Friday night I swapped my 17" Dunlop summer performance run-on-flats for 16" Dunlop winter performance run-on-flats. I'd had no idea how much the character of the drive would change. Road noise is reduced and has a higher pitch, with less thumping on road irregularities. Ride is softer, and steering less precise, but still very good. Both sets of tires were inflated to 38 psi.

One inch smaller diameter, one inch narrower tread, different tread pattern, different rubber. I'm still a MINI newbie with only 11,700 miles on my 07 MCS, and learning every day

Great fun, great drive, with either set of tires

 

winter tires will do that. they don't have as much grip either so be careful.

 

oldsbear- i hated those SP9000DSST's. try the SumitomoHTR+'s and
you will be able to enjoy your 17" wheels while getting comfy'er, quieter,
and better performance over all.

 

I've got a set of 15" Blizzaks + wheels that I'm waiting to swap out, but it's seems pretty early to do so yet.

 

yah, it's over 70F today in chicago....

 

Are you running the Dunlop Wintersport D3 ROF? That tire is absolutely amazing both in snow and in the dry; it really raises the bar for all season performance....it's currently at the top of Tire Racks survey. And, the run flat is a welcome feature in a 195/55/16, because it stiffens the sidewall up nicely which helps with stabilty and turn-in, without being too harsh of a ride.

 

Yes, pleased so far, but haven't seen any snow or ice yet.

 

i hear it's going to be a warm winter this year for the mid-west.

which could mean serious snow storms or not much... very
fine line between rain and snow.