I've never had run-flats, and I don't like the idea of having them except for the lack of a spare tire in the MCS. I like the idea of more variety and less expense if I use a traditional, non-run-flat tires. We put the Consumer Report recommended Falkens on our Honda CRV and have been impressed by its performance in wet weather on the peninsula, and the price was incredibly low. I'd like to have the same options for our Mini.
Questions:
1.) Can I use the same rim?
2.) Does the sensor for the run-flat work for the traditional tire?
3.) Does it require a specialized shop to remove/replace run flats?

 

The runflat tires are basically the same as any other tire except that it has reinforced sidewalls to support the car when no air (or low air) is in the tire.

1.) Can I use the same rim?
yes.
2.) Does the sensor for the run-flat work for the traditional tire?
yes, the sensor is not on the wheel or tire, it simply measures the speed of each corner and when one is faster than the others (lower pressure causes the tire to get smaller, slightly), it beeps and lights up the little warning on the dash.
3.) Does it require a specialized shop to remove/replace run flats?
no, but they are harder than normal tires to get on and off, it just takes a little bit more lubicant and elbow grease.

_________________
MOTOR ON!!

 

And if you ask on the Tires and Wheels forum , the Tire-Rack guy
will set you up with new tires.

He is the definite expert on these kinds of issues.

If he says so, you can go to the bank depending on it.
_________________

 

Best mod I made on my MCS, to get rid of the dreadful runflats with Yokos, lighter, stickier, handling dramatically improved...get a fix a flat kit and get rid of the runflats, the same wheels work no problem...

 

>>Best mod I made on my MCS, to get rid of the dreadful runflats with Yokos, lighter, stickier, handling dramatically improved...get a fix a flat kit and get rid of the runflats, the same wheels work no problem...

Which Yokohama did you go with? I'm very cloce to baggin' the run-flats, too.
Thanks!!
Jim

 

gotta run, have to take my fiancee to the doctor (I gave her pink eye) DOH!

Anyway, I just swapped my Pirelli Euphoria's out 2 days ago for a set of BF Goodrich G-Force3 KDW's. Got them from TireRack.com. size is one higher than stock but they fit perfect. Size is 215/45-17.... they are wider - and look HUGE compared to stock, but are lgihter and the ride is AMAZING!

They drive in the wet like the Pirelli's in the dry, and in the dry I have not been able to get them to break loose yet. Ride is still hard, but NOTHING like the runflats.... very VERY nice change from the runflats.

Cost shipped for the set was about $611, and another $100 or so to get mounted/balanced at National Tire and Battery. They told me that they will match any online price, and not charge for mounting if I buy from them, so in the future I might go that route.

In any case, it was a great mod and I am very very happy with it.

The KDW's are rated better in every area than the Yokohama's, with a dry traction rating of 9.3 and wet of 8.6 if memory serves me correctly.

And, they are some EVIL looking tires too, they are fantastic looking....

 

Just checked, all but 3 of the ratings for the KDW's are in the dark green category (best) with the last three in the light green.

dry rating of 9.5, wet ratiing of 8.9, ride comfort of 8.4, and wear rating of 8.2. Cornering and steering response was 9.3 and 9.4 respectively.

 

... thanks, that's perfect...

 

... thanks, that's perfect...