After doing a variety of cosmetic mods to 'Nigel' [mostly dechromed, Whalen shift ****, Auto-open sunroof and Sport Button], Belt line tape and turn signal stickers], the absolute best mod I have doen was get rid of the runflats and upgrade to 17's

I know there are disadvantages to not having runflats [which are not meant to be debated here] but dropping the OEM tire/wheel setup has completely chaged the demeanor of the car.

I got 30,000 out of the runflats and I could not bear the thought of dunping them with life left in them. I'm frugal [read cheap]. I went with some inexpensive R99 cloes from Tire Rack and Michelin Pilot Plus UHP all seasons. Wow what a difference. My daily drive used to be like driving down a runway the Japanese strafed in WWII. Although not Caddillac smooth, the ride is so much better. Handling has improved and it seems as though the horrible torque steer has been greatly reduced. I highly recommend this change. Being excessively old [45], my tired old bones could not take the buckboard ride anymore. These tire and wheels just frost my cupcakes! Make the change. It is the best money I ever spent. Next week I go in for the JCW Stage 1 kit retrofit. I can't wait for that.

 

Just curious, what's the bolt pattern for the 2009 MCS?

 

I would assume it is still 4X100. I can;t imagine BMW chaging that. The thread pitch did change however from 2007 to 2008.

 

4 x 100

 

Oh awesome. Thanks. I can use my old xB wheels then :D

 

What exactly are your "inexpensive R99 clones" ? I love the R99's but I'd hate to pay thousands for them.

 

i went from the stock 17's with the Dunlop RF's to a lower profile 18 rim and non RF tire combo

and the car is much better as well even with less rubber..

and much better traction too.. my car used to oversteer way too much

 

Here is a picture of them. I got them from Tire Rack for 115 a piece. My local tire place quoted me 185 a piece. Not exactly a R99 clone but close enough for me.

 

Maybe. Sometime in 2006 MINI changed from 12mm lug bolts to 14mm lug bolts. Make sure your old wheels will accept 14mm lug bolts -- many older wheels will.

 

Hm... those may be an option. I was thinking of going with these:

 

i believe you also have to look at your hub size and brake clearancesomeone at tirerack may be able to steer you in the right direction

 

I can't wait to dump my runflats and get some new wheels

 

I've got 18" nonrunflats on my JCW. When I get the chance I'm going back to the runflats.

The first mod I use to do is to get rid of the runflats but though I agree it's somewhat noticeable, it's mostly neglible.

I've tracked my car with runflats and non runflats and I guess because the Yoko's aren't that great, they didn't handle on the track any better/worse than the runflats.

I've got an exit ramp that I run everyday. I am always able to take that ramp at 62mph with the nonrunflats. With the Yoko's I'm good for 58 without feeling the rearend slide out.

I know, not exactly a scientific test but the point is, the difference is neglible.

At least for me, I travel 700 miles one way to visit my mother at least once a month. The piece of mind knowing I have at least a little bit of protection is worth it.

Mark

 

If you want to dump the runflats - I did - I have 3,000 + miles on Michelin's new Pilot Sport A/S PLUS (the PLUS is important as the regular Pilot Sport A/S is an entirely differnt tire). and I am very happy with this tire. 45,000 mile tread warranty, smooth, quiet ride, crisp handling and good wet and dry traction. Check out the owner's survey at tirerack.com

 

With 18" wheels there may not be enough sidewall height for any tire to be anything but harsh.

Which Yokos, and what runflats did you have?

 

The Yokos are the S-drives and the runflats are the Dunlops that come on the car.

Mark

 

That's the tire I got and have been happy with them although it has ony been a week. They feel a bit stickier than my old performance runflats and the road noise and ride is so much better.

 

Dumb question, but do you have to change wheels to lose the run flats? Being even older (47) and cheaper than Callahan00, I'd hate to get rid of a perfectly good set of 16" star-blasters.

 

Nope.... wheels can't differentiate whether they have runflats or not on them.

Mark

 

Agreed. Makes no difference to the wheels at all.

 

You don't think it will make them nervous or self-conscious?

 

Ohhh, I'm sure it does... the next question will be "do these tires make my wheels look fat?"

 

Or, do these heavy wheels depress my poor MINI?

 

I am one who does spend much time on those nasty runways, and in some of our airports they actually do feel like they were strafed, but that being said I still ditched the run flats long ago, 2 are still in the garage and have better then 50% left on them. I do carry 1 as a spare behind the back seat as I would hate to get stuck in the middle of the night with no backup.
Now about being old at 45, that is not old, its experience!!!, besides i always say it is not the age its the Mileage!!!

 

Just put Konig Privat Natz 17 X 7.5 wheels on my MCS Horizon Blue with Yokohama 215/45 - 17's on this a.m. Other than a little TPMS leak they look great. Havn't had time to drive it yet but looking forward to Mickie & MINI 5 in Orlando, FL. next weekend.