Need your tire suggestions and feedback from experience as well...

Our MCSC has only 3200 miles on it, but we now have to replace both back tires (Dunlop SP Sport 9000 DSST run-flats) due to 2 small nails in one and a screw/bolt in the other.

What tires have you had (preferably on a Cooper S) that you like? Dislike?

We are looking at replacing them with another run-flat tire: either the Dunlops, Pirelli Eufori, Goodyear Eagle RS-A EMT, or Bridgestone Potenza RE050.

Other suggestions welcomed, too.

Thanks for your help.

 

If the holes aren't in the sidewall, and you haven't run them completely flat for an extended time, just have your two tires fixed. It'll be a lot less expensive and you'll never know the difference once it's been done.

 

http://www.costco.com/Tires/Product....ed=Y&Width=205

Check out this link...from Costco...

I just purchased a set of these for my 2005 S...I am overjoyed with the performance and feel of these comparitive to the Euforia's I had on the Mini before-hand. They are quite economical too. I was ready to splurge on the Eagles, but then I checked the tire rack and the reviews on these Goodrichs were the same but I ended up saving about $200 for a set of 4. Costco even has a $60 off coupon now.

They look tough too...can not say enough!

Dave

 

All depends on if you want run flats again. If you don't need the convienence of them, do not pay for them. The BFG's pwjcw posted are fantastic tires and they are what I have on my MINI. However they are not runflats and they are still fairly loud compared to other non-runflat tires out there (but still quieter than your current run flats). Tire rack also has the exact tire in a better size (in my opinion), 215/40/17 for $109/tire http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....e1=yes&place=1. I'd also consider the Yokohoma AVS ES100's http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....1=yes&place=13, the Yokohoma Parada Spec-2 http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....1=yes&place=14 and the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....e1=yes&place=4.

The BFG's are the best rain tire I've driven (including race rain tires) and the Eagle's are equally as good for a bit more money, but neither are worth their weight in pesos in the snow or ice. The other 2 are very good dry and good rain tires for less money. I've owned 3 and driven all 4 and I just put my 2nd set of BFG's on my MINI.

In all honesty, I would plug the holes and continue to use up the very expensive run flats you have, but keep in mind the manufacturer stats that you are not supposed to plug run flats and some to most tire shops won't plug them for you. You can do it yourself with a $10 tire plug kit from Autozone though. Personally I don't think there is any safety issues with plugging it depending on the size of the punctures (I plugged a nail hole in my run flats without any problems), but that is only my opinion and not a legal contract. If you do want to go with new tires, the tire racks ratings are very helpful and I think pretty acurate. Also be sure to compare prices between the rack and Discount tire as Discount will match prices (must include shipping if applicable). Hope this helps.

 

I agree that repair is the first, best option if they are repairable. My Dunlops still have a nail I've never pulled out. It doesn't leak so why bother?
I went with non-run flats for cost, performance and comfort. I call the run flats "Flintstone Tires" because they ride like rocks. I carry a can of Fix a Flat that weighs less than the extra weight of 1 run flat tire and for 1/100 the price of one.
I have the KDW's on my S and they are very loud. They rumble like the Goodyear Wranglers I had on an S10 Blazer I used to have. On dry the Goodrich tires are slightly less sticky than the Falken Azenis RT615's I had but much noisier. Wet performance seems no better than the Falkens, especially under acceleration. They also seem harsher overall. The major drawback to the Falkens is wear, which is no surprise as they are rated at 140, where the Goodrichs are 300. The Falkens are significantly cheaper than the Goodrichs by about $20/tire from Vulcan Tire. The 215/40-17 size works well, just a couple of MPH off on the speedometer at 75.

 

Emphasis on the wear. My first set of BFG's lasted almost 45,000 miles of not always sunday driving...more than I've gotten out of any other tire with a MINI. The noise is high though.

 

We got the BF Goodrich's and are satisfied with them so far. Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.