i am shopping for new tires for my 2010 Cooper S. i plan to move up to 18" from my 17", and would like opinions on best all-around tire (price, treadwear, looks, performance, etc.). i have NM lowering springs so they need to fit without carving out wheel wells, etc. i live in Michigan so they have to be all-season (i can't afford two sets of tires/rims); i drive at high speeds (95-125 on freeways whenever possible) so they need a good rating for speed. i don't want to break my bank but am willing to spend a bit more $$ to get a bit more tire; a good rule of thumb for suggestions is $400 or less per tire. any and all help is greatly appreciated. after tires is finding new 18" rims that will fit my third as-yet-unpurchased addition, a Wilwood Brake kit.
Cheers to all!
James

 

Why do you want 18" rims? Is it for handling or looks?

 

And get the BBK first. They can limit your rim choices.

 

mostly for looks. i don't track the car at all, but I don't like the space between the tires and the wheel wells. that's why it's getting lowered too. i know lowering can hurt handling, as can larger wheels and rims, but i just drive (commuter) so don't need the ability to slalom or get through the chicane without bottoming out. i have a diagram of how to tell what rims will fit, i got it from a NM member, so getting rims to fit my brake kit will be easy.
Thanks for the replies,
J

 

You really do not need a big brake kit if you only run mostly on the highway.

Just choose rims and tires and you are set. The 18" rims do have a propensity to bend if you hit potholes.