Hi guys/gals, it's been a while:

Buster is in bad shape, and I don't know what to do... Recently, the poor thing has been showing it's age, and I'll give a brief history lesson first.

We bought him brand new in Germany in the spring of 2005 when the R53s first came out. 3 months later, both back bearings went out at the same time... thank god for the warranty.

Fast forward to 2007, the run-flats finally wear out. Replaced with Kuhmo run-flats. 2009, run-flats start coming apart in the tread, exposing the cords... replaced with the same Kuhmo run-flats.

2010... Thermostat housing and low speed fan turd out
2011... Power steering return line gone, replaced...

My rant though is about tires and I know you guys have discussed it before. Here we are and my run-flats gave out AGAIN... Got the low pressure warning yesterday, took the car in this morning and the SAME PROBLEM with the cords being exposed is happening on 3 tires.

Is there a run flat in the world that lasts longer than 20k miles? Buster has 78k miles on it, and this will be our 4th set... I am VERY VERY tempted to go to regular tires and just deal with getting towed if I hit a nail in the road.

I am so frustrated with the MINI lately. I love driving it but I just don't know what to do. I can't afford to drop $1300 on new run-flats.

To add on to all of this, apparently MINIs can't be aligned at a regular shop, it requires special tools? Also the guy at the tire place said MINIs are notorious for chewing through tires at a fast rate. I'm just so fed up with everything... PLEASE HELP!

 

Switch your runflats for some regular high performance all seasons. I run Michelins and love em, but you can get similar stuff for less $$$. Potenzas for example and Continentals.

 

Oh and if you do get reg tires, get continental's Conti Comfort Kit:
http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/detail.jsp?ID=38
it's a compact compressor and can of slime in one. Just in case.

 

jboy: are you regularly checking your tire pressure? Something not right here.

 

Out of the 7 sets of tires I have run on my Mini, the continental's non runflat DWS have so far been the best set.

 

Hi guys, thanks for the ideas.

@JAB_67: I *ritually* keep them inflated to the proper pressure.
@scottie10014: Thanks! What an awesome product.

I'm going to quarrel with the tire dealer on Monday to see about a warranty. Other than that I think I'm ready for regular tires. I bought Sumitomo's recently for my Audi that are AWESOME. I'll do some research on brands, and I am really looking forward to not having my fillings come out on bumps any more. Thanks again for the suggestions all!

 

If the tires are only lasting that long then you really need to get it into a quality alignment shop. If the tires aren't wearing evenly there is something wrong with the alignment. And no, they don't need "special" tools. They only need to know how to do their job. Ask around for a performance alignment shop.

 

+1 for alignment

deffinately ditch the run flats

they all suck imo

 

You might be one of the last r53 drivers on the forum to still have runflats....just kidding...but on a serious note ad a UHP TIRE, they do not have a treadwesr warrenty....and 20k seems about right for runflats....
the ills you list are pretty standard....about the right number for a 05 I think!
You will be amazed the differance regular fires make in your car!!

 

When you say "proper pressure" - how much are you running and how frequently do you check them? With what kind of gauge?

I've seen folks locally here driving around for extended periods on 15-20 psi - with the runflats, you visually can't tell... they don't look "low"... but at even slightly low pressure, the rear tires will be putting most of the weight on the inside shoulder due to the stiff runflat sidewall - which results in something like this:

 

The interesting thing is I don't see the chords... now regardless, we're going regular tires, I can't take it anymore. My tires aren't worn unevenly either, if I can get pics from the shop on Monday I will. Thanks for all the help, I've always loved this website

 

Response to tire wear:

This is an issue I also am concerned about. My driving is local, near home. Tire wear (run flat Goodyears) wear quickly. Replace at 12K - absurd. I also considered replacing with standard type tire but was told I have to replace rims which I am not sure if that info is correct. Also, have to replace brakes at same time I change tires - about 12K. And, that annoying excessive brake dust due to soft pads. Mini seems to think everyone races their Mini's which I assume is the reason for the soft pads.

Have not had problem with tires coming apart - just excessive wear. Run flats also give a hard, rigid ride - no cushion to them.

Mini dealers in our area are not friendly - sort of egotistic - take it our leave it, attitude.

Wife has a Lexus ES350 - it's far less costly to operate.

GF San Diego

 

I switch between my RF's and Winter tires using my JCW Challenge wheels and have zero issues. During winter I keep a spare in the back.

 

Just replaced my run flats with non-run flats. New tires, new rims, purchased through Tire Rack, installed locally, with nitrogen less than $1300.00. The ride is so much better and quieter. I don't notice a change in handling at 37 psi. Best choice is to ditch the run-flats and get lighter rims!!!!

 

The problems you mentioned are pretty standard R50/53 MINI issues/weak spots (PS line and thermostat and housing) except for the rear wheel bearings- that's kind of a new one that I haven't heard of before.

That leaves you with runflats that wear out quickly, which is a tire issue, and tires are a wear item.

Get a set of regular tires and I predict that you will start to enjoy motoring again- and you won't be feeling that you car is showing its age!

Val

 

You can use the oem rims with non runflats....
the runflats on a mini are DSST....they mount on a regular rim.

 

I ditched my run flats a long time ago!!!! They suck!

I recently put Cooper Tires on my car thru Discount Tire. I LOVE THEM!!
They are very smooth and much quieter. I used my rims that I had the runflats on for these tires and all is good.

I like you have not had to do too much other to my car. I have had pretty much no major issues. She now has 107K on her.

Good luck!

 

Run-flats = Run-Broke... bumpy ride, short life span, beats up the bearings.

Ditch them!!!

 

I was getting 11-12 thousand miles on the OEm Goodyear Runflats, Went to Bridgestone G019 Grids and I am now getting around 42-45 thousand on them. I like them so much on the R53 I put them on my R56 as well. $450 installed at Costco with their $70 coupon they always have. Great tire in all conditions, I would not trade them for anything.