Happy New year NAM!

I would opinions on wheel/tire size. This past spring I ordered a set of 16" kosei k4r with 195/55r16 Michelin pilot sport AS/3. From tire rack ofcourse Really like this these tires. Now that winter is upon us, I installed a set of snow tires on my factory 16" wheels and are on the car now.

So, I'm thinking now that I have a dedicated set of winter/ snow tires, I would like to go with a summer only tire (instead of all seasons).

From what I've read, I would love to try the michelin pilot super sports. Sadly they are not offered in 16". For 16" tires ( on tire rack) I thinking Bridgestone potenza re-71 in 205/50r16" - these seem to be a highly rated tire.

Is it really worth moving up to 17" just to get the michelins? Am I reaching in thinking they are that much better than the Bridgestone potenza re-71?

 

Definitely nice to have dedicated sets, makes life a little more convenient. The super sports are rated as excellent tires, and I prefer the feel of 17s.

 

The Bridgestone RE-71R is a different class of tire from the Michelin Pilot Super Sport.

RE-71R
Gives maximum dry grip and good wet grip, tend to harsh riding, a little noisy, wears out fast, expect sharp handling. A good choice for those that drive fewer miles per year and need great performance for track, driving school or autocross use. Since treadlife is faster, driving to the track can be a compromise.

Pilot Super Sport
Best mix of handling, performance in dry or wet for street use and daily driving, easy to live with, comfortable even with lower profile sidewalls (as would be the case moving to 17" tire sizes). Though not quite as good at performance vs the RE-71R still good enough for some autocross and track duty and can be driven on public roads to the event (no wheel swap needed at event).

If your budget allows for the RE-71R knowing that you might have to replace them after about 12000 miles or one year and you won't get a really comfortable ride then it would be difficult to beat for handling and performance. Use the wheels you have.

Moving to 17x7" you may gain a little weight from the Kosei wheels which are relatively light. Tire sizes are 205/45-17 or 215/45-17. While the Michelin Pilot Super Sport does it all, the other tire choices aren't quite as good for both performance and for daily driving.

A good thing would be to find other MINI owners with 17" vs 16" wheels and go for a ride while noting the exact tire and how worn it is. When you find one with ride quality that you like then write down what they have.

 

Thanks for the replies! I might just stay with the 16's and Michelin pilot sport a/s 3's

Like said, the weight of the kosei is a plus. And the Michelin pilot sport a/s 3's have been good to me so far as a daily driver.

 

This is all really good info.

I just got an r53 and have ordered a set of Enkie RPF1's. I am looking at the RE71R's as well- Minihune, you mentioned you can run a 205/45/17 or a 215/45/17.... what is your reccomendation? I do like the idea of the wider tire...

Are many running the 215/45/17 on an R53?

Thanks all!
(my apologies for the thread jack just seemed very related. )

 

Yes, it's very common.

 

Thanks a ton!

Tires ordered. THese will be nice on the RPF1's!

 

Neuspeed Rse7's. 18x7.5 45et with pilot super sport 225/35-18's on a 2014 S Clubby. Great look, fit, ride, performance. No rubbing at all.

 

I just bought 17's because there are a lot more tire options and tires are much cheaper than they are for the 16's. I ordered some 235/40/17's to put on them, should be interesting to see if everything clears ok once I lower it.

 

Would really be nice to see some pictures of these wheel/tire sets on these Minis!!