Hey all, looking for some run flat tires for a 2011 Mini Cooper. I know the ones I have on their now are the 15" tires, looking to go to either a 16 or 17. Not sure what would be a good performance tire with a little sport and good handling for touring. I do a lot of mountain driving if that helps. Thanks all for your suggestions!

 

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 receive raves on this forum and are available in all three diameters.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Speed+Rated%29

 

Awesome thanks!

 

Upon rereading your OP it looks like you might have been asking about run flats. The A/S 3 isn't and no 15" tires are runflats. The best reputation for a runflat in these forums seems to be the Potenza RE960AS Pole Position RFT available in 16" or 17".

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....e+Position+RFT

If you don't want runflats, I'll stick with the A/S 3 recommendation.

 

For your Base Cooper you can choose these aftermarket wheel sizes-

16x7" wheels with 42 offset, runflats will be 195/55-16.

17x7" wheels with 42 offset, runflats will be 205/45-17.

Or there is a 15" runflat that will fit your OEM 15x5.5" wheels- see below.

For longer treadlife with good handling and comfort and use in three seasons and cold weather-
Bridgestone DriveGuard Grand Touring Runflat All Season tire,
195/65-15 $99 each, 500 treadwear, taller than OEM at 25" but will fit OEM wheel/suspension.
195/55-16 $103 each, 500 treadwear
205/55-16 $108 each, 500 treadwear, taller than OEM but will fit
205/45-17 $153 each, 460 treadwear
215/45-17 $142 each, 460 treadwear
Tirerack test result-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=186

For better handling in three seasons but slightly faster treadwear-
Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS RFT Ultra High Performance All Season tire, 400 treadwear

205/55-16 $144 each slightly taller than stock for taller sidewall
205/45-17 $180 each

Tirerack test-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=164

 

Neither TireRack nor Bridgestone shows a 195/55-15 runflat.

 

I'll vouch personally for the Michelin Pilot Sport AS/3's. Replaced my run flats with them using the Michelin Month deal at Costco. I've had great handling (very impressed with the wet handling) and found their stopping power to be exceptional - including my first "oh sh*t" brake jam on the highway. While I'm sure there are many great tires for our cars, I know that I feel like I made a great purchase going with the Michelins.