I just changed from the 16" run flats to Yokohama all seasons on 17" rims. The manual calls for 36 lbs in the 205/45-17s. I tried this but the ride is pretty stiff. I expected a little bit better ride after loosing the ROF.

Wondering what tire pressure everyone is using since this seems to be a popular size. MCS 07 by the way. Thanks

 

36-38 is best for handling. Keep in mind, you just went from 16 to 17 inch rims. A substantial increase in ride roughness is to be expected.

 

You think your ride is rough now, try S-lites with 17" run-flats

 

Just me, but I think those pressures are hi. I don't have the manual in front of me, but that quoted pressure is for, I believe, runflats. On a previous hi-perf car that wieghed 3100 lbs, I ran 28-30 psi w/ 17s. And they were wider than the mcs size. You can tune your ride w/ psi.

Try changing your psi in 2 psi increments. I wouldn't be surprised that you could find comfort without losing handling.

YMMV

 

The manual is correct. You run the same range of tire pressures no matter which tire you put on the MINI for all street driving.

Adjust a little for less or more people.

Try 33 psi if you have only 2 people in your MINI.

Which suspension do you have? Which Yokohama tires? S.4.? Advan H4 of V4?

 

Minihune, Thanks for the correction. That said, why would MINI suggest what some might call hi tire pressures for a car with a relatively stiff suspension and weighing only 2668 lbs? My previous experience is that these are near track pressures for street tires. Admittedly, I have no previous MCS experience and was extrapolating. My assumption was that it was a function of the runflats. What's your tire temps say?

cpaugh, sorry for the thread hijack. 33 might be more comfortable without hurting performance or the tires.

 

I had a tire engineer who works for Hankook Tire America run a pressure check for a MCS. Based on 205/45R17 funflats @33 lbs.against 215/45ZR17 Hankook V4es, he suggests 29-30 lbs. This is just an opinion but this is what I use. A very nice ride. If on a track, raise pressure to 36 psi.

 

Looking at the owner's manual for the 2007 MCS, 36 psi. is recommended for 205/45 17 tires. However, if you are going to travel at over 100 mph with four people and luggage, they recommend 41 psi.

33 psi is for 16" on the MCS, or any size on the MC.

 

I run mine at 37lbs.

 

32 PSI no issues on NYC roads and execellent tire wear, been running my 215/45/17 Goodyears for the past three years. When used at the track as rain tires I run them at 36 PSI cold.

 

Just looked at the sticker in the doorsill of my MCS (R56). It recommeds 38 psi. for 205/45 17.

 

Thanks for all the input. I do have the regular non sport suspension and there are H4 Yoko.

I'll experiment with the psi. I just didn't want to damage the tires running them too low.

 

To refute my own argument, 15 yrs ago one of the race reps of tires said that most manufacturers set pressures based on ride quality, not performance.

dkstone, your info is good as you're not having uneven wear.

I'm just gonna have to get out my tire temp guage and try to figure this out when my babies new shoes show up. I'll see if I can get any decent info/temps on the runflats in the meantime.

 

if it was my car, 215/45/17 would be set at 34.5psi.

 

I have 215-45/17 Toyo Proxes 4 and use 32-34 psi front and 29-31 rear - checked cold.

 

This is correct for 2007 MINIs.

It does seem a little high compared to older MINIs.

You'll get more comfort with lower psi. With use the tire temperatures will raise psi a bit.

If you run too low then you will tend to wear out the outer edges on your tires, too high a pressure you'll wear the center treads. Just something to look for.

I don't think you have to adjust pressures for runflats vs non runflats, adjust for load (2 vs 4 people) and use (street vs high speed).

I usually run 37 psi with my 215/45-17 non runflats.

 

or 34.45psi. depending on my mood.

 

32 psi on 215/45/17 all around here around Houston.
I have a very short commute to work (6 miles) and do mostly 80% city driving....

I have the yoko's Advan S.4's...so far very happy!

 

At 28-30, the tires will squeal around the turns. The right pressure will allow you to drift without the tires screaming at you.

 

I run 33 for daily driving and 35-36 for canyons...