I know people hates these tires and they're heavy, but I know BMW has run flats on the new 330 series and there's been virtually no complaints, I'm wondering if the 2005 Mini coop S got the second series run flats like the new 330?? Anyone know?

 

I don't hate mine. I have the all season run flat and I find it pretty good.
I remember riding in my friend's '03 and it had a really harsh ride. But mine is pretty comfy.
Might change my mind when I try a new set of light weight wheels and summer preformance tires.

 

The new 3 series was just unveiled...so I imagine there would be little or no complaints from owners / drivers. Also keep in mind that the typical car owner is just happy to get from point A to point B and all they care about is having a safe grip on their car.

 

It's not just the tires that are heavy; the ironically named "S-Lites" are anchors, too.

 

My '05 came with Pirelli Euforias which, AFAIK, aren't a new thing with the '05s. Personally, I don't find them at all bad. While I'll no doubt get something different when they're used up (along with lighter wheels), they're much better than I expected.

Mark

 

I have 16" Enkeis and RE950's on my GTP, and I love the ride with 17" s-lites and performance runflats on the '05 MCS! I don't find it harsh at all.

 

It all depends what your priorities and likes/dislikes are. I left the S-Lites and All-Season run-flats on for 1 day only. I knew going in that I wanted lightweight tires/wheels for performance and that ride was secondary. By going to non-run flats, I got the best of both. Lost 13 lbs/corner and got improved ride.

Having said that, they weren't actually that bad. They just don't meet my requirements. I'm keeping them around as a safety net.

 

so the '05 S's run flats aren't any different than the 'o4s ? The stock rims are really heavy right? Any idea how heavy w/ the run flats? thanks for all replys, I'm trying to figure out if I should get something new when my car actually arrives, you guys are real pros!! This is a really fun board.

 

17" S-Lites are ~25 lb. You have numerous choices that are <18 lb. The Tire/Wheel forum has an extensive list of weights in a Sticky at the top. And, having Alex@TireRack.com on board is extremely valuable as well.

 

I don't think anybody actually hates their s-lites with runflats. I think mine are okay. They're pretty good for standard original equipment tires and wheels. Any lesser car and everybody would be raving about how great these tires and wheels are. However, for a bit more money, there are lots of options in lighter wheels and quieter tires. It appears most MINI buyers have the extra money to get better tires and wheels. Unfortunately, I'm not one of them. I still have to get WAF (wife acceptance factor) just to get steel rims and snowtires for next winter.

I like the looks of the s-lites and yes, they could have made them lighter. But then, they would have been more expensive and the dealer would probably not have "given" them to me. I originally ordered my car with 16" wheels and the car showed up with the 17" ones.

 

The stock 16" wheels and runflats are OK for street use- they are fine and a nice safety feature. They perform well enough.

The optional 17" wheels and runflats are firmer riding and heavy plus they cost more $$$.
They do look nice.

Take your pick.

 

It's not so much that stock wheels and tires are bad as much as it is that there are so many choices that are better.

btw, IMHO, 16" stock stuff beats 17" stock stuff hands down.

 

I have them on my 2005 MCS, and Pirelli Enfora run flats on 17" S=lites.
Very nice look, grippy feel and never a squeel when pushed hard. Most impressive tires I have owned, but I am partial to the Pirelli brand. In future, will buy a set of lighter wheels and standard performance tires. Good luck w/your choice.

 

I think alot has to do with how much air is in them. When I bought my '05 MCS, I could not believe how harsh it rode. I checked the psi and it was 35 if I remember. I put it down to 32 and it was like night and day. I still don't find them confidence inspiring as far as spirited driving is corncerned.

 

I think it is funny they call them "S-Lites". I decided to stay with the runflats since my wife is the primary driver. I decided I didn't want having to change a tire if she could just drive home. But if I was the primary I may do something different!

 

I kind of like the S lites and at one point considered buying some aftermarket wheels. What bothered me was spending a lot of money on wheels, I was thinking suppose I did not like them after I put them on the car. So, I decided to look for a second set of S lites without tires on this board. I found a brand new set with about 10 miles on them, made an offer and met the fellow selling them about 45 miles from my house(no shipping). Then purchased a set of Yokohama AVS tires on sale at Tire Rack and had them mounted on the new S lites. I'll use them spring, summer and the runflats fall and winter.

 

If you want a sportier MCS, skip the so-called sports package.

BMW's been acting really strangely in the last few years...

 

I have the web spoke option with the sport pkg and believe they came with different performance run flats then the S-Lites (Dunlop Sport off the top of my head). I don't hate them, they have a certain amount of grip and I think are lighter then the others, but I know that a good set of non run flat performance tires will be a huge improvement with the combination of improved grip and, less weight, and less harshness (the hard sidewalls of the run flats can make the ride pretty harsh over bumps - and it is a different feeling then stiff suspension).