I have a 2007 MCS with the Sport Package (18" wheels with all season Continentals). I do not like the ride or the ease with which I can grind the wheel edges into curbs due to the low side walls.

Any thoughts on switching to non-run flats and 17" wheels? Any suggestions??

 

If you want a smooth ride, get 16" wheels. However, you can still grind them into curbs.

 

what 18" wheels do you have....i'll trade you my bridge spokes plus cash if they are 18" R105's!

 

You'd want to pick tires carefully.

Choose something with more comfort in mind as a priority.

Do you have a budget?

What about Keeping the 18" rims and replacing just the tires?

Perhaps-
Falken Ziex Ze-912 Ultra High performance All Season tire
215/35-18 $94 each 360 treadwear 22.7 lbs each 24" tire diameter
More comfort oriented but overall good.

Or
Toyo Proxes 4 Ultra High performance All Season tire
205/40-18 $114 each 300 treadwear 20.5 lbs each 24.5" tire diameter

Or Pirelli PZero Nero M+S Ultra High performance All Season tire
215/35-18 $149 to 157 each 400 treadwear 20 lbs each 24" tire diameter
Costs more but very good tire overall

If all season tires not needed then-
215/35-18 General Exclaim UHP (Ultra High Performance Summer tire)
$85 each 380 treadwear 18 lbs, 23.9" tire diameter
or
Kumho Ecsta SPT $100 each (Ultra High Performance Summer tire)
320 treadwear 20 lbs, 23.9" tire diameter

Do you care if the tires wear out fairly quickly- like 20,000 miles?

Do the tires need to be All Season (can handle some snow)?

Are you against 16" wheels- it is true you would have more choices in comfortable tires perhaps 205/50-16 or even 205/55-16 (slightly taller than stock).

 

Many thanks for all the excellent help!!

 

I have 4 brand new (under 300 miles) that I am lookign to sell, but they are Summer Performance tires. Pirelli Euphori@ 205 / 45 R17 84V Treadwear 180 Traction A. They are RunFlats. Do you use your MINI in the winter? If so I recommend All Seasons instead.

The Pirelli Zeros are good but not super great in the snow and wet area per the tests I have seen.