemade truck!

 

On one of these threads I read that there is a German made Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 and a Chinese made version. The suggestion was that there is a quality difference. Anyone have more info on that?