I'm looking mainly to soften the ride with a tire that does well in the wet (and dry).

Currently have 07 MCS, sport suspension, lowered on Mach V springs, stock 205/45/17 all season performance runflats (18 000KM), LSD and additional HP. Tires do not rub. Car is not tracked or raced.

Car is located on Vancouver Island where it rains more than snows in winter. MINI stays in garage on snow days and spousal Subaru does its thing.

Two ways to go that I'm considering and I'd appreciate some thoughts:

1. replace stock with 205/45/17 Michelin Pilot Sport AS Plus (all seasons), keep runflats to remount if I trade in car in the next year or two

2. keep the stock rims/tires for "winter" and buy a set of TireRack's file sale Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 205/50ZR16, add 16" rims and pressure monitors, and use this setup 9 months of the year.

thoughts?

 

If you go the latter route, assuming it's a Canadian car, you will not need the tire pressure sensors, as the flat tire monitoring system on Canadian cars uses the ABS system to measure rotational differences.
Tough call, I believe in two sets wheels and tires for winter and summer, but then I have only visited Vancouver Island once, and suspect not many winter tires are used there. An all season tire here on the prairies I refer to as a "no season" tire. But your case is different. If the new Pilot Sport AS Plus comes in the stock size, that should be a good tire, they don't release dogs in the Pilot Sport series. Michelins tend to have good ride qualities. Good luck in your decision.

 

Thanks

 

I didn't realize that about the flat tire monitoring system.

Anyone know if brake clearance on 16 inch wheels going to be an issue?

 

16s are fine for clearing the stock MCS brakes.

IIRC, 15s won't fit the MCS, but they will fit the MC.

 

Thanks for the info re brakes and 16s.

Any other opinions on ride feel with options 1 or 2 (above)?

 

15" wheels will fit a first gen car.

 

1- I dont show that tire available in that size

2 - thats a great idea!

Alex

 

re: #1
Right you are. That should read a 205/50/17. The overall diam. is 25.12" while the stock (Dunlop SP Sport 01 DSST) is 24.5, or about 0.6in taller. I'm wondering if this is going to be an issue?? The last two images in my Gallery show the lowered car, the last image was shot with the camera level with the center of the wheel.

re: #2
Apparently, here in Canada, we don't need the tire pressure sensors. Do you have wheel recommendations, ie a "package"?

 

By picking the funtional part allready, its really just a pesonal cosmetic taste from here - Use this link to see what I have in 16s' for you.

Let me know when your ready

 

Thanks Alex. I've already spent a couple of hours looking at wheels and tires on your site. Will look some more...