One of run flats is flat and I am using this as an excuse to buy new tires. I currently have Perelli Euforias (205/45/17). They appear to provide a rather harsh ride. Car is a 2006 Mini S. I live in San Diego (= no rain year round for the most part). It is my daily driver and I do not race it. Occasional spirited street driving and some fun turns but that's about it.
My priorities, in order, are:
1) Comfortable ride (not rough like the run flats).
2) Quiet.
3) Performance.
4) Appearance.
5) Price.
6) Tread life.

I am not partial to any brand.
Also, should I stay with 205 or should I go with 215's? What would the difference be?

Thanks.
Jeff

 

Conti ProContact 215/45/17- your best ride and about 40k well rotated

 

Jeffmort,

I would suggest these three tires:

Falken 912
https://www.edgeracing.com/tire/5564/
360 Tread wear (about 36,000 mi. if rotated properly)
Asymmetrical pattern (allows you to rotate in any direction)
ultra high performance all season (can handle light snow traction)

Sumitomo HTRZIII
https://www.edgeracing.com/tire/6801/
300 tread wear (about 30,000 mi. if rotated properly)
Asymmetrical pattern (allows you to rotate in any direction)
Max performance (great dry/wet handling)
Very quiet performance tire

Falken FK452
https://www.edgeracing.com/tire/2635/
300 tread wear (about 30,000 mi. if rotated properly)
Directional pattern (can only be rotated front to back and vice versa)
Max Performance tire (great dry/wet handling)
Very quiet for a performance tire

Let me know if you have any querstions.

Leo
leo@edgeracing.com
800-489-5353 x211
http://www.edgeracing.com

 

FWIW - these are all Z rated or higher - these firm sidewalls will not give you the focus on your # 1 prioroty listed above - "ride quality"

I do love the HTRZIII for a sport tire- not ride or mileage -
for the $ it's hard to beat.

Alex

 

Encinitas is not far away from La Jolla. Drop in on Brian Goodwin of Goodwin Racing and pick his brain. Brian has driven more different brands under any conditions than anybody I know and he will give you an unbiased opinion.

My own present preference is the Goodyear F1 GS-D3 but make sure that you get German and not Chinese made tires. More expensive than the choices listed above but worth every penny.

 

I had these tires on my Jag. When they are brand new, they are quiet....but once you get some miles on them they get LOUDER........

I would go with a more expensive tire since price is at the lower end of your list on this one...

 

WFIW - Jag's are a heavier platform - and that manufacture doesnt recomend rotation. If a tire gets louder its likley from uneven wear - Jag's also have camber issues like most BMW's that can add to the problem.

This is an OEM tire for Mercedes Benz, Audi & Bmw. Low end it's not.

quiet = rotate often

Alex

 

Test results - hard to disagree with systematic scientific testing.

Alex

 

I just bought Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Positions. Quiet and comfortable compared to the Yokohama AVS100 they replaced and performs almost as well in the dry and I feel more confident in the rain. They are a little pricey but worth it.

retroom

 

For others in San Diego looking for a place to mount, balance, shave tires - check out C2 Racers. They share space with Mr. Goodwin and are absolutely awesome about mounting tires w/o screwing up the rims and balancing them perfectly. Plus the owner won STS2 in his Miata and other cars.

http://www.c2racers.com/

No affiliation other than a very happy customer. They also have performance brake fluid, brake pads, helmets, gloves, racing books etc. All in their retail location or on line.