I tried the search but can't find the answer.

I bought a '05 Cooper S with 17inch tires. The OEM rims currently have Pirelli Eufori 205/45/17 runflats. I have one tire that I need to replace so I am looking at tire options.

I want to swap out the run-flats with regular tires and a flat kit. Can I mount non-run flats on the OEM wheels or do I need to swap the wheels too?

Will different tires affect the Tire Pressure Monitor? Do I need different sensors?

Your help is appreciated!

 

tums,
In February 2007, I had the following live chat with MINI aficionado, Randy Webb.

billie morini[8:11:46 PM]: Question: can my 2006 run flat rims be used with conventional tires?RandyBMC[11:12:17 PM]:Absolutely - any standard tire will fit.

I can also tell you there is(are) no affect(s) for the tire pressure monitor and sensors.

Your timing is interesting because my wife just busted another run flat tire tonight by hitting a pot hole at high speed. These silly tires go for $300 each! I can't seem to get her to avoid pot holes with my MINI. The first time she hit one at high speed and the wheel rim split along its circumference! There have been two wheel alignments in addtion to the previous broken run flat. Now I'm going to change to non-run flats and not let her drive the car any more.

 

Oh, here is some additoinal info from Randy Webb about which tire size to use with 17in wheels.

215/45-17 or 215/40-17; 40 for handling, 45 for ride

 

In answer to your questions, you should replace your tires in pairs. However, runflats under some circumstances can be repaired. Your MINI dealer may NOT repair runflat tires, but your Pirelli dealer may.

It is not recommended that you mix runflats with non-runflats. The uneven sidewall stiffness between front and back will affect your cars cornering abilities.

Tire pressure monitoring on the 05 MINIs is done by measuring tire rotation speed and doing comparisons between wheels. The measurements are periodically recalibrated so mixing tires will not mess up the tire pressure monitoring system. But it does affect handling. Using non-runflats mounted on the OEM wheels is not a problem. However using runflat tires on some aftermarket wheels may be an issue as runflats also require a certain shape rim to seal with the tire's bead.

I have switched out to non-runflat tires because my Pirelli runflats turned out to be just too fragile. I've never had so many tire problems in my lifetime of driving. I replaced all four tires with new high performance summer tires for the price of 1 1/2 new runflat tires.

 

Follow up questions from a yet to be MINI owner:
Will the spare tire compartments on MINIs (Clubman in particular) hold a full size spare?

What is the distance limit for driving on a flat runflat?

Thanks for any info.

 

I mounted Blizzaks (non run flats) on my stock 17" wheels without a hitch. I have not heard of anyone having troubles mounting non run flats on stock Mini wheels.

Not only did my run flats ride like bricks, but they also picked up flats. They were awful. I hated them.

 

I have 25K on my '06 and I'm on my second set of non-run flats, (took 'em off at 10K miles) with no problems.

Not sure about runflat mileage, I did hear something interesting today, when getting tires on the wifey's car, that driving on the runflats can ruin them? Apparently it can but doesn't always wear a groove into the side wall when they compress on the rim?

 

turns,

I replaced wheels and tires (non-RFs), carry a space saver spare (off an '05-'06 Chevy Cobalt) and a flat tire repair kit.

The RF's were terrible. I'm now running the 215's and they are a much better.

It is my understanding that the tire monitoring system monitors the revolutions of each tire. If you start getting a flat, the revs of that tire change and then the systems identifies the difference, but can't tell you which tire.

I hope this helps...

Good luck!

 

I dumped my RF's on my 2007 MCS. No problem with the tmps.

 

I just picked up my MCS two weeks ago today. She has OEM runflats. Are these what someone above mentioned as being nearly $300 each???

 

If they're Pirelli's they run around $210.00.If they're Dunlops your talkin $275-$300.

 

Hmm, i'm not sure. I'll have to check. Thanks!

 

I only have 700 miles on the Dunlop RF's and I'm not impressed with the ride. I have a Clubman and I just purchased a spare because of the issues I have read on this site. I just don't trust 'em now. A $50 spare and a can of "Fix 'O Flat" is cheap insurance. I'm going to give them a chance.....for now. We'll see. Thanks for the info guys!

 

I popped the bead on my right front runflat when I hit a rock on a dirt road. I drove 90 miles at 50 mph before it completely self-destructed. After 20 miles it would have been unrepairable.

 

I just decided to dump my runflats at 6400 miles. Not because of the rough ride, but because they are worn out in the front!! Back tires are OK and have plenty of rubber left. The wear in the front is not cupped or feathered so I don't think it is because of toe in or out. I did lower my car 1 1/2 inchs which might have messed up the geometry a bit, but with the wear in the middle, it puzzles me. I run 40 PSI all around.

Anyway, I have new 215/45ZR-17 Eagle F1s coming this week. I will report back as to clearance which is a risk I am willing to take. From the way the wheel wells look, it should be no problem.

A word to the wise.........rotate often....maybe every 3000 miles if you drive hard like I do.

BTW, I had never rotated them. At a casual glance, they do not look worn....only in the middle band is the cord showing...weird!!

 

I have my 215 Eagles on!! With H & R springs and stock wheels, no rubbing is found and the ride is smooth and quiet. I now carry Slime and a compressor. I am happy with the outcome!!

 

Your pressure is too high, which is why they wore out in the middle.

Try the pressure listed on your door jamb, probably around 30-32 psi.

Also, use multiple gauges to make sure the one you have is calibrated correctly.

 

Thanks for the advice. Now I have to figure out the best pressure all around for my new Eagle F1s.

 

My Kuhmo RFs were $149 each.

 

I have a two week old HC Clubman S with OEM 16" wheels/tires that I want to switch out with non RF's. I priced a spare wheel tire combo at the dealer. About $180 total. My question is, you said in your post that you purchased a spare, does it fit in the well under the load floor?

Jim

 

This might be a dumb question, but if I am upgrading to 17" rims, does the spare then need to be a 17" also, or can you use the 16" rim? I am going to look for a Cobalt spare.

 

Keep the tire OD's very close and you'll be ok.

Alex

 

The Continental ContiProContact SSR run-flats only run a little over $130 a piece, seems much more attractive than the Dunlop and Pirellis. I have these both on the Cooper S and my parents E90 330i, not a bad tire.

 

I swaps my runflats for regular tires. Im so stoked! Feel so much better . I just need a flat kit just incase.