Hey all,

I want new rubber for the spring, i have 16 inch R83s on the cooper and i want to use these rims.... what can i put on that will be best for the road.. good grip and wet traction... I am also looking to get a little wider tires if possible, non run-flat..

What do you mini gurus think?? Alex??

Davo

 

Alex recommended to me the Bridgestone S-03's in the 205/50 16. A huge improvement over the runflats! I just wish I had done this change sooner instead of after 12k miles.

 

Withourt a doubt the best tire I have ever driven. Azenis are great but not even close in the wet to the S03 PPs

 

Also take a look at the new Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3s....I've been hearing great things about them...check out http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/mi_ps2_nextGen.jsp as it compares the s03, gs-d3, and pilot sports....the pilots got the highest rating but was pretty close overall between these 3....the s03 had a very very marginal higher rating in the dry, but the gs-d3 was much much better in the wet then the s03...the pilot did very well overall in both dry and wet. From looking at these results and from what i've heard from people running all these tires, I'd choose the Pilot Sports PS2 or the Eagle F1 GS-D3s but the PS2s are very expensive...the Goodyears are the most affordable of the bunch.


Err just noticed the PS2s are not available in 16" fitment...the Goodyears can be had in a 205/45-16 which I think is a great size for the MINI...both are available in a 205/50 which is too close to stock for me but the best you can do with the s03s.

 

195/55/16 or 205/50/16 will work. you get more choices on 205/50/16. :smile:

imho, for street (no auto-x) good all-season tires would do the trick for the
mini on stock suspension. S03's would be over kill unless you race or have
aftermarket suspension. I would probably go for the RE750's if from Bridgestone.

I use the cheepo Pirelli P6 Four Seasons as my winter set and they worked
very well for my case. :smile: 205/50/16 size.



_________________
03MCS IB/Blk: 123, Aerokit, R90 17x7, Anthrasite Int, TK5 16x7, 6CDMP3, etc.

 

So Casey,

I can run Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 in a 205/45 R16 and no rubbing ?? Will this lower the ground clearance at all??

Davo

 

They won't rub, many MINI owners have been running them with no problems. It will lower your car about 1/2" as that is due to the shorter sidewalls.