I have a 2012 Non-S Clubman. I am not a sporty driver, I tend to drive cautiously and slow. Is there a huge loss of handling if I went with a non-run flat tire? I would like a smoother ride. I currently have the 175/65 R15 84H Continental Contact tires. Please reply, thanks all. Bruce, MN

 

Your tires are not runflats. Look under the rear floorboard for a space saver spare.

Did you lose track of your other thread?
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4131809

 

I've never had run-flats but I've read many posts on this and other forums about them and everything I've read says the run-flats have a harder/harsher ride.

 

I am not well versed on tires at all. I assumed these were run flats. (175/65 R15 84H Continental Contact). I need to be rid of there Continental's though. I am looking for the best all season for this car. Price not an issue. And yes, I started a new thread, should've logged back onto that one. Thanks for your reply.

 

I have Continental DSW tires on my '05 R52 S and love them.

 

On the sidewall of each runflat tire there are the letters RFT molded. Each tire has many letters and numbers indicating information about the tire-


Looking at Grand Touring All Season tires which give a good blend of ride comfort, lower noise, OK handling, good mpgs, and longer treadlife.

There aren't that many tires to choose from in 175/65-15 (which gives you the least rolling resistance and better mpg but doesn't give you as much tire rubber to grip the road).

If you use 195/60-15 (which fits your OEM 15" wheels fine) then:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...earDiameter=17

Michelin Premier A/S for $122.20 each (check your Costco for a sale $70 off set of four tires). 640 treadwear

Tirerack test results for the Premier A/S:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=188
Not all tires come in 15" sizes for the MINI (due to less demand).

For daily street use the Premier A/S is a good choice, it's good in various weather and you'd be surprised how much better the MINI handles once you switch to new tires.

 

"On the sidewall of each runflat tire there are the letters RFT molded."

I've only seen RFT on Firestone/Bridgestone. Others use DSST (Dunlop), RUN ON FLAT (Dunlop/Goodyear), RUN FLAT (Pirelli), RUN-FLAT (Yokohama), ZP (Michelin), ZPS (Yokahama), XRP (Kumho), SSR (Continental), and presumably HRS (Hankook).

Original MINI owners can look for "RSC" on the sidewall of their first set of tires as it appears on MINI OEM tires, but not all run flats.

 

I personally do not like the look of the 15" wheels, at all to be honest. I would look for 16 or 17" take offs, new tires and wheels. Alot more options in the larger wheel as well.
I took my runflats off as soon as I could afford it and never going back. Runflats ride like solid rubber tires.

 

Yes,

Goodyear (EMT)
Pirelli Winter (RFT)

http://blog.tirerack.com/blog/colint...t-tire-symbols
and
http://blog.tirerack.com/blog/chads-...s-at-tire-rack