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New owner, R53 JCW GP #143 looking for tire recommendations
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New owner, R53 JCW GP #143 looking for tire recommendations
Hey, friends.
I'm new to NAM, having just picked up my 2006 Mini JCW GP (No. 143) after winning it on BaT. I spent a long weekend with one when new and have had ownership on my mind ever since. I've finally gotten around to it!
In any case, I just picked it up yesterday in Palm Desert from its short-term owner who relocated it to CA. I believe it was previously owned by NAM member ///M3nthusiast. Looks great and has meticulous records. It's basically stock other than a K&N intake (now with CARB sticker!) and titanium lugs, which is great news. The OEM take-off parts are all in vacuum-sealed, labeled plastic bags. Amazing.
What's less amazing is that while the tires have enough tread and have no signs of rot, they've aged out. I'm in SoCal and intend to take this car to the canyons, so I'm looking for replacement recommendations. Factory size, 205/40R18s. This car will likely never be tracked, and it won't be dailied, it'll be a fun weekend car, perhaps getting 1,000 miles or so per year. Tire Rack's list includes some of the usual suspects, but there aren't that many options. I'm leaning towards the Pilot Sport 4. Any thoughts?
Attached is a photo of No. 143 taken yesterday on the way home from purchase.
FWIW, the GP joins my current (massively overcrowded and soon-to-be-pruned fleet):
2023 Nissan Z Proto (likely just passing through - not nearly as much fun as I had hoped, hence the JCW)
2022 Ford Bronco Badlands (2-door, Sasquatch)
2012 Audi A7
1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB)
1991 Saab 900 Turbo SPG
1989 Nissan Pao (JDM)
1988 Honda CR-X Si
Looking forward to getting to know this community. Thank you in advance for any feedback/suggestions about the tires!
You might want to research these. I run 215s on my R53 with no issues. I have Kumho on my SUV and love them but also have a recommendation from another member on this site who has run them on his Mini.
Congrats on scoring that GP a few days ago! As is often said, "timing is everything", which seems worked in your favor with declining financials clearly affecting the collector/enthusiast car market in recent months.
I'm running the Michelin PS4S Summer tires (+1 size 215/45R17 on Team Dynamics Pro Race E45), which nicely corrects most of OEM speedometer error at typical hwy speeds. Loving the tires so far having installed those in Nov 2021. That tire size in combo with JCW Sport Springs ("reds") plus Koni Yellows essentially restored OEM ride height (versus Eibach lowering springs installed when mine was new) by combo of +1 tire OD and (so-stated by BMW) 10mm drop with those springs. If you're not already aware, "reds" were a major component of the dealer-installed (only) JCW Suspension Kit until incorporated as part of the 2006 GP's unique features.
Congratulations on the GP! Was watching that auction closely, and it’s a really nice example.
Michelin PS4 are going to be your best solution. Had them on my old GP1 and helps provide a reasonable ride on those 18” rims while still delivering consistent performance. The reviews on TireRack speak for themselves.
The downside is that they don’t last much past 15k miles, but given your lineup that probably means 5-10 years lol.
