Hello,

I have a 2 week old MC and am looking at swapping out the runflats for High Performance All-Season tires. I currently have the 195/55R16 GoodYears and have decided to go for Toyo Proxes 4. After doing a bunch of reading, I've narrowed my choces down to two sizes: 205/50R16 and 205/55R16.

I will be keeping the stock 16" S-Lite wheels/rims and will not be doing any other mods to my MINI. All of my driving will be regular city driving with occasional spirited motoring in the twisties.

Based on the MINI2 FAQ and the sticky thread in this forum, the 205/55R16 will be marginally more than the +-3% tolerance (assuming 24" as the standard diameter - based on http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?...oosing_whee ls)

From Toyo's website (refer to http://fitments.toyo.com/guide/inde...611&plusSize=+0 ), both of these sizes seem OK for a 6.5" wide wheel/rim.

So, I am now not sure which of these two will be a better choice for my MINI. Would appreciate any comments/ opinions on the pros and cons of the two sizes (I am only interested in Toyo Proxes 4) and any thoughts/insights as to which would be a better fit for my MINI.

Thanks,
MediocreFred.

 

I'd say the 205/50-16 size would be the better fit.
http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51591
the bulk of tires in 16" are 205/50-16 not 205/55-16.

 

Thanks for the quick reply.

I did look at that thread and the survey/poll and agree that 205/50-16 is the more popular choice; nevertheless, I'd like to understand why 205/55-16 is a worse option. Doesn't having a thicker sidewall offer a cushier ride? Does it increase the tire height so much as to cause it to rub against the wheel well?

Thanks,
MediocreFred.

 

The stock 195/55-16 size really limits choices. The outer diameter of most MCS tires is about 24.3 to 24.6" or so depending on rim size. The 205/55-16 has an outer diameter tire size of about 25" which with a stock suspension might fill out the wheel well. The softer ride of the 55 series tire would be a compromise compared to the better performance from the 50 series tire. Weight would be slightly higher with the 205/55-16.
When I checked edgeracing.com the price for both was $78 each.

205/50-16

50 series- slightly more reponsive turn in, better but slightly rougher handling
smaller than stock diameter fits lowered MINIs with no risk of rubbing.
Lighter in weight- 20.5 lbs, tire diameter 24.1"

205/55-16

55 series- slightly softer ride but not as sharp turn in for aggresive cornering. Taller diameter might rub if MINI was lowered- results depend on how much lower. For stock suspension it is OK. Heavier weight of 20.9 lbs each.

Most people like to have a more performance oriented tire that runs smooth enough. For commuting and street use with stock suspension you are probably fine with either choice. For more info check with alex@tirerack.

 

A 215/50/16 is about 24.5 inches in diameter & should fit without rubbing. A little wider than the others, too. Toyo doesn't seem to make one, though. I hear good things about BFG Traction T/As in that size.

 

I would expect your mini to handle less like a mini with the 55 series tires.

I have run :
stock 17" sport runflat
205/50r16 Potenza s03's (a phenominal tire)
215/40r16 kumho 712's (one of the worst sport tires ever)
225/45r15 Avon Tech R Dot's (me likey)
205/50r16 Toyo t1-s (a good tire, just not an s03)

I like the big 50 series sidewalls for street use, they do smooth up the ride a bit.

To me 55 is just too tall and too soft for a mini.

Ubercooper

 

Thanks for the very informative replies!

Guess it's the Toyo Proxes 4 205/50R16s for my MINI then... Would love to buy it from edgeracing.com; my local retailer Les Schwab has the same tire for about $110 each! Not sure how much edgeracing.com charges for shipping and how their warranties work. With Les Schwab, I get free flat fixes, free tire rotation, free initial tire balancing and other such services for the life of the tires - and they have a zillion branches in this part of the country (NorthWest).

Anyhoo, thanks again for the helpful responses.

-MediocreFred.