So I have the Pirelli run-flats on my '03 MCS. And honestly... they are so moody! First the left one leaks, then the right one. Granted, it's awesome to be able to just fill up and roll out, but I gotta do that again in two days...

So seeing as how there's no way to repair run-flats, I'm looking for new tires.

Here are the best prices I've found on tires: http://edgeracing.com/2003/Mini/Cooper_S/tires/17/

I've checked Tirerack.com also, but am not really impressed. I was thinking about the Falkens and the Proxes 4's, seeing as how they're reasonably priced high-performance all-seasons.

If anyone could convince me to drive summer tires in the winter, tho, I just might. My winter driving mostly consists of freeway driving with some city driving in Boise, ID, where we got about 30 total inches of snowfall last year, I believe.

If someone could give some tips on tires for the MCS in general, that'd be awesome. I'd like to keep run-flats, but they're so expensive and heavy, and if they spring a leak, you gotta buy a new one.

 

Look at the General Exclaim UHP. It is a summer tire, but is also rated M+S. Read the reviews and check out Tire Rack's rating for it. If I were getting everyday tires that could pass for all seasons, I'd seriously consider that one. If you are looking at all seasons to drive everyday, but that can also take a cool weather track day's abuse ok, look at the Kumho ASX.

 

What's M+S mean?

Also, only four tires are shown to fit my vehicle through Tirerack.com, using UHPAS, HPAS, and PAS as the search filters for 205/45/17 fitment.

 

Without run flats you'll have to carry something to deal with flat tires (compressor, Slime and/or plugs).

 

Or, a Mini Cooper spare, if you can find one.

 

*sigh*
Why can't tires just be perfect?
Since I'm lazy and an idiot, I'll just go get some more, heavy, boring, non-gripping run-flats...

 

Check out the Continental runflat...it's not real expensive.

In 45 years of driving, I've had maybe 10 flats, so, I am not too worried about driving with non-runflats, and especially since all my flats came on regular tires and without such conveniences as mini compressors, plug kits and Slime. I DID carry a spare, but mostly got by with a can of Fix-a-Flat [yeah, I know that's a no-no now, but, what were ya gonna do when nothing else was available back then?].

 

Use the filters 1 at a time. For better results look in 215/45/17

alex

 

Hi Alex.

But that is not my vehicle's tire size. The MCS's tire size is 205/45/17. I don't know much about much, so maybe the extra 10 (mm's?) don't matter...?

 

I just put 4 Kumho ASX 215/45/17 tires on. They fit fine. As an added bonus, my speedometer always read a little fast before this and this tire size seems to make it a little closer to accurate.

 

I'm in the same boat as the OP. What's a good choice for highway type cornering (highest priority), rain handling (no snow), and mileage? I've got 16's. (Yes, I know--it was a trade-out on the sport package.)

I do autocross occasionally, but I'm more interested in handling in the twisties.