R50/53 should have went with run flats
6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
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205/45/17
Goodyear all-season RSA EMT are 30.37lbs -$200
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ead.php?t=3500
Goodyear all-season RSA EMT are 30.37lbs -$200
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ead.php?t=3500
That thread is four years old and taken, I believe, from the MINI2 FAQ which has been correctly updated to:" Goodyear Eagle RS-A EMT 22.0lb (10.0kg) A"
Don't believe everything you read
6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,010
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From: Huntsville, Alabama
In my 03 MCS I ran the runflats until they wore out. I replaced them with Yoko ES100's and never turned back. Granted there was a slight increase in softness. It wasn't as dramatic as the turn in became.
I drove my current 06 MCS straight home to replaced the wheels and tires. I couldn't tell a difference at all in the softness of the ride. I can say though that with the runflats on my 06, the ride is softer than my 03 without runflats. I blame that on the change in suspension in mid 03 code named Cushy Tushy.
Like I said, on the 06 the ride is soft from the factory with the runflats. Going to non runflats, imo, is not going to be a big change. Unless you are coming from a Buick or very heavy car then the MINI may seem harsh. But the difference between the S-lites with runflats to lighter rims and non-runflats is amazing in the handling, turn in, department. Before, I could drive like Uncle Jessie from the Dukes of Hazzard and still be going straight. If I were to try that now. I would be jumping lane to lane.
I drove my current 06 MCS straight home to replaced the wheels and tires. I couldn't tell a difference at all in the softness of the ride. I can say though that with the runflats on my 06, the ride is softer than my 03 without runflats. I blame that on the change in suspension in mid 03 code named Cushy Tushy.
Like I said, on the 06 the ride is soft from the factory with the runflats. Going to non runflats, imo, is not going to be a big change. Unless you are coming from a Buick or very heavy car then the MINI may seem harsh. But the difference between the S-lites with runflats to lighter rims and non-runflats is amazing in the handling, turn in, department. Before, I could drive like Uncle Jessie from the Dukes of Hazzard and still be going straight. If I were to try that now. I would be jumping lane to lane.
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Watkins Glen, NY
thanks alot for your help, i really appreciate it. i guess im going to let them wear off a bit, shouldnt take too long. i dont dislike the rough ride, personally i like it, lets me know exactly whats going on. my girlfriend always complains, and i got tired of it. anyway. i will deal with these tires for now, but when i get some more money, i believe that i will go back to the same tires i was using when i purchased the car.
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Watkins Glen, NY
one more question. i noticed that some people in here prefer non runflats to runflats, and some vise versa. what are the main arguments, other than the ones listed here. and how do i tell how stiff the sidewall is, is there a rating on the tire that i should go by. ??
Banned
Joined: Jul 2002
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Another runflat "lover" here. I am not convinced that radials are the way to go when it comes to the MCS. I like the ride quality and handling afforded by my factory 16" Dunlop SP5000 all season runflats. With rotations every 5K since new, they are still going strong at nearly 18K miles. At the wear rate, these tires should last me to about 30K miles.
I don't buy the argument that you obtain "guaranteed safety" when you switch to radials and carry a compressor, can of tire goo and a cell phone. Sorry chaps, but the taught of being stranded on the side of the road trying to pump air or goo into a badly punctured radial, is not my idea of safety. Goo and air compressors can only go so far. Just ask folks that have experienced flats on desolate areas and how having runflats made the difference between getting to safety or spending the night with rattle snakes...
So the choice is yours. May be we should start the "Runflat lovers club".
I don't buy the argument that you obtain "guaranteed safety" when you switch to radials and carry a compressor, can of tire goo and a cell phone. Sorry chaps, but the taught of being stranded on the side of the road trying to pump air or goo into a badly punctured radial, is not my idea of safety. Goo and air compressors can only go so far. Just ask folks that have experienced flats on desolate areas and how having runflats made the difference between getting to safety or spending the night with rattle snakes...
So the choice is yours. May be we should start the "Runflat lovers club".
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,300
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From: Madison, Wisconsin
The roads in my area and my aging body dictated I ditch the runflats. For me it was a good decision. With SSR's and BFGoodrich G-Force Sports, I dropped 8 lbs. per wheel, the ride is much improved and the handling is excellent!
I love the Sports and they only cost about $70.00 a tire. I expect to get at least 25000 - 30000 on them.
I also bought a MINI spare which fits in the boot or behind the drivers seat on trips.
I love the Sports and they only cost about $70.00 a tire. I expect to get at least 25000 - 30000 on them.
I also bought a MINI spare which fits in the boot or behind the drivers seat on trips.
actually i never complained about the weight of the tires themselves...
I knew they were only 1-2lbs heavier at most vs its non-run flat
counter part.
the grip was what bothered me on mine. SP9000's arent that great
... then the runflat version were even worse.
I knew they were only 1-2lbs heavier at most vs its non-run flat
counter part.
the grip was what bothered me on mine. SP9000's arent that great
... then the runflat version were even worse.
I'm sorry! I have always heard "S" owners complaining about the Runflats weight. After researching the weight (I never bothered to pay attention!) I found that the original equipment 205/45 runflats from Dunlop and Pirelli are 21.9 and 22.0 lbs each, respectively.
What's the matter with you "S" owners!?!?!?!?!?!
That's not that heavy.
The Yokohama AVS ES100 is 21.5 lbs per tire. That's a VERY popular tire and it's not even a runflat!
The Falken Zeix 512 205/45 r17 is 18.7 lbs per tire. Light comparably, but not amazing.
I think the biggest change you can make is getting rid of the SLites, but you may as well keep the runflats!
Didn't intent to mislead!
-Steve
What's the matter with you "S" owners!?!?!?!?!?!
That's not that heavy.
The Yokohama AVS ES100 is 21.5 lbs per tire. That's a VERY popular tire and it's not even a runflat!
The Falken Zeix 512 205/45 r17 is 18.7 lbs per tire. Light comparably, but not amazing.
I think the biggest change you can make is getting rid of the SLites, but you may as well keep the runflats!
Didn't intent to mislead!
-Steve
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 1
From: Silver Spring, MD
That thread is four years old and taken, I believe, from the MINI2 FAQ which has been correctly updated to:" Goodyear Eagle RS-A EMT 22.0lb (10.0kg) A"
Don't believe everything you read
. They just sit in a stack in the closet.
I am running a set of BF Goodrich KDW2s and after 4k miles are very happy with my purchase. The tires might have been $125 each but they are super sticky in the dry and wet. I just have to watch it when the temps drop.
Only real drawback is I need a compressor and a can of slime now. haha
Only real drawback is I need a compressor and a can of slime now. haha
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
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I too went to the Ziex 512's (215/45/17) after the Pirelli Eufori@ runflats wore out. I did not like the 512's at all. To soft and felt like they were folding over in the corners. I played with tire pressure, but ended up swapping them to my other car after 2000 miles (which just so happens to take the same size.) They lasted a total of about 14K miles.
I replaced them on the Mini with Pirelli P-Zero Nero M+S 215/45/17. Very good tire. Nice and firm at 36psi. Good in the corners. Never tried them in the snow. Swapped them to the other car after 7K miles and went with the Hankook RS2 Z212 215/40/17. So far I'm loving them. Actually a slightly smoother ride, I wasn't expecting that! Fantastic grip and it's only been about 600 miles so far. Haven't tried them in the rain yet and snow is a definate no-no... duh. I'll be happy if I get 10K out of them, anything more is just gravy... Maybe I'll try the Falken RT 615 next.
PS.
I've also had the Yokohama ES100's on a previous car and liked them alot (stiff and grippy) but wanted to try something different. They were a little loud on the poorly kept roads around here.
They lasted a total of about 14K miles.I replaced them on the Mini with Pirelli P-Zero Nero M+S 215/45/17. Very good tire. Nice and firm at 36psi. Good in the corners. Never tried them in the snow. Swapped them to the other car after 7K miles and went with the Hankook RS2 Z212 215/40/17. So far I'm loving them. Actually a slightly smoother ride, I wasn't expecting that! Fantastic grip and it's only been about 600 miles so far. Haven't tried them in the rain yet and snow is a definate no-no... duh. I'll be happy if I get 10K out of them, anything more is just gravy... Maybe I'll try the Falken RT 615 next.
PS.
I've also had the Yokohama ES100's on a previous car and liked them alot (stiff and grippy) but wanted to try something different. They were a little loud on the poorly kept roads around here.
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: New York, NY
Hi All - I don't have my Mini yet, so can't speak from much experience, but even with runflats, do you think it is still a good idea to have a spare for long trips?
I realize they are called "runflats" and I've read several stories on here about how long they've performed after getting a puncture, but isn't it possible for them to blowout/fail completely?
If the consensus is yes... get a spare for long trips... what's the best thing to get? I don't know ANYTHING about tires.... I have an S on order with 16'' runflat all performance tires.
I'm hoping I like the ride and performance. I did test a car with runflats and found the ride to be a little rougher than regular tires, but I think I'll also like the sporty feel of them. I'll find out.
I realize they are called "runflats" and I've read several stories on here about how long they've performed after getting a puncture, but isn't it possible for them to blowout/fail completely?
If the consensus is yes... get a spare for long trips... what's the best thing to get? I don't know ANYTHING about tires.... I have an S on order with 16'' runflat all performance tires.
I'm hoping I like the ride and performance. I did test a car with runflats and found the ride to be a little rougher than regular tires, but I think I'll also like the sporty feel of them. I'll find out.
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
Give your new tires some more time and let us know how it goes.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 151
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From: Detroit Area, MI
Are they directional tires and have you checked to make sure they're facing the proper direction? Or it could possibly be the tire shop didn't get the balance right. Another possibility is what you're describing is tramlining, which is where your car follows the grooves in the pavement, it's a downside to grippier tires.
I replaced my run-flats with some Kuhmos on AR-1's for the summer and while I have noticed a better ride it's not that much better. It does have much better grip in the wet and dry now, though. I'll be bolting on the S-Lites again in the winter and maybe I'll notice a big difference, but we'll see.
I replaced my run-flats with some Kuhmos on AR-1's for the summer and while I have noticed a better ride it's not that much better. It does have much better grip in the wet and dry now, though. I'll be bolting on the S-Lites again in the winter and maybe I'll notice a big difference, but we'll see.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,078
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From: Piqua, OH
I have runflats on BOTH my MINIs...the GoodYear NCTs on the Cooper, and Dunlop 5000 DSSTs on the MCS. BOTH sets are 16". I HATE the GoodYears and cannot wait for them to wear out [30,000+ miles and still going strong, even after 6 track days, 3 Dragon visits, and this year's MME...1000 miles roundtrip]...may NEVER happen!
They ride hard and are stiff and noisy, although they track well. When the happy day arrives to get another set of tires for the Cooper, I'm getting another set of Dunlop 5000 DSSTs. A smooth ride, good tracking, and a feeling of highway safety [as in trip] is more important to me than buying cheaper tires for which I'll need a spare, thus eliminating precious storage space unless it's the Cooper [which has its own spare].
They ride hard and are stiff and noisy, although they track well. When the happy day arrives to get another set of tires for the Cooper, I'm getting another set of Dunlop 5000 DSSTs. A smooth ride, good tracking, and a feeling of highway safety [as in trip] is more important to me than buying cheaper tires for which I'll need a spare, thus eliminating precious storage space unless it's the Cooper [which has its own spare].
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 980
Likes: 1
From: Downtown Denver
Herte's a deal for all you runflat lovers on 17s. . .
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mini-...QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mini-...QQcmdZViewItem
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 835
Likes: 5
From: Atlanta, GA
I don't think this is really a run flat vs. non run flat. As others have stated there are huge differences in sidewall stiffness and crispness of the handling between various non run flat tires. If you like the quick turn in of the run flats very high or ultra high performace non run flat tires are generally going to have similar handling. I usually check out the surveys and the test reports of various tires at Tirerack.com
I replaced the tires on my 2000 323 BMW convertible from the factory installed Michelins with H rated (big mistake) Michelin Exalto A/S and was disappointed with the softness of the sidewalls and the "wallowing" that the factory tires did not have. It felt like a different car.
When I bouught the MINI S Convertible in June I replaced the Dunlop runflats with the new Michelin Pilot Sport A/S PLUS and I feel that I have the best of both worlds - crisp handling and a much more compliant ride plus I have a V rated tire with a 45K mile prorated treadlife warranty. Everyone is different in what they want/can live with with tires.
I replaced the tires on my 2000 323 BMW convertible from the factory installed Michelins with H rated (big mistake) Michelin Exalto A/S and was disappointed with the softness of the sidewalls and the "wallowing" that the factory tires did not have. It felt like a different car.
When I bouught the MINI S Convertible in June I replaced the Dunlop runflats with the new Michelin Pilot Sport A/S PLUS and I feel that I have the best of both worlds - crisp handling and a much more compliant ride plus I have a V rated tire with a 45K mile prorated treadlife warranty. Everyone is different in what they want/can live with with tires.
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
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Steering response from stiff sidewalls does not equate to ultimate grip in corners.
You should of perhaps done some research on tires that have good response before purchasing new tires if that was what you were looking for in a tire.
My RT-615s have a very unresponsive sidewall, but they most defiantly grip several times better than any run flat tire I have used.
I find some Bridgestones from personal experience have quite crisp turn in.
Also check your tire PSI.
You should of perhaps done some research on tires that have good response before purchasing new tires if that was what you were looking for in a tire.
My RT-615s have a very unresponsive sidewall, but they most defiantly grip several times better than any run flat tire I have used.
I find some Bridgestones from personal experience have quite crisp turn in.
Also check your tire PSI.
The first 30 miles or so of any tire the tire is extremely greasy. Not all non-runflats are the same. End of thread.
This thread just makes me shake my head for so many reasons....
- Andrew
This thread just makes me shake my head for so many reasons....
- Andrew
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 703
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From: Morrisville, NC
Exactly andyroo, there is even a FAQ over at TireRack.com mentioning this very thing. You have to give any tire a while to break in anyway and a tire with almost no tread on it will always feel more responsive in some ways than one with tread. Thats why when people race on tires with tread they often shave them down.
Dunlop SP DSST vs. GoodYear F1 GSD3
Welcome to the minority. I am a member too . I miss my runflats. I bought good regular tires (Goodyear F1 GS-D3) I remember for the first week after I ditched the runflats I felt like I was going to lose control in corners & it really sucked. My go-kart like feel was gone 
. The runflats have stiffer sidewalls & IMHO handle much better in the twisties. Regular tires feels spongy in the corners. When I ditched my runflats I too was very disappointed in the handling on the twisties. Sure the ride is a bit smoother but I didn't buy my Mini to feel like some big caddy. My runflats made me "feel" the road when I drove it. My non-runflats make me feel like I am gliding over it in some sedan
I will tell you that the longer you drive on the regular tires the more you will get used to the sponginess in the corners. I'm not saying that's a good thing but you will get used to it. Give it a few more weeks before you do anything & you may find that you can stand the tires until they wear out & you can replace them with runflats!!
One plus of being in the runflat-loving minority is that everyone around here convinces people to ditch their runflats so we can usually find almost-new ones on E-Bay for cheap.
. I miss my runflats. I bought good regular tires (Goodyear F1 GS-D3) I remember for the first week after I ditched the runflats I felt like I was going to lose control in corners & it really sucked. My go-kart like feel was gone . The runflats have stiffer sidewalls & IMHO handle much better in the twisties. Regular tires feels spongy in the corners. When I ditched my runflats I too was very disappointed in the handling on the twisties. Sure the ride is a bit smoother but I didn't buy my Mini to feel like some big caddy. My runflats made me "feel" the road when I drove it. My non-runflats make me feel like I am gliding over it in some sedan I will tell you that the longer you drive on the regular tires the more you will get used to the sponginess in the corners. I'm not saying that's a good thing but you will get used to it. Give it a few more weeks before you do anything & you may find that you can stand the tires until they wear out & you can replace them with runflats!!
One plus of being in the runflat-loving minority is that everyone around here convinces people to ditch their runflats so we can usually find almost-new ones on E-Bay for cheap.
Yeah runflats do have a rigid sidewall from the Dunlops I had at least, giving it that sharp turn in sensation. But it doesn't necessarily mean they stick like glue either, nor does sponginess equate to no grip. I mean if you push those GSD3 a bit further they will stick better than runflats. Take a look at the Dry Grip Results:
Dunlop SP Sport 9000 DSST (MINI OEM Tire)
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....00+DSST#Survey
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....1+GS-D3#Survey
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