For a 2nd set of wheels (say, 17" OZ Superleggeras) on an R56 MCS with factory sport suspension, what are the pros and cons of 215/45 X 17 (over-sized) vs. 205/45 X 17 (OEM-sized) non-run-flat summer performance tires?

And, for those who've already put a set of 17" non-run-flat performance tires on your '07 R56 MCS, which size and brand tire did you put on?

 

I have the Run Flats on my R56 with stock suspension and I find the ride is pretty smooth. Not harsh at all. After I wear down my rubber I might go for another set of runflats, just because I have no spare or maybe a set of Kumho ECSTA SPT's.

 

OK, after having checked the price difference of the Dunlop runflats and the kumho's, I am going with kumho's

Does anyone know of a good repair kit to have in the car in case of a flat?

Thanks

 

I went with uhp all seasons 215/45-17. They ride much better than the RFs and I have not found a drop off in dry perfomance. Have not tested snow yet but much better in wet then OEM Dunlops.

Turn in may not be quite as go karty feeling but the non-rf let you know much more where the grip level in than the rfs. Not a fan of RFs (in case you could not tell)

 

Only downside to the 215/45 is they're a couple of pounds heavier per tire, which means more unsprung weight and also additional power to turn them. Also, depending if you lower the car later it could cause an interference (rubbing) problem. I just ordered a set of 205/45 Michelin Pilot Exalto's (non- run flats) from Tire Rack. On special for $124/tire. Michelin's are, in my opinion, the best tire on the market dollar for dollar.

Cheers

 

The Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 ( a UHP tire) is one of the two tires I've been considering in the 205/45 X 17 size for all the same reasons you mention. I'll be very interested in hearing how you like them once they're on your Mini.

The other tire in that size that I'm also considering is the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx, which is also highly rated (in the max. performance category) on Tirerack. Any thoughts about Dunlop's tire?

 

Bob,

I think the Dunlop's are exceptional tires as well. When I look for tires I try and decide on all parameters: tread life; noise (or lack there of); handling/grip and; price. With very few exception, Michelin's have always come out on top. If you want pure performance with max grip, etc. go with the Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R. Really nice tire, grip like they'e glue, but you'll be replacing them about every 12K-15K; the Michelin's will get (at least) double that. If I were auto-x in SCCA or some other comp events, I'd buy the B-Stones; everyday use, Michelin's are the far better choice.

Hope this helps in your quest...

Cheers mate

 

I have Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 205/45-17. I don't have much experience with other tires to compare so not sure how useful my comments will be. I've had the OEM supplied Dunlap SP Sport 01 DSST 205/45-17 runflats, and Pirelli P-Zero Nero M+S 205/55-16 (different wheels).

My impressions are that the PE2 stick better than the other two, are quieter and softer ride than the Dunlaps, but noisier and harsher ride than the Pirelli. The ride on the Pirellis is due to the change from 17" to 16". The handling of PE2 vs. Nero is not surprising since the Nero are all season.

 

Thanks for your very useful comments, above. I, too, have had great success with Michelins in the past. In fact, I presently have 18" Pilot Sport PS2's on BBS wheels on my Audi '05 A6 4.2 sedan, and on Champion Motorsport forged alloys on my modified 2000 Boxster S, and believe those are the best tires I've ever had. The only reason I focused on the Dunlop's was because they were a level up from the Exaltos on Tirerack.

If you can, post some comments after you've driven on your Exalto PE2's for a few months.

 

Have you thought about the Goodyear F1 Gs-D3 ? Ran them on my 325 and the were great. Even for track days. And I believe they are rated very high for dry and wet driving. They are what I'll probably use. Lastly the price is reasonable.

 

Yes, in fact I did consider the Goodyears, but they only come in 215/45 X 17 which some of those, above, have indicated that the drawbacks of using that size vs. using the OEM 205/45 X17 size may offset or outweight the benefits.

Does the wider size concern you?

 

There is a 2 lb. difference between the 215 Goodyears and the 205 Michelins. Are you paying that much attention to weight when you select new wheels?

There have been a lot of positive posts about the Eagle F1 GS-D3 and I've been thinking about trying them next time. The supposed pros & cons seem to be:

More suseptible to trammeling
May decrease gas mpg a little
Would give better grip in corners and braking

 

Robin:

Thanks for your input, too. My initial inclination wheel-wise has been to get the very light OZ Ultraleggeras, which I've always liked, but have never had.

When your comments about the 215 Goodyears are added to others' comments about 215's in general, I think my best bet would be to get the 205-sized Pilot Exacto PE2's that at least two others, above, have suggested.

Bob

 

Check out the Tire Test in Novembers issue of EVO magazine. They compared nine makes of 225/45/17s on a Golf GTI. They used the new Bridgestone test track in Rome and covered off seven different tests. Good read.

I have Kumho Ecsta STP's (215/35/18) on my R56 and they placed 7th.

 

I just put a set of Falken 912s on the '05 MCS Convertible in size 205/45/17. They look great. But it's too early to give you a report on their performance. They only have 50 miles on them.

Others that have run the Falkens have come back with good reviews. And I got them for just $270 for all 4.