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[FONT=comic sans ms,sans-serif]I have a 2009 Mini Clubman S with 17 inch wheels. The ride is very hard. It has run flat tires. I am considering changing the tires to non run flats in hopes of softening the ride somewhat. Any suggestions on which tires might help.[/FONT] [FONT=comic sans ms,sans-serif]Thanks.
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[FONT=comic sans ms,sans-serif]Bassmania[/FONT]

Search is your friend here.

There are lots of threads on this subject and also a Tire and Wheel section devoted just to this subject. But here are a couple links to get you started.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...and-brakes-36/

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-opinions.html

Thanks schatzy62

So many good choices - all depends on your priorities. You can get great tires for good prices on these cars. (Consider 215/45/17's - as often there are more of these available than 205/45/17's)

First: decide what you rank as highest priority. E.G.
- Dry Performance
- Wet Performance
- Tread Wear
- All season vs. running two sets of tires
- etc

Tire Rack has great reviews with good user feedback.
Here's one on 'All Season High Performance tires':
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=129

Here's one on 'Extreme Performanc Summer':
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=118

My opinion:
I wanted best traction in dry with decent wet tracktion and a reasonable price. Don't care about tread wear. I use winter sport tires while the temps are below 45 degrees (can't wait to get the summer rubber back on!)
Result for me: Dunlop Direza Star Spec (and Dunlop Wintersports)

Oh - and biggest factor for me was turn-in response. This means you'll get a slightly more harsh ride due to the stiff side-wall; but I couldn't stand the split-second delay from input to response on a softer tire (Yokahama S Drives); so made the sacrifice. Again - Tire Rack has good information here on the 'Survey' tab for each tire

Thanks Zephyrgtw, Great info.

I just installed Dunlop Direzza DZ 101s on my 09 Clubman JCW. Really loving them so far. Can't wait til the first AutoX.

Just got back to the office from the tire store where Chloe was fitted with her new shoes. After much deliberation, i ended up getting the Continental ExtremeContact DWS in the 215/45-17 size. In the short 1 mile ride back to the office the bumps and potholes jarring seemed much improved, but with only 2 turns i cannot yet comment on the performance... I think the stickers are still on the tread, as is a generous coating of tire mold release.
I am going to check the air pressure before driving home on the twisty route and will submit a more complete report.

As an added benefit the slightly wider size and rim guard strips on the Continental should give slightly better wheel protection.

Anyone looking for some nice runflats with only 17k miles on them, cheap?

I found the Continental ExtremeContact DWS were extremely soft in the sidewalls to a point where they felt they were rolling over in every turn. I had them taken off the car after 2 days and replaced with Bridgestone Potenza Sport RE760's. Never looked back all grip and extremely tight, and very good in rain.

The DWS is more geared for a sedan like a Camry or Accord. Although if you want a soft quiet comfortable squishy ride out of your mini, DWS is your tire.

A twisty ride home and a 40 mile trip for dinner has me totally convinced that these tires are the way to go. Way less harsh, quieter and at 39psi, i really can't say i feel any difference in handling or performance at all over the runflats. Plus, i just got a buyer for the old set on ebay! Win, win!

Has anyone moved from 17" to 16" wheels with a A/S tire? If so, how good is the ride? I just have not gotten use to the very hard ride with the run flats.

I am totally in agreement with you on the Conti DWS, if you want a good all-season tire. I like them for my daily street driving as they make my sport suspension seem streetable. Some people use the word squishy but I call it compliant which is great for pot holes. And while turn in is not the best but it is just fine for a street tire. If you want a great summer tire, get extreme summer tires such as Dunlops Direzza Z1 Star Specs, Yoko AD08 or Bridgestoen RE11.

It is good to look at tires in their same performance class.

IMHO I never run any tire with continental in the name. I had to buy new tires with less than 1K on them when I got the new Mini. I couldn't talk the dealer in to swapping wheels off the old and on to the new. High dollar tires, but not too good.

1 K miles is not normal for any tire. What happened to them? Is it a manufacturing defect? Pothole or nail?

Hi Kenneth,
What tire are you referring to? I have not had the best luck with tires on my 2009 mini clubman s. It came with the 17 inch runflats. I had to replace the L front tire and wheel 2x. Living in NY close to the city doesn't help. { Helps to have tire insurance!} I bought 16 inch run flat tires for the winter. The ride was much better. I am looking for new tires for the rest of the year. I am so tired of the very hard ride with the 17 inch runflats. If go with traditional tires, does anyone know where to get spare? Also, I am not sure if it's a wise idea but thinking of keeping 16 inch tires for winter and 17 inch otherwise. Will the ride be smoother without runflats on the17 inch?

Continental EC DWS according to his title line. Good city tire. I live close to NYC as well and I run DWS.

Yes almost anything will have better ride than stock RFTs.

Went with four BF Goodrich Protenzas and am amazed at the quality of the ride! soooo smooth and no noticeable loss in performance either. Wish I had not waited so long to do this very important upgrade! NOw I need to see if that spare run flat tire and wheel will fit in the back.

I changed to the Contential DWS (215/45-17) about 2 months ago and 2500 mile later, the only complain is...wind noise is so noticeable because of the lack of road/tire noise