Thank you, all, for answering my first question (should I change from run-flats)..... a follow up (which sounds naive, I know): can I put 17" non-run-flat tires on my 17" crown spoke rims or do I need to buy new 16" rims? Do you have any recommendations about tire brands?

 

Go to the Tires, Wheels & Brakes thread. You'll get more information there than you'll know what to do with. Also, a look at the Tire Rack website will give you lots of customer reviews and contact with Alex will get you specific reccomendations.

 

Ditto what Mini2na said, but the short answer is that you can put ANY 17" tire (of similar tread width, at least) on your 17" factory wheels. Runflats do not require or use a special wheel.

--Dan
Mach V

 

Runflats do not require or use a special wheel. But they do require lots of money from your wallet

 

Have at it with Tire Rack for some good advice or any local tire shop should also be able to give you some very good suggestions. Tell them what you are looking for performance and tire life wise and let them point you in the right direction. Just make sure they handle a variety of brands or they may try to stick you with their house favorite

 

on the Tire Rack site check the list of recommended installers in your area (if there are any)

I found a small independent shop that way and established a relationship with them. I got quality advice and service from people I came to trust. Worth a look see . .

 

There's quite a few threads on this and most major brands have tires we could recommend, but I think we need more info like summer or all seasons, stock size or wider, ect.

 

You may want to talk to Alex at TireRack. He is the MINI guy. You will find his posts in the Tires, Wheels, & Brakes Forum.

 

Just in case your original question was in regards to the ride quality of a non run-flat 205/45/17 being smooth enough, it is. You don't need to go with a 16 to smooth out the ride. It is the run-flat's stiff sidewall causing the problem, not the low profile.

I too have had good luck with Tire Rack in the past so +1 on the above post.