Question: will increasing the size of my wheels on 05Mini Cooper result in a less bumpy, smoother ride? Our mini is stock , 2005, with 16" wheels. Freeway rides seem very harsh overall, I was thinking the small wheels might be a factor. If I went up to 17" do you think you would feel any smoother ride or is the difference minimal. Thanks in advance.

 

On a freeway, maybe but prolly not. Usually going up in wheel size but down in aspect ratio (sidewall height) will actually increase ride harshness because sidewalls are stiffer, even though the compound may be softer. Around town or on rougher roads you will certainly feel it. But, it will handle like a go-cart.

 

If you want a better ride either go to 15's and get non run flats or keep the 16's and go to a non run flat.

 

Smaller wheels = more responsive handling!

 

Tires are the biggest factor in smoothness of ride (as opposed to wheels). Given the same brand and model of tire, the height of the sidewall will be the major determining factor. Shorter sidewall generally = firmer and/or harsher ride.

Zip

 

So its really the tires design and shape, not so much wheel size that creates harsh ride. Thanks for the info!

 

Zip

 

Larger wheels= smoother ride (Not for the MINI)
Larger rims means lower sidewalls to make up for the larger wheel rim diameter and that means stiffer sidewalls and less flex and more shock transmission over anything but the smoothest of roads.

What tires and rims do you have now? Runflat 195/55-16 and stock 16" rims?

If so then you best bet for smoother ride is-
Keep your stock suspension and keep your 16x6.5" rims
and change to non runflats in 205/55-16.

For smooth ride (no snow) look at
Ultra High Performance Summer tires:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ireSearch=true
General Exclaim UHP $65 380 treadwear AA traction
Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 $129 240 treadwear A traction
Firestone Firehawk Wide oval $104 320 treadwear AA traction
BF Goodrich g-Force Sport $83 340 treadwear AA traction
Kumho Ecsta SPT $69 320 treadwear AA traction
Avon tech M500 $77 280 treadwear AA traction
Dunlop Direzza DZ101 $74 300 treadwear A traction

General Exclaim UHP has very good comfort/long treadlife but gives up a bit in performance at a very good price.
Pilot Exacto PE2 gives excellent blend of performance and comfort but gives up treadlife with highest price.

Other options for smoother ride-
Check your alignment and set it to stock settings.
Make sure air pressure in all tires is about 34 psi

Consider other 55-65 series tires.
205/55-15
195/60-15
185/65-15
With light 15x7" rims

17 rims allow for
205/45-17
215/45-17
215/40-17
225/45-17

18" rims allow for 35 or 40 series tires.

Each tire is designed for a compromise of performance vs comfort.

I have a mid modded MCS and use 175/65-15 all season tires for street driving and it's pretty smooth riding. I put on my 17x7 rims with non runflat 215/45-17 tires and it's pretty stiff and jarring by comparison- but performance and handling is improved over the 65 series tires.

Here's another idea-
In 205/55-16 take the tire to the extreme in comfort (talk to Alex@tirerack.com if interested)
Goodyear Eagle ResponsEdge (Grand Touring All Season tire)
$111 each 440 treadwear A traction V speed rated 24 pounds fits rims 5.5-7.5" wide
Also in 205/50-16 $123 for a little better performance but still lots of comfort
Test results-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...ay.jsp?ttid=75
Don't expect stellar performance but it's still good. You're paying for longer treadlife and good street comfort

Also possible two Ultra High Performance All Season tires with good handling and performance (especially in wet) but good treadlife and very good comfort-
Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS (UHP All Season tire)
205/55-16 for $111 each
400 treadwear AA traction W speed rated 24 pounds
Test results for both RE960AS and Advan S.4.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...ay.jsp?ttid=72
Good dry or wet handling, good treadlife, very good comfort.
Or
Yokohama Advan S.4.
205/55-16 $129 each
400 treadwear AA traction W speed rated 22 pounds

 

I swapped out my stock runflats a year ago for 205/55-16 as the previous poster suggested. It made a huge difference. My early build MCS is much stiffer than later ones (I think they initially came with SS+ standard) and it was like a whole new car. Better yet, I didn't need to replace my rims! I'm running Kumho ECSTA ASXs - I went w/an all season b/c sometimes we visit areas that get snow. They have excellent rain traction as well-after having hydroplaned before in Houston traffic while still running the stock runflats this is probably the thing I like best about the tire. Lost a tiny bit of handling feedback in the twisties but it's hardly noticeable now and they otherwise handle very well. I've had them for 15k miles and am pleased. Price was right too--I paid $95 per tire all inclusive including mounting/installation, road hazard warranty, etc. Tire Rack has good prices and if you have a local installer you can trust you can't go wrong w/dealing w/them. Though I got my tires at Pep Boys. Good pick for the price, they actually had the tires in stock, but I don't like them messing around with my car b/c they consistently overtorque the lug nuts and always want to do "more" to my car than I ask them to. Next time around I'll go with someone else.

 

Minihune, you often make reference to Tirerack products. I'm curious...are you connected to Tirerack? I know they're a sponsor....as mentioned, just curious.

 

I have no connection to Tirerack. I do own and use alot of wheels and tires.

I have emailed and spoke to Alex on many occasions. I think that most MINI owners would be happy with the level of support he provides.

I've been on other sites where support was not on the same level as NAM.

See also
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ead.php?t=1969

 

Keep in mind, too, that a 17" wheel will be heavier than a 16" version of the same wheel, which translates into a bit rougher ride - harder bouncing over bumps. You can get aftermarket 17" wheels that weigh the same or less than your factory 16"s, but a factory 17" is going to be heavier.

 

Everything else being equal, the smaller diameter wheel will have a smoother ride.

 

actually, going up in size while keeping the aspect ratio the same is a good way to improve ride quality. No guarantees on gearing, handling and clearances though.

 

After reading the previous posts I'm thinking I should go with the 16" Bridge Spoke wheels on a new MCS with the performance tires instead of any 17" wheel and run flat tire offerings. I don't plan on getting any new wheels for quite awhile. Do the wheel and tire experts agree? Thanks for your comments!

 

16's definatley favor the ride quality.

Alex

 

Larger wheels=smoother ride?
Only if with those larger wheels, you have suspension that is not overly harsh and stiff (tuned for performance on the track over street use) and tires that still fit the MINI (not more than about 24.7-25" outer tire diameter) while having enough sidewall (50 or 55 series or more) for a balance of good handling and good street manners.

So 17x7" MINI wheels are heavy and take stiff 205/45-17 runflat tires.

Smaller than those 17" are 16" wheels either stock or aftermarket which allow for various sized tires including 205/50-16 and 205/55-16. These are popular and offer good selection of tires to fit owner's individual needs whether for spirited driving or for comfort and long treadlife.

Smaller than those but still fit the MINI are 15" rims with many good tires like 205/55-15. These tend to be lighter and not as expensive but they may not fit over larger brake calipers (JCW or aftermarket). These rims are more aggressive tires can be well suited for performance and/or for street use.

The new MINI with 16" Bridge Spoke wheels are fine. Save your money and pick up some really good tires or lighter rims later.

 

all other things being equal, a 30" high wheel/tire combo will ride smoother than a 20" high set. The larger the size, the easier it rolls over imperfections.

 

Yes, and the MINI has wheel wells that limit the outer tire diameter to about 25" with some flexibility on tire tread/section width depending on rubbing.

So with the limit set to 25" then all wheels need to fit in that wheel well so any wheel that is smaller in diameter will allow for a taller sidewall within a certain range.

While any wheel that is larger in diameter like 17 or 18" is constrained to use tires that have lower sidewalls and a harsher ride can result. While some tire wheel combos can ride smoothly and be 30 to 40 series sidewall, it isn't easy on the normal quality streets we often drive on.

My 45 series tires and 17x7 rims show me every little bump and imperfection on the road. It's not a smooth ride. But my suspension is not built for comfort, it's stiff.

 

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