I have an '04 MINI Cooper S that I absolutely love, but I've had a lot of problems with the run flat tires. They just wear too fast and I know I've been deal;ing with some suspension issues also, but I would really like to switch to non run flat tires this time around. What are the best non run flats out there, I don't need too crazy high performance tires and I live in a place that gets some snow in the winter. Can anyone help? Thanks

 

There's a lot of variables that could sway your decision.
Kumho's Ecsta line is priced fairly, light weight, and good all round, except in the snow, you need dedicated snow tires for snow.

Only "problem" I've noticed is that they require more wheel weights to balance. But don't quote me on that. And some people say they are a very soft tire, so switching from run flats to Kumho, you'll notice a huge difference.

 

Take a look at Toyo Versado LX II, a good all season.
http://tirefinder.toyotires.com/
Over the past 25 years or so I've never had a whimper from a Toyo. Used maybe 4 sets of their 800's (discontinued) and got in the neighborhood of 100K on every set.
One advantage of the LX II is that it is non-directional. You can cross rotate which with a MINI you shoud do about every 5,000 miles.

 

Hated the Kuhmos. Love the Pirelli P Zero! Not the nero or the euphoria, just the P Zero RF. Just had a second set put on after getting 30,000 miles from the last set!

 

Which runflat tires did you have? What size? How many miles did they last for?

What is your budget?

 

Was that a typo, or did you say you got 100,000 miles on a set of tires???

 

Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S (205/50-16V) on my '03 S. Top-rated by Tire Rack in the high-performance all-season category. A bit pricey but long-lasting and worth every penny.

 

Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S is a highly rated tire based on owner survey data at tirerack.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey....jsp?type=HPAS

Here are the tirerack test results for it-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=129
It ranked third

The possible sizes for 16" are 205/50 and 205/55-16 in H and V speed rated from $123 to $136 each, 400 treadwear
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....t+Exalto+A%2FS

In the same class of tire there is also-
Yokohama AVID ENVigor (H and V speed rated)
In sizes for fit both 195/55-16 ($112) and 205/45-17 ($119) OEM runflat sizes and other sizes for 16" wheels.
560 treadwear.

Note that H speed rated tires are OK for general daily driving and street use. V speed rated tires can be a little more costly and handle heat better if you drive hard on them.

For those that want more comfort and use in some snow look also for-
Grand Touring All Season tires
Michelin Primacy MXM4 and MXV4.
MXV4 has more treadlife with comfortable ride but not in 17", only 205/55-16 $126 each, 620 treadlife
MXM4 comes in both 16" and 17" sizes, 500 treadlife
205/55-16 $136 each
215/45-17 $123 each, V speed rated, $166 for W speed rated.
If these are within your budget I would suggest them for the OP.

 

No it is not and yes I did. They were Toyo 800's and they were used on a '84 Caprice wagon, two sets and two on the '92 Caprice wagon. The first set I had was on a '72 El Camino. Only had them on it for probably the last 40 or 50K I put on it. I ran a set on the '92 wagon to a little over 110K and started noticing a little wobble. Took it in to the shop where they found the sidwall seperating. Still had a little wear left otherwise. Those 800s were great road tires.

 

I'd agree with Brad on the Primacy tires. They are one of the best on the market for a non aggressive driver. MXV4 if you have snow, or prefer the quietest choice. MXM4 is more grip in wet and dry, but lacking snow capability (only light snow).

 

You can get the ever popular Continental Extreme Contact DWS in 205/50R16, for the sportier driver.

 

I've tried many different brands, and so far Nexens have been the best.

Nik

 

I second's Alex's idea of Continental DWS. They're a very quiet and comfortable tire, grip is middling, and they're supposed to be very good in snow (but I've never tried). They are very good in the wet. They have a 50,000 mile treadlife warranty (but will probably only last 27,000 for us).

 

How about Michelin Super Sports?

 

I recently switched to Yokohama Avid ENVigor and have no complaints with these tires.

 

I thought it would be cool to run Cooper tires on my Mini Cooper.

Then I read up on them and learned that Cooper was a bottom of the line tire manufacturer and you'd be better off coating your rims in plastidip and broccoli.

 

Got about 10k miles sofar on our Yokohama AE's after the runflats died and have no complaints. Bought the Yokohama brand after a family member got 60k miles out of a set on an F150.

 

Michelin Pilot Super Sport (Max Summer tire) is a good tire for NO snow and not too cold temperatures with excellent overall handling and very good street comfort. It comes in 205/45-17 but not in any 15" or 16" sizes. 300 treadwear.

The OP was wanting tires that could handle some snow, were comfortable for street use and came in sizes to replace runflats.

If one is looking for good handling, can handle cold weather and some light snow, good comfort for street use, and treadlife 400 or greater then:

Consider Ultra High Performance All Season tires like-
Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS
205/55-16 $110 each, 23 lbs, W speed rated, 400 treadwear
215/45-17 $143 each, 24 lbs, W speed rated, XL load rated
and as mentioned by Alex-
Continental ExtremeContact DWS 540 treadlife, W speed rated
205/50-16 $117 each, 19 lbs
205/55-16 $116 each, 21 lbs
205/45-17 $121 each, 20 lbs, XL load rated
215/45-17 $122 each, 20 lbs, XL load rated

See Tirerack test results-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=165
Comparing these two, RE970AS had better handling in dry or wet, DWS has better ride comfort, longer treadlife, lighter weight, and has better dry handling than wet.

 

I have pirellie pzero eufori@s now, 205 45 R17..I've had problems with the alignment of the front end, which despite a couple attempts by some tire shops to fix, they always seem not to. The first time I got the front tires replaced, they only lasted about 6-7months, not sure how many miles but less than15-20000. They were completely bald on the inside. This time around, it's been about a year, but the tread is wearing heavy on the inside of the tires again.

 

Delpaoli22 you probably should take it to the dealer and get the 4 wheel alignment. Well worth the $100.00.

 

I'm also in the market for tires on my MCS. I'm going non-run flat.

Any input on Pirelli P Zero Nero? i cant find much info searching.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....0NXL&tab=Sizes

The price for 205/45-17 non-runflat summers seems too good.

 

The P Zero Nero is older and in closeout. 220 treadwear
When it was more expensive other tires were a better value, now it's more in line with the competition. I wonder what will replace it, the other Pirelli Max Summer tires don't come in sizes to fit the 17" MINI wheel.

see
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...wdp=N&showcm=N

In the same price range you can also get-
Continental ExtremeContact DW for $102 each, stronger on comfort.
340 treadwear

If price wasn't a factor I'd recommend-
Michelin Pilot Super Sport
215/45-17 $153 each, 300 treadwear. A superior Max Summer tire that is worth the cost. Delivers handling in dry or wet with comfort for daily use.

 

i would add that the michelin pilot super sport has a 30,000 mile treadwear warranty ... quite amazing wear for the traction given

scott

 

Just replaced my oem runflats with Pilot Super Sports, the difference is ridiculous! They were 142/each after local MINI club discount at Discount Tire. Loving these tires!!

 

minihune: Where are you getting them for $153? Everywhere I looked its over $180