I'm looking to change tires. My question is what size tires are an option
for me to repace my 205/45-17 run-flats? The OEM size doesn't give me much choice in replacements. I know that you have to consider clearence problems as well as speedometer problems. Has anybody been successful using a size different from the original equipment tire? The run-flats are deffinitely something that I can do without.
Thanks for any help.

 

Yokohama has two very good choices: The Parada Spec-2 and the AVS ES100, both available in stock 205/45-17 sizing. I'm currently running the Parada in this size. Much better dry grip than OEM, and mush more predictable at the limit, at the expense of less wet grip and increased road noise.

HTH,
Ryan

 

Just replaced my stock 16" with 205/45/17 Toyo Proxes 4 ... awesome all around.

Super quiet, great grip and an unbeliavable change in comfort level from the stock runflats. I cannot say enough about them.

$104 each at edgeracing.com

 

I just replaced my Pirelli run flats with Yokohama AVS ES 100 215/45 17's and the car is much more comfortable. The tires are quieter than the runflats and they are much smoother over the bumps.

 

I've got the 16" ES100s about a week ago and they are great except that here in Los Angeles, I now suffer from serious tramlining. This never happened with my runflats, or atleast not as serious.

 

Excsuse the ignorance, but what is tramlining?

 

What do you do about a spare? or do you just risk it?

Can you use stock rims for non-runflats?

 

If no runflats then if you get a flat you'll have to call for help AAA or roadside assistance. You can carry a compact spare in a bag in the boot,carry a mobility kit with a can or two of fix a flat or you can risk it.


Tramlining is your front wheels follow the grooves cut into the concrete freeway (common in California) so that the car steers with some instability moving slightly side to side.

Most runflat owners note this esp with the 17" wheels but it can happen with non runflats too. Make sure you tire pressure is adjusted and you are not running too much on the high side. Try 32 or 33 psi and see if that helps.
I have Yokohama ES100 215/45-17 and get minimal tramlining.

Runflats are harsh riding due to the very stiff sidewalls. But they are safe.
If you hit a pothole at speed, the damage may be transmitted to your rim from the runflat so be very careful. Road hazzards may be extra trouble and lead to costly tire and rim repairs/replacements. If your roads are bad please drive at the appropriate speed to avoid hazzards.

 

Stock rims will work fine!

Alex

 

I sold the S-Lites/Dunlop runflats immediately upon buying my Mini. I had been running 16" Rotas with 215/45 Falken Azenis for daily use and autocross, they are now reserved for just autocross days to save wear. I have a set of Kosei K1-TS now with 215/45-17 Kumho MX's for the street. The MX is a very good handling tire, and seems to work better with standing water and wet roads than the Azenis.

I had a set of the ES-100s on my Evo, they weren't as grippy as the Yokohama AO46s that came on it, but they rode quieter and smoother on the highway and were an awesome all weather tire. They did show some tram-lining tendencies, likely due to the larger size (255/40s) and the tread pattern, but it was minimal.

 

The 255/40/17's require 8.5 inch wide wheels, your Evo's stock wheels are on 8's. Mounting down like this dramatically enhances tramlining!

Alex

 

Heh... Alex, I mounted them on 17 by 9" Enkei RPM2s, purchased from you guys May '03. I believe I had discussed the fitment with you on EvolutionM.net, as well as talking to some people on the phone there who were surprised that they fit under the Evo fenders.

 

9's area much better bet!

Alex

 

I was running the stock 16" Runflats and experienced minimal tramlining. With the ES100's it's about 300% worse. I keep hearing people say it's minimal with the ES100's, but I have to disagree since with my runflats it was practically non existant before. Now when I'm on the freeway doing anything from 25 to 60 mph, the car bounces side to side very uneasily--like it's dancing. As soon as I transition to freeway that doesn't have the rain grooves, it's fine, and very smooth. Same with surface streets. It's fine, so I know it's not a tire mounting issue. Just something to think about. The tires are great in all other aspects--sticky, comfortable, affordable! :smile:

 

My 2002 mcs came, as spec'd by me, with 195/55/16 dunlop all season sport 5000 dsst.I am now at 34k and they are smoked.I am looking for a non runflat replacement option and will carry the stupid donut in a bag that takes up half my trunk My question is : is there a tire to fit my r88(10 spoke OEM-see my sig) wheels that will give me all season performance in non run flat, that will give me 60 - 70 k ? and what will that little donut tire cost me at the dealer?How much can I vary from the original size on these rims and what are the ramifications of going up or down?Thanks in advance for any response. Jock

 

I am wondering the same thing since my MC also has 195/55/16 goodyear run flats?

 

Well, I have an MC so I have a spare. MCS people normally carry filler in a can.


I was looking at the ES100 also as they seem to be really popular for the MC, but having owned similar thread pattern tires in the past I knew I would not like them too much. Plus I needed something that would perform decent in all weather hence I opted for the Proxes 4.

 

I know I have a spare but just wondering what to replace them with when the wear out?

 

As a similar option to the exisitng runflats ... I highly recomend the All Season Ultra High Performance Toyo Proxes 4 ...

had them for 3 weeks and am super happy. They come in 16 and 17 inch versions for the MINI.