Considering getting rid of my run flats. Mechanic is suggesting 205 50 R17. I currently have 205 55 R 17. Any thoughts? Will this be much of a difference?

 

Yes, get rid of the run flats! Any reason for going bigger? There are lots of tire size comparison charts available on the web...the tire suggested is 3% bigger, so for an example if your speedo says 60 mph you will actually be doing 62 mph, so not a huge change. The car would sit about 1/2 inch higher.

 

I like my Bridgestone 'Drive-Guard' run flats. They are peace of mind in the event of having a flat tire and my ride quality isn't that far south of the non run-flats to consider changing. If you dont use run-flats though, you had better know how to install a tire plug and/or carry a can or two of slime with you along with an air pump.

And no, you wont really notice any difference in that change in tire size.

 

Seriously, the run flats are horrible after a couple seasons.

On the stock 17" rims you can fit:
225/50/17 - Currently running these and the fit is really really nice. - 3 mph off @ 65mph checked by radar.
215/55/17 - Supposedly speedo is correct with these.
225/45/17 - what my winters are - nice fit in the wheel well too.
205/50/17

 

I put on 215/65 R 17.
They look great, and really fill out the wheel well.
But at an indicated 100kph I'm actually going 105.
I did remove the little flap in front of the rear tire,

Dan

 

Correct there about the speed as you put on a larger tire so you're going faster (not slower) in reality compared to the vehicle speed calibration/gauge.

 

Here is my.2014 r60 with stock suspension with the falken all.terrain 215/65/17 ..no rubbing looks pretty sweet imop.

The finished product with my falken 215/65/17 atm 3 all terrains