My mini is on order (production week 44 ) but at least that gives me time to order goodies and contemplate mods and graphics!
Anyway I was wondering if people keep the run flats or do alot of people replace them? I'm assuming that you can soften the ride somewhat if you do, but what are the pros and cons of doing this? For the record I've ordered an '06 MCS and have added the sports package with the 17' web spoke wheels as one of my options.
On a second note, any guesstimate about cost to replace the tires and what types to get/avoid?
This is something I would most likely wait to change, maybe drive it like it is for awhile and change out the tires when I have some "mad" money to play with.
Thanks,
Annette

 

Most who are very performance minded switch the runflats to better high performance tires.

Those that like the convenience and sense of security that runflats offer tend to stick with the runflats.

Many in this second group find that replacing the stock runflats with new runflats is so incredibly expensive that they decide to save money and improve performance by switching to regular tires.

I really like the Yokohama ES-100 tires. They are good on the budget at around $100 each and are a great all-around performance tire. They are very predicitable at the limits and feel good in most weather.

 

I have an 06 MCS and I have been pleasantly surprised with the Goodyear runflats. I heard horror stories of mirrors shaking so much they were unusable, but have found the ride to be decent. I was thinking of driving the winter with them and then putting new tires on in the Spring but I'll probably keep these on until they wear out.

 

My advice is replace them asap. They ride like rocks. You'll see what I mean. There are other things I have changed on my '03 S JCW but the tires were the first thing to go.

 

I've read that the 06 runflats are an improvement over what would've come on an 03.

 

I picked up my 06 MCS today and after driving my old 03 MCS, I don't feel it's an improvement for my tastes. This is 16" on both MCS's and a pre-soft suspension 03. I agree, the ride is very smooth compared to the 03 but the feel seems less sporty for my taste. I'm changing out my runflats tomorrow for my usual ES-100's. For performance reasons. Not because they are softer. The pre-soft suspension 03's combined with non-runflats is a great combination. I'm a little worried that once I put the ES-100's on the 06, the ride will be too soft. If so, maybe it will be time to figure out what exactly changed in mid 03 and order it.

If anyone is worried about a harsh ride. Either go with better performing non runflats or don't choose a low profile tire, 50 and under, to begin with.

 

Gonna keep the runflats until they wear out (waste not, want not), and then replace them with non-runflats...for both economy and comfort reasons. I'll stick a 12v compressor and a couple of cans of "insta-flate" in the trunk, and also my AAA+ card with 100 free miles of towing. Works well with my R32...should be fine with the MCs.

 

I've got a set of 17" Flik Wasps with the new Toyo Proxes T1r's on them coming this week. They will go on my '06 MCS as soon as it arrives. My present plan for the S-lites with runflats is to store them for now. I've had my M3 for a couple of years now that comes with no spare/non runflats, and I've gotten used to the idea. Everything I've heard indicates I will like my combo a lot better than the stockers, they will be approximately 10 lbs lighter per wheel also.

 

I've got the S-lites with runflats and I don't think they're so bad. Doesn't seem like a harsh ride. I was expecting horror after reading about them here, but I will probably get the same thing when these wear out.

 

I don't think the run flats are all that bad, I've even tracked with em. But, I have Yokohama Parada spec 2s now and they ride and handle better, and they were only $97 each at tire rack.

 

If I head up to the nearest tire store, is there any brand I should avoid?
I'm concerned about wasting money for a "name" and not getting much for it.The guys at a tire place see some mom come in and I'm sure they will try to get me to spend big bucks on something that I don't need. I just want the ride to be smooth and quiet (as it can be, believe me I don't want a big cushy Buick Riviera feel ) I really enjoy driving and am just dying to get back into a car with a stick, but I also will be doing some long highway stretches so I have to keep that in mind.
Around here there seem to be a plethera of tire places but I couldn't begin to guess which stores have knowledgeable people and which have some jokers off the street just trying to earn commission.
I'm in the Atlanta area so there's Kauffman, Butler, NTB and some others.
Thanks again all,
Annette

 

Annette,

A great source for tires and wheels is Tire Rack. www.tirerack.com

I've bought many tires (and wheels) from them in the past.

There are several things you can do:

a) use Tire Rack for research. They don't seem to bias their opinions (i.e. try to push a tire or particular brand that they've got a deal on to make extra money, like some dealers will do) and they do test most of the major tires that they sell. And there is also customer feedback, so you can see what other people think of the tires.

b) Tire Rack usually has very competitive pricing.

Now, consider if you buy mail order, you will be paying for shipping (probably about $20 extra) as well. And then you've got to pay for mounting and balancing, which can be another $20 per tire, depending on who does it for you. But if you buy locally, they usually quote you a price with mounting and balancing included, but sales tax on top of that.

So, if I'm not going to buy it (for whatever reason) from tire rack, then I'll use their price (plus m & b) to see if I'm getting a good deal from the local guy. If not, negotiate. Yes, that's right. You can negotiate the price of your tires. It's a very competitive business.

My car is a week 43 build, so I'll get it (I guess) a week before you (nah, nah, nah! ) and I plan to see just how much I hate the run-flats before I replace them. I'm also probably going to replace the wheels, so I figured I'd do best ordering both wheels and tires from Tire Rack... they arrive all mounted and balanced (and they do it for free) and then I'll sell the OE wheels & tires either here or on eBay.

HTH,

Michael

 

I was happy with RF's on S-Lites but when it came time to replace the Pirllis I just couldn't justify $175/tire vs $90 - went to Yoko ES's and yes, the ride is noticibly softer.

Tire Rack item... When I call my local 'Tire Rack recommended installer' and have him order the tire fm Tire R he has not been charging me shipping and has consistently gotten the tires the next day. Yes I must add mounting and balance to the price but not shipping.... Don't know if that's standard but worth checking. I'm mighty happy with the deal.

 

When I wore out my runflats... I bought Pirelli P Zero Neros from The Tire Rack... love 'em! It is good to enjoy the runflats first... after 30k or so of great driving, you'll enjoy the change as you enjoy more great driving!

 

I love the way my 17" runflats handle the curves, but hate the way the handle LA's potholes. I baught a set of 15" holey's with stock tires still fresh on them($300). Great for smoothing out the rough spots on the road. I got a slime kit (Compressor et all) fits in boot hold, for flats should I get one.

mountain driving and road trips I slip into the Perreli Runflats and I'm good to go.

For me this is the best of both worlds.

 

I'll second Tire Rack, and they've carried Goodyear RS-A runflats for a buck-thirty nine per tire. I'll probably replace the runflats with runflats when the time comes.

 

I inquired a while back, about a "decent street tire" to eventually replace my runflats, and got these suggestions from Alex:

[size=1]Size: 205/50/16

All season = BFG traction TA VR

Summer = Yokohama AVS ES100

[/size]

 

What model of BFGs come on the 06? My 05 has the Dunlops and they are okay, but again, $1,000+ for a set to replace is just obscene. I'd heard BFG was coming out with a new runflat that was less expensive without sacrificing performance, but we'll see. I'm sure as the volume of sales on runflats goes up the price will come down, but im 10k miles into the Dunlops and figure at about 20k they'll be ready to replace.

 

I know that I won't be able to bring myself to put new tires on a car that has new tires on it already. That being said I won't replace the runflats with more of the same. I'll buy some nice tires & a Miata temporary spare. I have Yoko ES100's on my Miata & like them a lot.

Chuck

 

Most enthusiasts in this area scrap the run flats and depend on the Auto Club and a cell phone for a spare. I've gotten by with over 60K miles with out runflats or problems .

 

When these tires go, no more runflats. That's what I pay State Farm the roadside service fee for.

 

My 06 MCSC came with Goodyear Eagle RS-A 205/45 VR17. The go for $188 each on Tirerack.com right now.

 

I see no reason to trade out the runflats until they are worn out. I currently have an '02 MCS with the original Sport Suspension Plus that some complained was too stiff. Personally, I never thought so. The MINI is a sport car in a hatchback body so the ride is appropriately firm.

If your only concern is a smooth, soft, ride then you chose the wrong vehicle. If you bought it for it's athletic prowess then you will enjoy every minute you are on the road.

I have the Dunlop 5000 runflats and find them to be a very capable road tire that combines good dry road, with excellant wet road, traction. Even today here in the Shire, where it has been raining for the past week, with 25,000 miles on the tires the wet tracton is still more than adequate, as long as there is no standing water on the road. I am almost down to the wear bars on the tires, only 4/32" (3mm) of tread left.

The tires have even handled 5 auto-X days (one with mulitple drivers) and a test & tune day with 20 runs. Granted there are many tires with more traction but the runflats are great for daily driving. Great peace of mind knowing that you do not have to worry about flats.

 

The MINI is a sports car. Sports cars ride firm. My '02 still has it's original run-flats and will be replaced with run-flats when these wear out. We used to put 10 inch trailor tires on our old Mini's to get a wider tire footprint and they had very stiff sidewalls and were great for trackin'. Anyways, I like the fact i don't have a jack or a spare and don't need one.

Les

 

This topic is very subjective. Each of us have different tolerances due to many factors. Age, physical condition (back problems), condition of the roads in our area. etc..

I replaced my runflats as soon as I could. The ride was harsh, and on certain roads it was downright nasty. I felt I could enjoy the sporting aspects of my MINI and also enjoy a better ride. Ditching the runflats and going to much lighter rims did the trick for me.

BoCRon - I think you'll have to find out what your tolerances are and then react accordingly. Drive your new MINI for a while and see..