I think these run flat tires have to go!!!

I first must say that I have had plenty of sport cars, and the Mini Cooper is in a class all it's own! After about three weeks of driving it, I have found only one (1) thing about the car that annoys me a little....... Those stinking run flat tires!

Stiff suspension - GREAT!
17" wheels - GREAT!

I think the run flats are a bit overkill. How many have changed and what are your opinions?

PS. I post here cause I have kinda gotten to know some of you a little and value the opinion of people I am familiar with a little more.

Thanks!

 

Can you mount 17" non-runflats on a MINI?

 

You sure can!

Rex, get rid of the run flats & put some nice all season performance tires on if you plan on always having the same set of wheels & tires on all year. Some people buy another set of wheels & have one set for summer (with good performance tires) & one set for winter to use in the snow & ice. As far as a spare, no room in the S for one. There are different opinions as to what to carry in case of a flat. Fix a flat or a small compressor.

Lois

 

Wow, Lois is up on this game!!!

I think I may look on tirerack and see what the prices are like for a nice set of performance tires. I have NEVER had a flat (although I will now have four flats tomorrow), and if I were to have a flat, I have the number for a tow truck in my phone! If I am out of town and have a flat, I would just roll the car off into the weeds, get a rental, come home, report it stolen and let the insurance settle it all.

By the way, I was kidding......

<---- Mark

 

According to wikipedia flat tires account for 10% of automobile breakdowns.

So if I carry a small plug repair kit and a compressor I can probably reduce the chance of getting stuck with a flat and no spare to 5%.

I consider this an acceptable risk. Especially since I probably won't have the right tools, parts, or ability to do anything about the other 80% of the breakdown failures that can happen to me!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_tire

 

I lived with R/Fs for 23k and got rid of them. I should have done it a lot sooner. Check with Alex at the Tire Rack, he can give you a list of good non R/Fs to consider. I have a Conti kit and also carry a Honda Spare on road trips. I got the spare in a junk yard for $15.00. It doesn't take up that much room and gives alittle peace of mind when traveling. I put BF Goodrich G Force tires on and they were great.

 

I replaced the Dunlop runflats on my JCW after 2200 miles. Couldn't stand the harsh ride. I got a set of Bridgestone Potenza 960AS non-runflat performance all-season tires from Tirerack for $146 each.

 

I used my runflats on the stock wheels as winter tires for 4 years until they were finished. After that, I got a set of wheels with Kuhmo ASX tires from edgeracing for $800 that are now my 4 season street tires/wheels. I have ASA JS1 wheels with Hankook Z214 R comp tires for the track; will be testing them out this weekend at the BMW track day.

I keep fix-a-flat, small compressor, and tire plug kit in the small compartment in the boot, just for piece of mind.

 

I have had great luck with Auto Tire at Manchester and Holloway, the manager is a BMW driving instructor. I have General Exclaim UHP 215/40ZR/17 on my 2003 S. Great ride, quite. Great in the rain, and light snow. You can check them out at TireRack, but Auto Tire will order them for you. By going with the 215/40/17 size, it will open up what is available.

 

Sir Rex, I only have one thing to say on the subject. Having all season run flats on a performance car is like a stripper wearing Birkenstocks. The may be utilitarian, but the aren't going to excite anyone.
Bye Bye,
Ladydi

 

"a stripper wearing Birkenstocks"

Hmm......

I think I would like that!

 

The stripper was wearing shoes???????

 

Wearing anything would be bad for business

If you do go to non R/Fs you can get a donut spare, and just leave it in the boot, or behind the passenger seat if you have short passengers. Or get a Just-a-Cooper, or Clubman, which both have room for spares.

The performance R/Fs that are on our Clubman are OK, but job one is to wear them out fast, er, quickly

Mark

 

tirerack.com ......Sumimoto 215/45/17 good tire not to pricey

 

I dumped my run-flats in exchange for Bridgestone Potenza Grid 019's and they are soo much better at everything! My fix kit was only $4 + $20 for a compressor - the amount you save on tires you could probably pay a tow truck a time or two!

 

or get AAA Plus and not pay for the tows (assuming your MINI Roadside Assistance is expired).

 

My Dunlop Run Flat (and rough) tires are 205/45-17. What would be the difference between the 205 and the 215?



Hey look, here is Mark! ------------------->

 

Not much really. A little more contact patch for traction, negligible reduction in fuel economy, cosmetic affect with a slightly wider tire.

Tire might be slightly taller. When I switched from the Dunlop runflats to the Bridgestone Potenza all seasons I did go to 215/45/17, but more for the look of a wider tire than anything. The overall diameter of the tires spec out the same in my case.

 

Thanks RaceTripper!

That makes sense! I noticed a larger selection of tires in the 215 size v 205.

For a side note, I took a buddy to the doctor this afternoon (could not drive himself, or so they told him). On the way there I explained the idea of pulling the new Run Flat (and rough) tires and replacing them. His reply, "what is wrong with the way these ride?"




Mark is on every one of my posts, lately! What is up with that? -------------------->

 

I don't know What IS up with that He's a big burly Canuck, so watch out And I happen to know him quite well

Lois

 

Lois,

Shhh..... He is still here........


--------------->


That guy can eat some popcorn!

 

I am a Canuck, but burly I'm not, but if my sweetie thinks I am, well.

As to the popcorn fellow after all my posts. Back in the good old days of NAM, I signed all my posts with the cool guy, as I thought NAM was cool. Well after a few years of babysitting, er, Moderating here on NAM, being slammed, provoked, insulted, and may I add, being thanked by many folks, I quit. So my location is back at square one, and I now just hang out here, sit back with some popcorn, and watch the crap fly off the fan blade.

Mark


Which is way better than,

Mark


Mark

 

I now just hang out here, sit back with some popcorn, and watch the crap fly off the fan blade.

Mark


Which is way better than,

Mark


Mark




Okay, I give Mark the "Best Sense of Humor" award!!! That is two in a row! My wife just suggested that the second beer I am now drinking (mind you part of #2 came out my nose), is enough!

 

That would be humour, eh

Mark

 

I'm surprised Mark didn't tell you not to waste beer. It's my understanding that he really likes that particular beverage.