Okay, this is my first post. I'm removing my run flats. The front tires from my original set wore out and now the new ones have worn out. I only have 28000 on my mini and I think this is ridiculous!!! I just can't afford to replace ($250-350 each) every few thousand miles. Anyone have any thoughts on this? I apologize if this has been discussed but I really need some advice. I'm contemplating getting new wheels with the new non run flat tires. (It would be the same price as buying a set of run flats) Any recommendations on wheels?

 

well i think everyone on here will tell you to definitly ditch the run flats. if you want new wheels then check the for sale section but you can just get your run flats replaced my regular tires. and non run flats ride much better than run flats

 

I'm very happy with the Falken 912s, the best price I found was unsertire.com through discounttiredirect.com matched it and I think the offer AAA discount.

 

The tread wear on the run flats is usually very low. I am pretty sure once my runflats on our 06 are done that I will be finding a on run flat tire to replace them with. I drive mine hard so I am sure I will only get about 15k miles or so out of mine so 28k is pretty good. There are so many options out there and a good place to at least window shop on line is tire rack.

 

Ditch the Runflats, and If you want get some new wheels, with non runflats. You will get much better handling with lighter wheels, and the new tires

 

I just got 4 Dunlop Direzza tires and they are a massive improvement over the runflats. They totally changed the way the car drives & feels.

Just throw a SLIME flat tire kit in the trunk and enjoy the car!

 

28,000 miles is pretty good!!! largely depends on how you drive. my m3 eats up high performance tires every 10,000!!! if i get 28,000 with my mini i personally will be stoked! good luck. i would also look in the "tires, wheels and breaks section."

 

I swapped out the runflats for a set of Hankook Ventus SR2's. Excellent handling (good for autocrossing), and the ride improvement was great. Just go down to Target (or similar) and get a inflation kit to keep in the boot (small 12v compressor and bottle of Slime).

 

If cost is your only issue, look for slightly used tires online. I bought my last set partly off eBay. They were at about 85-90% tread, but 50% cost. No problems with them at all. Just another option.

dan

 

If you haven't been rotating your tires every 5,000/miles or so, you need to. You can make them last considerably longer with regular rotations.

 

It's common for any set of front tires to wear out whether runflats or not.

Normally you can rotate front tires about every 3000-5000 miles and do OK enough to keep the whole set of four for about 20,000+ miles. Some owners do take corners hard and brake hard which can wear out tires quickly.

Depending on your tire wear pattern (is it even over the width of the tread or on the outer edges mostly?) you can have other reasons for fast front treadwear:
Alignment- when was it last done? When changing tires it is usually good to redo alignment and set to stock specs. If one side front toe setting is too far out then you get lots of wear and poor handling. Alignment can be altered by hitting a curb or pothole.
Tire pressure- make sure front and rear pressures are about 34-37 psi.
Rotate tires- fronts to backs on the same side about every 3000-5000 miles. You can also just wear out the fronts and replace them by putting the better new tires on the rear and rotating the older tires to the fronts then you buy only two at a time.
Driving smoothly- MINIs use the front tires for braking, turning and accelerating so there is no getting away from tire wear. Being smooth on starts and stops helps alot.
Runflats or not- your choice. Some owners want the safety and security of runflats for not having to stop to change a flat during less safe conditions. Others don't mind using non runflats, paying less per tire, having a larger tire selection to choose from and getting better handling, comfort and wear.

Non runflats don't have to be expensive but you do lack a spare unless you buy a compact spare and keep it in a bag in your boot.

You can search for Summer tires or All Season tires in 205/45-17 or 205/50-16 depending on which stock rim you have.

If you never have snow then Summer tires are fine, try looking at Ultra High Performance class first. Max and Extreme performance wear faster and handle better but cost more.

If you want comfort and longer treadwear or if you have some snow then try All Season tires, start with Ultra High Performance class.

Search in the tire forum for more info or talk to Alex@tirerack.com

Edgeracing.com carries brands not available at tirerack.
(Falken, Toyo, Hankook).

 

..hhhmmm...I've got 30K on my OEM runflats and they are nearing replacement now.

 

I have a dk. silver 04 mcs 12k miles, getting rid of oe. runflats was the best thing I've done to this car. I drive on twisty bumpy country roads and the car no longer feels as if it were going to vibrate apart. Because of the remote places I drive I carry a 12v compressor, a plug kit and a can of fix a flat just in case.

 

I dumped my RF 2 months after I got my R53.
A whole new set of 215 40/17 under $400.installed...Mileage Warranty: 40,000 miles UTQG: 360AA

$88.00 each

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...d=009138&ar=40

Falken Ziex ZE-912All-season performance tire for your import tuner car. Z-speed rated.215/40R-17 87W XL BReading the Tire SizeAverage Customer Review Read Reviews Review this TireMileage Warranty: 40,000 milesUTQG: 360AAMeets or exceeds original equipment speed rating

 

I got and set of these for 400$

 

I ditched my RFs, too. I've got about 6,000 miles on my BF Goodrich G-Force Sports. Luv'm.

 

I also just dumped the rf's. I went to Bridgestone RE-01R's, took them to the track last weekend:



They are REAL nice.....

 

Run flats are the worst. The s-lites with the RF weigh a total of 47lbs. The new rims and tires i put on made the ride so much nicer and acceleration a little better too.

 

Yeah!
Build the pire high and burn the HARSH BEASTS!
For fun,go tell a motoring advisor how much you like your non run flats.
...good sport it is!

 

I too was going to ditch my run flats and head towards non run flats.. but the opportunity presented itself for a set of runflats with 2k miles on it and new rims for 500 dollars.. so I am sticking with the run flats.. yeah it can be a ruff ride, but for me... I feel a peace of mind with my new s-lites. To me its the peace of mind that is worth more to me then a little less ruffer ride. I have never had non run flats on my mini so in reality i have no idea what I am missing! I did although change size to 17's. It looks good and less space around the tire at the top. I like the new rims too..