I have a 2006 Cooper S(9/05 build date) with 17" S-lites and original run-flats. Now that the run-flats have reached end of life, I'm thinking about ditching the rims, going with 16"s and switching to non run-flats.

I'm thinking of a radical look with the red OZ Ultraleggera SR in 16"s. Anyone with experience with these? The weight seems great for the price. FWIW, the car is hyper blue with black details.

It's my understanding that with my build date the tires don't have any special sensors to worry about, is that correct?

Any suggestions on tires? I'm looking for all-season with good performance. The OZ's take 195/55-16.

My understanding is that with 16" wheels I'll be able to use chains or spiders for trips up into the mountains. Is this correct? I'm not a fan of leaving the mini at home on road trips to take the wife's Volvo.

With the suspension setup of the S with a sport pack, is there any concerns/adjustments with switching to 16" from 17"? What about odemeter/speedometer changes? If I buy the tires and wheels online can I do all the necessary changes myself?

Thanks.

Dave R.

 

Dave,

OZ's will also work very well with 205/50/16 - and there are TONS to choose from.

Alex

 

I am in the same situation, wanting to replace the @#$%^^ runflats.

The question is, which would be the best (cost effective vs. performance) way to go.

1. Replace the runflats with NON runflats, on the 17 Slite rims.

2. Go to a smaller rim (15 vs. 16") and non runflats.

Will the ride/ comfort be significantly different with smaller rims?

Will I get the ride comfort improvement with just replacing the tires?

I'm sure there are similar threads, hope this is not redundant.

Thanks

 

Your late build date like mine has the new 14mm wide lug bolts same as the 2007> but not the sensors, so make sure the rims you get accept a 14mm wide bolt as quite a few aftermarket wheels will not.

 

go with the 205/50/16s....a little extra tire width and they fit fine. I have 16" OZ Ultraleggeras (from Tire Rack) and you can't beat the quality/wieght/price combo.

 

Note that the OP said that he has a 09/05 build date. So his lugs are the 12mm versions.

Just trying to help avoid confusion.

 

We have an 07 Cooper S with orginal 17" S-Lites and run flats. We'd like to switch to non run flats. What is recommended tire for that application ?

thanks !

 

There are many options. Are you looking for all season, or summer tires?
How importand is quiet and smooth ride?
Do you plan to do any motorsports activities on them?

Alex

 

Hi Alex... Spring's about to spring, and snows are staying put on the stock rims of the wife's Anthracite Grey body/black top with chrome accents everywhere 08 S.
Do you think chrome rims are a nice choice for it?

Also, run flats or not? The tires need to be reliable in wet, but not noisy otherwise.
What's a good package from TR gonna cost. Need to stay below $1k
Thanks.

 

No sports. Just average driving. We live in Phoenix....so hot summer conditions, but reliable when it rains, because when it does, it really comes down

 

I personally am not a chrome fan, but thats personal preference.

I'd go non runflats. Do you wan to go 16" or 17"
Do you like 5 or multi spoke wheels?

Are we concerned about deep water? Directionals do the best for hydroplaning - but can get noiser as they wear.

Alex

 

Bridgestone G019 and Dunlop Sport Signature are both good picks.

Alex