I have a 2005 MCS with the original Dunlop SR Sport 9000 performance runflat tires (205/45 R17). I've got about 25,000 miles on them and want to start considering what to replace them with. My major objective is to improve ride quality. The runflats provide a very harsh ride.

I'd like to find the best tires with the following characteristics (ranked with best being first): 1) ride quality 2) wet traction 3) wear 4) price.

I'd appreciate any help you-all can provide

Elmer

 

I'll have my Toyo T1Rs on today.
But i have 16s...
If you drop to 16 the ride would even improve more.

 

I think Pirelli PZero M/Ss are good for all around, but if you need something sportier, good wet grip, I would go for one of the following:
Goodyear F1 GS-D3 - Tirerack has a special on them
Bridgestone S03s

and also I would like to know if anyone tried the Yoko Advan series

 

GS-D3's run 33.5psi for 1-2 people on board.

otherwise just get an all season tire.

 

OK, so 5miles on the Toyos and big difference, not as jarring over expansion joints. I think you'll be ok w/ any non runflat.

 

bummer, looks like the sale price went away compared to the last time I checked a few days ago for the Goodyear F1 GS-D3.

 

Put on my new rims with the Toyo Proxes 4 last night. From just driving around Austin today, I already can feel a HUGE difference between the stock 18" run flats.

 

Avon M550 is top-rated for performance all-season on www.tirerack.com

 

I replaced my worn Pirelli Eufori@s (205/45R17) with Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 (215/45R17) on Thursday. Tremendous improvement in ride, as well as cornering grip and wet traction. Fantastic deal at $95 per corner. I say get some Goodyears.

Oops, Just checked the price. they've gone back up to $135 per. Ouch!

 

BF Goodrich G-Force about 10 months - never looked back at the run flats..
Better ride, handles better and no AM back pain.
Tirerack - shipped with wheels for about a grand.

 

you just wanted to brag...

 

eechan??? what is up with that? Ken



now back to topic

 

hehe, he's the electronic version.

 

how about some hankooks...i dunno what different models and stuff they have..so im no help :-p

 

As long as you stay with 17" wheels and tires, your ride will NEVER improve! I traded my 04 MC for a 06 MCS, and could not believe how inferior the MCS was in ride comfort, handling, road noise, etc. It was simply crap, to put it mildly, and this was with both the original runflats and Pirelli Snowsport winter tires. After 4 months of putting up with this, I just put on 15" OEM 8 spoke Mini wheels and OEM 175/65/15 Continental tires, the same setup I had on my original MC. I am in heaven!!!!! EVERYTHING improves, and I cannot emphasize that enough. Handling, road noise, ride roughness, even gas mileage. I feel like I have my old Mini back, with the little bonus of 165 hp! People who never drive an MC before driving an MCS have no point of reference as to all that the Mini can and should be. Test drive a car with 15" wheels, and you'll never go back to 17's, IMHO.

 

[quote=kiki511]As long as you stay with 17" wheels and tires, your ride will NEVER improve! quote]

I totally disagree 100%.

After wearing out my Euforias as quickly as possible, I opted for 17" Pirelli P Zero Nero's in 215/45/R17.

My ride is amazing now, love it... They are holding up very well so far...they have about 15k on them, with one tire rotation and one hard track day, and they look new still. I live in Norfolk, where typically it's either wet or dry, not much snow... it tracks really well in the wet just fine, plows thru deepers puddles without any issues. Price was $119 per tire on tirerack, and my local tire shop mounted and balanced (boy did they complain about taking off the run flats!). Grand total, was around $575.

Good luck, do your homework on reader reviews on tire rack, and find the best tire for your budget and use... you'll do fine.

 

I just had Nokian Zs put on mine and I find them to excel in every category you have listed. This is about the 5th post I've mentioned them and nobody shows any interest at all. Oh well...they'll remain my secret and maybe the price will stay low!

 

Also check out Falken Ziex ZE512 tires. Gets good ratings for wet and drive, good tread life, and is relatively light.

 

i'm sorry, did you say something?

 

I looked at them. Nice. A ZR rating for the same price as the F1 GS-D3 in VR. But the tread pattern didn't do much for me and I've not seen any test results (especially in wet weather) ...so I opted for the Goodyears.

I sure would like to hear how they did over the course of 10k miles, though!

Pete

 

I drove an MC loaner with upgraded 16" wheels & the handling was scary. My MCS has 17" runflats & sticks to the road like glue. I was able to test & compare the MC handling to my MCS going the same exact speed through the corners I drive to work every day. In the MC loaner felt like I was about to lose control & I had to slow way down. I can't speak for 15" tires as I have never tried them. But between 16's & 17's, I'll keep my 17's

 

Very funny PrplPplEtr

We had a virtual monsoon a couple weeks ago...standing water on the interstates and such. They felt very good and stable. Best part was I got a "special introductory price" of $99 per. Another place quoted me $163!!

 

I have some Hankook Ventus V4ES H105s in 215/45/17 on my MCS. Came from the Goodyear Eagle RSAs and the Hankook are very nice. They smoothed out the ride and are rather grippy.

 

--Were you riding with all season run flats or summer run flats? I've heard really bad things about the all season run flats. I've heard their compounds are too hard, have no grip and are super uncomfortable.

But yes I think you can improve the ride on an MCS with 17 inch wheels. I've heard many success stories from many MINI owners here in Hawaii and on the mainland who have upgraded to non-run flats. It's going to be my next big upgrade for sure.

 

there is little doubt that a 16 with non runflats would be much softer ride.

I would have gone this route but chose the Dark Side. 15's and 205/60/15's on Konig Rewinds. Now THAT is a soft ride. And, from what I understand, no performance hit at all. Falken 512 M+S tires on them. I might look for 215's next time around for even more performance grip if they will fit without rubbing.