Hey everyone,

I keep hearing all this talk about how much they hate their run-flats, and how bad they are, but I actually like mine. I live in Michigan which is known for having horrible roads, but I don't mind it, and I get through it. Is anybody else with me?

Medic

 

+1 on liking runflats. We will run different tires for autocross certainly, but they work fine for street tires, not to mention, I can't ever imagine SLIMING a wheel on a mini. Thats something I might do on my beater truck, but not the mini. . .

 

+2 On my third set of 16-inch Dunlop All-Weather High Performances for my 2003 MCS! Love them!

 

You're not alone. I have about 25K miles on the original Pirellis and another 20K on my winter setup (Dunlop Wintersport M3 runflats). I like the security and rim protection, and the ride is fine by me, especially on the winter 16s.

 

I like mine also, no problem.

I noticed at least some of the people who have changed to non-runflats complaining about the loss ot the "go-kart" handling feel they had with runflats, most likely due to loss of the stiff run-flat sidewalls.

Also, run-flat technology is improving with each new generation.

 

Ditto for us - we've had no problems with our run flats. We've motored on all sorts of roads at a variety of speeds and conditions. So far so good...

 

Me, too. Louisiana roads aren't very good, but I like mine. It is a bit hard, but my last ride was an suv, and before that a pick-up, so this isn't bad.

 

I hit a major pot-hole (more like a ditch) on the expressway and damaged both of my driver's side wheels and one of the tires. I drove about 400 miles after the damage was done (or noticed) before I even lost enough air to set off my sensor. Had I not had those runflats, I would have probably been stuck in the middle of the boonies in Arkansas with no cell service. I love my runflats.

The only thing that does suck about them is that I was out of commission for 2 1/2 days wating for replacement tires and mounting. Apparently no one in Memphis could even locate 17" runflats. Luckily Tire Rack got them to me in less than 24 hours. I will most definately be ordering a back up set to keep around the house.

 

My story. My MCSc is replacing a 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i with the stiff sport package suspension and 18" runflat wheels. A fantastic car but on rough roads it was bone jaring.

When I first picked up my MCSc, it had 17" summer runflats. But the ride was MUCH MUCH more comfortable than the Z4. So much so that I was almost content to live with the runflats. But I've heard so many comments on how better the MINI is without runflats that since I had to buy winter tires anyway I decided to try some non-runflats. I got some Bridgestone Blizzaks. The difference is very noticeable. The ride is a little smoother and more comfortable, yet still sporty. In fact the car seems to handle and respond better with the non-runflats. DSC kicks in a lot less - for some reason it lets these tires spin a bit more before it kicks in, while with the stock tires it'd kick in almost right away and was way too intrusive. And I can't attribute that to the tire - Blizzaks are great tires but I'm not sure I can believe that they get better dry traction than the stock summer tires in warm weather.

The extra security of the runflats is definitely an advantage though, so it all depends on what you want from the car and what you are comfortable with.

 

I like mine as well. They have done very well on the wet roads and the ride and noise doesnt bother me a bit. Coming out of a 4x4 to my MINI I cant complain a bit

 

I have the 17 inch rim run-flats and no problem so far. Ride is stiff but so does in any sport car. I will like to ride in a MIN with regual tires and see if there is a difference. The only concern that I have is thar the variety of run-flats is limited and treadwear is low ( i guess it is because it is a performance tire). Another thing is price. I have checked with Tire Rack and although they are cheaper than other stores in my area, they are very expensive

 

Good idea about having a spare set. Any thoughts on where to get OEM wheels? I assume I could get them from my MINI dealer but are you aware of other sources?

 

The guy who mounted my tires happened to have a pair a wheels he was unloading for a friend. Got em' for $75/wheel, near mint.

The best deals I have seen for wheels have been here and ebay. I know out local MINI svc department sells on ebay for much cheaper than they do in-store.

 

I loved my runflats. They make you feel like you are part of the road when taking a good twisty instead of feeling like you are floating around it. Unfortunately I decided to go non-RF when I bought tires & I do regret it. I will probably be switching back to RF in about 15K miles. I just wish RF weren't so dang expensive because I do prefer the way they feel

 

It's easier to replace 16-inch runflats and less expensive. Mine have carried me cross-country many times since 2003. I love road-feel, but don't find the runflats harsh. I may like a sportier ride than most.

 

Mine are 17's. When I bought my non-RF I got Goodyear Eagles on sale at Tire Rack $88/tire vs $189/tire for Pirelli RF's. I was hard to pass on a $400 saving but I sure do miss my RF's

 

Lots of people swap their factory wheels for someting different, then sell the stock wheels and RF's here.

I intend to keep my RF's and stock wheels in my garage just in case I need them, but they are gatehring dust and they do take up valuable garage space......

 

I have runflats on my Cooper [Goodyears] and on my MCS [Dunlops]. I have to say that the Goodyears ride very hard, although the Dunlops are quite different and in a good way. I purchased a set of used Dunlops on eBay to use as a spare set or for whenever my Cooper's Goodyears finally wear out.

 

They've saved me from a nice road-side tire change twice now in three years time. I can't knock them there. I don't know how much performance can be gained or lost by switching to non-runflats, but I do know on those two occasions where i had a nail in my tire, it was nice to drive home and do the repairs.

 

i like mine, .... i am ok with the ride

 

I liked mine, except for the fact that I've basically burned through my front tires (Dunlop 18" runflats) in 4000 miles... Since I'm not going to pay $600 every 6 months for 2 new tires, I'll probably be getting non-runflats next time. Otherwise, though, I don't mind the ride at all...

 

Wow 4K miles My Pirelli 17 RF's had a good bit of tread left on them when I took them off at 17K miles. I just waited til 12K miles to rotate them or I feel they could have lasted much longer.

 

Out of the five cars my family owns, we've had 3 flat tires in the last 10 years or so, and none of them left us stranded. I don't really see the huge need for them, considering the expense.

 

I have the 17-inch RF Dunlops on Flo and like the way she runs around the corners. My son had an RX-8 that was a lot rougher riding than the Mini, and it had non-RF tires (and no spare). I'll more than likely replace these OEMs with similar RF tires when they wear out. Here's hoping that rotating on a regular basis helps the wear factor.

 

I liked my RFs too... until I got my Nittos. More rubber =