I've got an 02 MCS (mods in sig below) and am fast approaching the need for new tires, again.

Original tires were the 195/55's SP5000. Got about 22,000 out of those. Went next with es100 in a 215/40/17 application and got almost 12,500. Picked up a used set (4000 miles) of the Goodyear ECT's in 195/55 and pulled them after another 17,000. I'm sitting at around 11,000 on another used set that I picked up mainly for the rims. This time they are the SP9000's in the stock 205/45/17 size and I might be able to milk about another 3,000 out of them.

I'm looking to forgo a bit of performance for longer life, as the car has become more of a daily driver. I'm averaging about 3000 miles a month of mostly highway type driving, with the exception on the roads I use to get to and from my house (see photo's below).

So on to the questions:
For those running the Falken Ziex ZE-512'a; do you think you're going to get anywhere close to the 36,000?
Also, is anyone running the Yokohama Avid H4S? They say they are a 50,000 mile tire

If you've got any other suggestions, other than moving, I'm all ears!

To work:


From work:


Thanks in advance.

 

BF Goodrich Traction T/A, V-rated non-runflats. Mine are 205/50/16 and advertised as good for 50k-60k miles.....very good in light snow and wet conditions.....comfortable noise level. Check them out on TireRack.com.....a
highly rated all-season tire.

 

Just bought the BFGoodrich and got rid of my 17inch runflats. World of difference....lighter steering, lighter, softer ride, greater performance, and corners fine for the non-racer.

 

I'm jealous of your drive to work

 

Smokey4,

Do you drive in any light snow? If so, an all season Ultra high performance tire might work well for you. If you have snow tires then a Max perf or summer ultra high performance tire would be OK as well.

Make sure that tire pressure is good about 33 to 37 psi front and rear all the time and once a year do an alignment to factory specs.

For tires 215/45-17
Falken Ziex ZE-512 about $74 each 360 wear W rated A traction 19.8 pounds
Pirelli P Zero Nero M&S $119 each 400 wear W rated A traction 21 lbs (all season)
Bridgestone Potenza RE-750 $141 each 340 wear W rated AA traction 22 pounds
Avon Tech M550 $98 each 360 wear W rated AA traction 23 pounds (all season)
ContiExtremeContact $108 each 400 Wear W rated AA traction 20 lbs (all season)

Note-
Yokohama Avid H4S $104 each 500 wear is H rated and not the best tire for a MINI that is performance oriented. AA traction 23 pounds.
Don't mix H and W or Y rated tires.

For my MINI I'd stay clear of H rated tires and use W rated or better. For best wear and ride I'd look at the Pirelli P Zero Nero M&S or the ContiExtremeContact in 215/45-17. Not the 40 series sized tires for a bit smoother ride for commuting.

 

I hear good things about the Toyo Proxis 4.

 

Thanks for the comments and ideas!

minihune - Yes we get a little bit of snow here and I've picked up a set of Blizzaks and mounted them on a dedicated set of rims so that isn't a factor in determining my next set. I'm also from the camp of folks that rotate tires, even if MINI says it isn't necessary. My schedule is 3000 miles no later. My garage is plumbed for air at all the bays, so I also check and keep the tire pressure steady at 35psi.

If the performance of my es100 (ultra high performance summer) is indicative of all ultra high tires, I'll be staying away from them. As I said I average about 3000 miles a month and with what I got from the last set, I'd need 4 new sets per year. That works out to about $1600 per year

Don't know if I could fit a 215/45/17 and not have a lot of rubbing? The es100's were a step down 215/40/17 and until the first rotation the rears would rub (outside edge of tire with inside edge of fender well).

To get the benefit of the higher sidewall, I think I'll need to stay at the 205 width.

I'm intrigued with the 205/50/16 idea and with a quick check the Falken Ziex ZE 512's come in at $69 each.

BTW I found the Yoko Avid in the 215/40/17 for $88

Alex care to ring in on speed rating? While I understand that using a tire less then OEM speed rating isn't something that they would endorse. What really is the real deal? If I drop to an "H" rated tire (good to 130MPH) and increase to a "AA" traction rating, will they compensate for each other?

Thanks again for everyone's thoughts!

 

Avid H4. best bang for the buck for the normal driver. :smile: (imo)

 

Ok, fill me in
Size? I'm guessing 215/40/17.
How many miles you got on them?
How do they look now, tread wise?
Type of driving environement?
Think they will last to 50,000?

Thanks

 

While it is possible to use Avid H4S tires you'd need to be careful.
It isn't just the speed rating that you'd consider with the W or Y rated performance tires but the entire tire is designed with greater levels of performance in mind. Normal cars cannot handle like the MINI so they don't really get into trouble with H rated tires.

If you go with the H4S just keep to normal street driving and you'll be fine.
215/40-17 will fit. So will 215/45-17 using stock suspension on any MINI.
The load rating of the 215/45-17 is lower than with stock tires so don't overload your MINI with four people and luggage. For commuting with one or two people it is OK.

For best tire wear, run good tire pressures and do alignment to set toe to stock settings once yearly. Rotate and balance wheels as needed on regular basis. They could last 50,000 miles but honestly, tires begin to show their age by the time 60-70% of the tread is gone and performance levels drop off and ride noise and harshness increase. Any tire you can use on a MINI for 36,000 to 45,000 miles is darn good. Don't drive like a nut.

I used to keep my tires for a long time on my other cars but now I don't even try and replace them before they really cause trouble.