I am looking to build a 2010 MCS and trying to decide between the 16 & 17 inch original equipment tires and rims from Mini. I have read so many posts here about replacing the rims and tires but I do not want to do that. So I am looking for opinions about the original equipment run flats and rim choices. I cannot say that I felt much difference between the 195/55 16 inch and the 205/45 17 inch, but it was just a couple 20 minute test drives so I am looking for some long term reviews of ride comfort. (I know it is a balance of comfort versus performance when it comes to tires but I think the car has enough performance and a little comfort in the tires would be nice.)

 

I had the Goodyear Excellence OEMs in 195/55 16. I got 40k miles out of them. Only degradation imo was once they got down below 4/32nds on the tread - they became much more prone to hydroplaning at that point.

Replaced them with Yoko S.drives in a 205/55 16 size. Obviously a bit of a nod toward comfort with the size choice, but it is a daily driver. jmo, but the extra grippiness of the Yokos more than makes up for size difference.

A few weeks ago I had a loaner 2010 MCS that had the 17 inch wheels. I could definitely tell it was a harsher ride.

hth and good luck!

 

Id say it depends what your plans are for the car. Quick lease with no modifications and all that...get what looks best to you.. Yes 17s are a little harsher, but if you dont lower it itll ride just fine.

If your like most of us on here, your probably going to want some new rims eventually, and whoknows, maybe some lowering springs to get the stance better....Might as well get some 16s and not spend the extra cash.

I creamed a pothole 4 months after i got mine and bent a wheel up... Went on tirerack and spent 500 bucks on a new set, and sold all the other stock wheels for a total of about 350....mind you i just paid 700 for em i think when i ordered it....

Wish i had gotten some 16s for winter, and then got a nice set for my summer... I did recently get another set of 16" Bridgespokes and some All Seasons for winter... definately nice having the extra rubber in the crappy stuff

 

FYI-
It will not be a lease. I buy the car and drive it until it needs to be replaced. I have owned my current car (a Saturn) since I took delivery in Novemnber of 1992. (I also owned a Vega for from 1976 until 1990.)

I doubt that I will customize it.

I am looking for tires that will be on the car year round and I live in Indy.

 

Another consideration is that the 17" OEM wheels are significantly heavier than 16" wheels. This adds to the jarring effect of even minor bumps. It also affects the steering wheel 'feel' when turning because you're pushing against a larger rotating mass.

My MCS has 17" Webspoke wheels, which at 22.3 lbs each are among the heaviest that MINI makes (heaviest wheel goes to the paradoxically-names S-lite at 25.1 lbs). I switched to 16" S-winders that are 17.4 lbs each and could feel the difference pretty dramatically.

Check the wheel/tire FAQ at MINI2 for the specs on the OEM wheels, maybe that can help you decide.