I purchased a used 2007 R56 Mini Cooper S. It is currently running Bridgestone Turanza 195/55/16 RSC tires that are due of a replacement.

I've read a lot on this forum about getting away from the run-flats for a smoother, quieter, cheaper ride. I'm all about smoother, quieter, cheaper. I'm mostly interested in a quieter drive.

I've read good things about moving from the 195/55/16 RSC's to 205/50/16 Yoko Envigors (non-run-flats).

QUESTION #1: What brand of tire and tire size would you recommend if moving away from run-flats? I like quiet and I live in Houston so I don't think I need all season tires. We have two seasons here. HOT and HOTTER.

QUESTION #2: I need to be prepared for a flat. Based on what I've read, I don't want to carry a donut spare and I don't want to use slime. I was thinking of carrying just plugs and three CO2 cartridges. I might add an ultra-light air compressor if I find a good one. Anyone going the CO2 cartridge route? If you are any recommendations and things I need to keep in mind?

 

I used BFG sport comp 2s on mine when I first bought the car a little over a year ago. I think they are a very good all around tire for the money. I put 33K on them (including 2 track days) and they're just about done. I probably will replace with the same.
I have plugs and a small compressor for just in case.

 

I had the 195/55/16 and swapped over to the 205/50/16. They are almost an inch wider, which I like and just a tad bit taller. I also run the BFG G-Force Comp 2 A/S, very aggressive tire, quiet, grip for days, wet or dry.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireS...earDiameter=17

I carry a can of FixaFlat and : https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Got it for $12 during an Amazon sale. It fits in my door.

 

205/50/16 is actually supposed to be slightly *shorter* than the 195/55/16 (that is going the wrong way for those concerned about the speedometer reading too high already)

 

Two excellent summer tires would be the
Michelin Pilot Super Sport in 205/45/17 or 215/45/17
and the newly released
Continental ExtremeContact Sport in 205/55/16 or 205/45/17 or 215/45/17
(I have these in the 16 size now and am very impressed).

 

You are correct.

 

Had the ExtremeContacts, the BFG's have way more grip and a tighter sidewall that just lets you cut into a turn.

 

I went to tirerack.com and used the tire decision guide. Based on my driving needs, I went with the #1 recommended for me which was the Pirelli Cinturato Strada All Season, 205/50/16.

WOW!! It sounded like I was driving down the street with my car turned off. I should have gotten rid of the run-flats the day I bought the car. So nice!! Thanks everyone for your help and input.

 

WS, I too am looking to replace the 195/55R16 run flat Pirellis on my 17 MCS convertible. Thinking about upsizing to a 17" setup. I read a years worth of posts on the wheel/tire fitment thread and got a headache. :-) This thread was helpful for me. I guess I'll be patient and keep reading for a while and see what I can learn.

Thanks.

 

The new ExtremeContact Sports are much better than the ExtremeContact DW tires
in terms of steering response and dry grip. This is despite going from 205/50/16 in
the DW to 205/55/16 in the Sport. I just changed from the DW last warm
season to the Sport this month after a few months of winter tires. My wife's VW Cabrio
has the BFG sport comp 2, which are very good UHP summer tires also, but I think the
Conti EC Sports are better.