I'm getting tired of the impact harshness of my 2010 Cooper S 2 door hatch. I had gotten a loaner of a 2 door non-S convertible from the dealer and I notice that little bugger rides a whole lot smoother than my car. That car has 16" tires instead of the 17" I have.

Since my tires are now 8 years old, technically I should replace them based on time. If so, and if the move from a 17" to 16" tire would result in a much more pleasant ride, I'd happily buy a set of Rota BB's in 16" and get some new tires.

I don't race the car but I do like the sporty handling. I can't imagine the tire swap would result in a significant decrease in street handling.

 

Are you still using run flats ? Taking them off makes a huge difference as they don’t call the RunRocks for nothing. ��

 

How many miles on the car? Most people have not idea how worn out a strut can become in 50,000 miles.

 

No, I actually have the Michelin Pilot Sports all seasons. The first thing I did was to ditch the OEM run flats. Tires are still in great shape. It's just that they are now 8 yrs old.

Believe or not, I only have 13k on the car! It's our 5th vehicle so it doesn't get driven much.

Now that we're returning another car that was leased, we'll be driving the Mini much more.

 

I just did shocks in my car and was surprised to see the shocks were totally dead at 48k miles.

 

8 year old tires? Ugh, I can't image the dry rot on those suckers.
Age and not necessarily usage can make a car feel older than it should.
Look at replacing the tires, and checking suspension bushings and struts.


- Erik

 

No dry rot. Tires are actually in great shape. Remember, the car only has 13k miles!

I will check the bushings. Shocks are original and feel the same as they were when new - not great. Rear end needs a sway bar, which I'm going to install.

I don't want to lower the car and create any more impact harshness. That's why I mentioned going from a 17" to 16" tire. The 16's on my loaner had way less impact harshness.

I figure with better shocks/sway bar/springs, and going with softer tires, my handling will be just as good for all intents and purposes - especially for street use.

 

I understand the mileage, but if the tires are truly 8+ years old, that rubber has degraded regardless of storage per-cautions.
That sidewall is becoming stiff and no pliable compared to new.
- Erik