I wonder with the redesign if they will move the battery up front and make room for a spare to allow folks to drop the horribly heavy, rigid and high cost runflats.

Also Sept is just around the corner. We should get an official debut say around August 1st no?

 

I doubt it. BMW seems to think that runflats are the way to go. It does give the dealers $$$ when you buy tires from them!

 

Don't know about the battery question, but I'd imagine that BMW and MINI's love affair with run flat tires isn't going to end anytime soon.

In fact, I would bet you'll see many other car manufacturers turning to run flat tires in coming years, especially as the tire manufacturers keep moving that technology forward. Hopefully that means run flats that aren't as unforgiving in the ride department!

 

GoodYear has introduced tires with carbon fiber in the sidewalls, I don't know if they are run flats or not. Stiffer sidewalls none the less

I think that run flats are going to be manditory in a few years. The current issue is what kind of tire monitoring the feds will mandate. Wheel speed like what we currently have, or sensors in the wheels?

 

That has been decided here http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/...sum.html?name=

 

I can remember when people said the same of radial tires!!

 

I am not good with Government speak...

What have they mandated??? Indirect AKA Wheel speeed sensors (like ours) or Direct AKA sensors in wheels? (Corvette)

 

Basically, I believe it says that all car makers have until 2007 to phase in TPMS. from 2003 - 2006 they can do it the cheap way (like MINI). From 2007 on they do it with the little radio transmitters, AKA TPMS in porsche

For example, in 2006, TPMS (via radio) was a cost option that showed the display in the OBC. From 2007 its included in the base cost of the car (of course you are paying for it).

 

There goes the Aftermarket wheels industry. I wonder how UNIQUE Whips will stay on the air if they can't replace wheels?!?!?!?

 

I dont think so. They just buy the sensors from the dealers and stick them on the wheels. For example, I just read that the 2006 Caymans have the cability already built into the OBC, must not turned on and you just need to buy the sensors for the wheels (if you dont buy TPMS you dont get the sensors).

I am sure the wheel industry will adapt since its the law

 

Well I hope they'll at least offer it as an option. Runflats with no spare or radials and a spare.

 

I for one will never buy a car w/o a spare tire again... no more run flats. My MINI could not handle 60mph on a highway that had drainage grates (sis was following in her Corolla and she was fine). That trip cost me 600+ in 2 new tires and another 500 to replace 1 strut mount! If I had known back what I know now.. I would never have bought a second MINI.

 

IMO BMW should drop the run flat as cost of replacment is much higher. I rather have a spare that keeps the mind at ease

 

The ONLY car BMW is going with non-RFs are the Z4Ms (Both versions) simply because the M Division is going all out to get max performance (not clear about the new M3s yet)

I would not hold my breath about getting non-RFs.

 

and think about what some are asking for.... Moving a very heavy item (the battery) to the FRONT of the car (boo, hiss), add MORE WEIGHT (boo, hiss again) with a spare, and take the space that a spare takes (boo hiss for the third time)...

I think you may find that more and more cars come with run flats, That the price difference between run-flats and non-run-flats will decrease, and the performance difference will decrease as well. Who knows, maybe the Cooper will go the way of run-flats as well!

Matt

 

Prices aren't coming down quick enough. If next generation of MCS only comes with RF, solution is simple.. bye bye MINI...

 

The current generation of MCS only comes with RF. What's the issue?

 

Only $400 or so.....

Matt

 

per tyre. drive from providence to the connecticut border on the left lane at 60mph. you won't find potholes, you will see drainage grates. if you can make it to CT in one piece.. you done good. I didn't. Bottomed out on a grate. Damaged 2 tires (380 each replaced) and I need a strut mount replaced (another 500). Bad MINI. Do a search for cracked strut mounts on NAM and you will find this is not an uncommon issue. I hate hate hate run flats. OK a few more hates.. hate hate hate..

 

$380 each? hmm

RFs at Tirerack

2nd Gen 050As - $184
Pirellis OEM - $185

Why would you pay so much?