Ok the time has come to replace the factory OEM Continentals in our '02 Cooper. The car came with 15" 8-spoke rims and 175/65/R15 Continental rubber.

These tires for the most part have been OK but nothing overly special. Main complaints are that these Conti's do not allow to exploit the car's handling limits and generally speaking the wet traction sucks. Also durability has been less than half of the 60K mile treadlife wear.

They are cheap at $52 per tire at Tire Rack.

Before ordering a new set of tires, I would like to know what other Cooper owners with 15" factory rims have replaced their OEM tires with. I am looking at improving the turn in handling and wet traction but want to stay with the 15" rim size.

Any specific recommendations aside from the Conti's? What is the widest tire size I can fit into my R82 15" 8-spoke factory rims? I think the 175 tires are on the skinny side and would prefer replacements in the 185-195 range. I would also prefer a lower profile (55-60) should be fine.

If Alex from Tire Rack can chime in that would be appreciated!

 

205/55/15 in the ever popular ES100 $77 each!

Alex

 

I have the same tires on my 15" Team Dynamics. Good wet and dry traction, and the tread looks great, too.

Memojo

 

I use the ES100's but in the 17's for my MCS. I like them a lot. Good tread wear, good traction and good in the rain.