R56 I think I've decided what to name my Cooper: Jekyll/Hyde
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1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 31
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From: Montreal region, Canada
I think I've decided what to name my Cooper: Jekyll/Hyde
My 2007 Cooper, which I bought last November, has a split personality:
Dr Jekyll he was, sophisticated, suave, debonair, riding on those brand new 15" Pirelli snows (non-RF) on steelies through the winter. Nice 'n' smooth. Last week, my dealer put the 16" alloys back on, with their original Conti runflats. And he's turned into Mr. Hyde! MY GOD, what a difference in the handling! The car seems to have a mind of its own, wanting to follow every rut, bump and scratch on the road - never mind the potholes around Montreal here. I expected the hard ride... but these tires are making my driving look half-drunk!
The car is 3 years old and had 26000 Km when I bought it, so I presume the original all-seasons have that mileage too. There's 1/4" of tread depth left, very little shoulder wear, and yet the tires almost feel like they are bald at times. My dealer says the runflats are just something to get used to... but it seems like they're almost worn out.
Before anyone starts the RF/non-RF debate again, I've read it and would get run-flats again. My question though, is this: should I plan to replace these tires soon... or do I just get used to it, and keep a tight grip on the wheel?
Thanks all,
Dr Jekyll he was, sophisticated, suave, debonair, riding on those brand new 15" Pirelli snows (non-RF) on steelies through the winter. Nice 'n' smooth. Last week, my dealer put the 16" alloys back on, with their original Conti runflats. And he's turned into Mr. Hyde! MY GOD, what a difference in the handling! The car seems to have a mind of its own, wanting to follow every rut, bump and scratch on the road - never mind the potholes around Montreal here. I expected the hard ride... but these tires are making my driving look half-drunk!
The car is 3 years old and had 26000 Km when I bought it, so I presume the original all-seasons have that mileage too. There's 1/4" of tread depth left, very little shoulder wear, and yet the tires almost feel like they are bald at times. My dealer says the runflats are just something to get used to... but it seems like they're almost worn out.
Before anyone starts the RF/non-RF debate again, I've read it and would get run-flats again. My question though, is this: should I plan to replace these tires soon... or do I just get used to it, and keep a tight grip on the wheel?
Thanks all,
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 425
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Are you running the proper tire pressures? My MINI's ride was rock hard when I purchased it, and I found that the tires had all been inflated to near 38psi vs. the spec 33. I let them down to 33, and it made a noticeable difference.
Spridget
Spridget
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1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Montreal region, Canada
I'm not sure about the tire pressures since I just got home from a drive... but I think I have my answer. I had checked the depth with a coin earlier, but failed to look closely at the grooves in good light. Turns out the wear bars are about 1/16" below the tread level. I guess it's almost time for some replacements.
Oh, and the wheels are originals, what I think are called 5-star blasters.
Oh, and the wheels are originals, what I think are called 5-star blasters.
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