I routinely run my tires at 38-40 psi in my R56 cooper, 16" runflats. Otherwise any lower and the ride is just way too soft.

 

YEah i agree with you guys it did seem a bit high. Someone else in another thread said the same is you guys. 33 or 34 should be just right. The R50 is tottally different, but that doesnt affect tire pressure. But thanks everyone for helping me out makes me feel better about my decision to stay at 33

 

A variance of a few pounds depending on load, one or two people makes a difference. I've run the stock pressures on my 2006 MCS with Dunlop run flats, have noticed tires are wearing more on the outside at higher milage 20,000 plus miles. I had a 2007 MCS with automatic as a loaner from Mini a few weeks ago. We (two people)had to drive it 200 plus miles home on the freeway thru mountains, curvy highway. All the time the car felt squirrly , like it was on marshmellows. Next morning checked the tires, 40 lbs and 38 lbs. Lowered it to 35 and the car felt fine. As a rule of thumb I usually run about 1 to 2 lbs over what the manual says. The car company wants you to have a comfortable ride in my opinion, soft tires. Depending on the tire brand you then have more variances, soft sidewalls, or hard ones, lot's of fun dialing in your car to your type of driving. Bill

 

Well thank you, and i agree with the whole factory wants you to have a comfortable ride. In my personal car i like soft grippy but reliable tires so i leave it a tiny bit low, well not really lower just a pound or two. Im not sure about other people but every chance i get i take curves and traffic cones like im auto crossing I just cant help myself

 

Mixed blood, so you take curves just like autocrossing, I think you have the right game plan and figured out why some of us have these funny little cars.

 

I have also heard that if you don't run your tires at enough pressure, you expose yourself to a higher likelyhood of bending rims (wheels). What is enough, though, I dunno...

And I hate exposing myself....

 

As a minimum, use the recommended tire pressures for your model year.
This will allow for correct load carrying capacity, good handling and comfort, resistance to hydroplaning, and good mpg.

Never run lower than normal psi for street use, you'd get less of everything mentioned above except for a bit of comfort and it would be unsafe.

If you drive very aggressively you can benefit a little from slightly higher pressures side the tread edges will roll over a bit less when cornering.

A tire with lower pressure can allow more rim damage when hitting a pothole. Most 17" and larger diameter MINI wheels are already at risk for damage with any pothole due to the 45 series and smaller stiff sidewalls.

 

AHAHA ... you've figured me out .