Tires, Wheels, & Brakes Discussion about wheels, tires, and brakes for the new MINI.
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Old Jun 17, 2008 | 04:25 PM
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Tire HELP!! ASAP

Ok my front left run flat tire is flat and I want to go ahead and get new regular tires. What is recommended? And can i install 215/45-17 instead of 205/45-17? Because it is a more common tire size.
 
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Old Jun 17, 2008 | 04:29 PM
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Even with some suspension mods (maybe not air bagged ) the 215 is fine.
Glad to see you looking at keeping the 45 series ... good choice for street.

I have had several different sizes and mfgs... and a really good all round (street, some track even ..) avaliable in the 215/45 is the BF GOODRICH KDW 2
 
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Old Jun 17, 2008 | 04:53 PM
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Originally Posted by COR BLMY
Even with some suspension mods (maybe not air bagged ) the 215 is fine.
Glad to see you looking at keeping the 45 series ... good choice for street.

I have had several different sizes and mfgs... and a really good all round (street, some track even ..) avaliable in the 215/45 is the BF GOODRICH KDW 2
Thanks! Would you think that my MCS would run fine with regular tires on font and runflats on the rear or do i need to replace them all?
 
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Old Jun 17, 2008 | 09:43 PM
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I have to say that it would be very preferable to change the set of 4...

Yes that are all round and rubber and close to the same size ... and could be done...

You will be so happy moving away from the RFs that you may as well get the full effect and do them all.

Where are you located ???
 
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Old Jun 17, 2008 | 09:51 PM
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In 215/45-17 I can recommend the Falken Azenis RT615 and Dunlop Direzza Z1. Both a good sticky bang for the buck.
 
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Old Jun 17, 2008 | 09:52 PM
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And who doesn't enjoy a good sticky bang?
 
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Old Jun 17, 2008 | 10:58 PM
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Old Jun 18, 2008 | 11:01 AM
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I've heard some good reports on the Dunlap. Considering a set but current Yok. ES100's have a bunch of miles left on them and since I only drive the Mini on good weather days, they'll probably last another two years.
 
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Old Jun 18, 2008 | 08:02 PM
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If you're looking for 215/45/17 all-season tires, I'd recommend Continental ContiExtreme Contacts. I chose them because they were highly rated by buyers on Tirerack.com (currently #6). The reviews were based on MANY more miles than any of the better-performing tires, so I felt that these would be the wisest purchase. I'm glad I bought them! They are grippier, longer-wearing, quieter, and cushier than the Goodyears than came stock.
 
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Old Jun 18, 2008 | 10:47 PM
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Originally Posted by COR BLMY
I have to say that it would be very preferable to change the set of 4...

Yes that are all round and rubber and close to the same size ... and could be done...

You will be so happy moving away from the RFs that you may as well get the full effect and do them all.

Where are you located ???
Thanks and i did order all 4 General Exclaim tires, and im excited to try them out because i hated the runflats. I live in Birmingaham, Al, what about u?
 
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Old Jun 18, 2008 | 10:53 PM
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Originally Posted by apexer
I've heard some good reports on the Dunlap. Considering a set but current Yok. ES100's have a bunch of miles left on them and since I only drive the Mini on good weather days, they'll probably last another two years.
ha thats kool, what else do u drive?
 
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Old Jun 18, 2008 | 10:56 PM
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Originally Posted by OXYBLUECOOP
Your mini is my favorite color btw
 
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Old Jun 18, 2008 | 10:58 PM
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Originally Posted by tazio
And who doesn't enjoy a good sticky bang?
ha what is a sticky bang? The tires really grip the road and pick up a lot of gravel and other stuff on the road?
 
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Old Jun 18, 2008 | 11:18 PM
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Originally Posted by WiniCoop
Your mini is my favorite color btw
Thanx.That's one fine lookin MINI you've got there!You should put in your signature.
 
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Old Jun 18, 2008 | 11:47 PM
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Originally Posted by WiniCoop
Ok my front left run flat tire is flat and I want to go ahead and get new regular tires. What is recommended? And can i install 215/45-17 instead of 205/45-17? Because it is a more common tire size.
Yes.

215/45-17 is fine with stock suspension. A bit taller than stock.

Replace all four tires at one time.

Rotate them every 4000 miles for best wear.

Keep the tire pressure up about 38 psi front and rear.
 
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Old Jul 7, 2008 | 07:20 AM
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Originally Posted by minihune
Yes.

215/45-17 is fine with stock suspension. A bit taller than stock.

Replace all four tires at one time.

Rotate them every 4000 miles for best wear.

Keep the tire pressure up about 38 psi front and rear.

Wow.. ha I usually keep the tire pressure at 32... is that bad?
 
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Old Jul 7, 2008 | 10:01 AM
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I don't think it is THAT bad to run lower psi, but your sidewalls will roll over easier and your tires will wear more. Performance wise, I don't see any benefit from running lower psi. Maybe if you were taking your car on some really lose or dirty roads it might. If anything I slightly over-inflate like Minihune suggested. I run 38-40 psi on my cars.

Winicoop: I just got the exclaim UHPs in the 215/45 17 and took them for a good drive this weekend. They ride soooo much better than my previous tire and handling is very decent for the price. I was running 205/45 with the 17" wheels and the ride was well... rough.

I had the kumho Ecsta AST's, and won't be getting them again any time soon. But then again, throw in a sticky bang and who knows
 

Last edited by Sneaky6; Jul 7, 2008 at 10:05 AM. Reason: Typo
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Old Jul 13, 2008 | 09:38 AM
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Ok thanks.. I dont think I had ever really heard of inflating above what its supposed to
 
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Old Jul 14, 2008 | 10:55 PM
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Originally Posted by WiniCoop
Ok thanks.. I dont think I had ever really heard of inflating above what its supposed to
From what I've heard/learned is that higher inflated tires will give you better gas mileage, but lower pressure will give you a little softer ride. What do I know?
 
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 10:25 AM
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Maybe someone else can help me out. I decided not to go with the original size tires, ya know the dunlop ones that are tiny...seeing as they cost more because they are rare...lame, But i have an '03 R50 and i am struggling with tire pressure issues. I dont know to put in them exactly because i have 185 65 15. The sticker doesnt list what is needed for that size tire jsut one below and above it, so i took about middle for the other two 175 and 195. wich is i think about 32-33 psi. Well my front is looking kinda low and its been bothering me. I havent had any weird ware and tare. I like decent traction but not drag racing pressure or stiff; a nice medium feel.

help...any one

Thanks
 
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Mixed_Blood_Mini
Maybe someone else can help me out. I decided not to go with the original size tires, ya know the dunlop ones that are tiny...seeing as they cost more because they are rare...lame, But i have an '03 R50 and i am struggling with tire pressure issues. I dont know to put in them exactly because i have 185 65 15. The sticker doesnt list what is needed for that size tire jsut one below and above it, so i took about middle for the other two 175 and 195. wich is i think about 32-33 psi. Well my front is looking kinda low and its been bothering me. I havent had any weird ware and tare. I like decent traction but not drag racing pressure or stiff; a nice medium feel.

help...any one

Thanks
First you should search for the answer which has been discussed many times.

All MINI tires no matter what size are inflated to about 33 to 38 psi routinely depending on load- 2 or 4 people. The sticker on the door jam lists the recommended size tires and tire inflations. You can go a bit higher to help with mileage but the ride will be a little harsher. Under inflating is not recommended and would reduce performance and mpg.

I would suggest in your case about 38 is fine front and rear and check them every two weeks. Check when tires are cold first thing in the morning since warmer weather will increase the pressures a little. Check that your tire pressure gauge is accurate, many are not. Maybe get a digital gauge- they aren't that expensive.

There is nothing wrong with changing sizes of the tires as long as it fits the rim and has clearance and doesn't rub to impede safety. Tire diameter for the MINI is about 24.3" so that is what you look for and load rating is about 84 or higher not too low, otherwise you would overload the tires with a full load in your car.

Even with 38 psi the front tire will look a little lower because most of the weight of the engine and car are on the front (60%) but don't worry about it if you've been checking tire pressures.

Be careful when posting in an existing thread. Your question isn't directly related to the original subject. You can start another thread after you have searched for past threads on the same topic. Your question is about correct tire inflation. Tire size doesn't matter for inflation.
 
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 10:46 AM
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Originally Posted by minihune
First you should search for the answer which has been discussed many times.

All MINI tires no matter what size are inflated to about 33 to 38 psi routinely depending on load- 2 or 4 people. The sticker on the door jam lists the recommended size tires and tire inflations. You can go a bit higher to help with mileage but the ride will be a little harsher. Under inflating is not recommended and would reduce performance and mpg.

I would suggest in your case about 38 is fine front and rear and check them every two weeks. Check when tires are cold first thing in the morning since warmer weather will increase the pressures a little. Check that your tire pressure gauge is accurate, many are not. Maybe get a digital gauge- they aren't that expensive.

There is nothing wrong with changing sizes of the tires as long as it fits the rim and has clearance and doesn't rub to impede safety. Tire diameter for the MINI is about 24.3" so that is what you look for and load rating is about 84 or higher not too low, otherwise you would overload the tires with a full load in your car.

Even with 38 psi the front tire will look a little lower because most of the weight of the engine and car are on the front (60%) but don't worry about it if you've been checking tire pressures.

Be careful when posting in an existing thread. Your question isn't directly related to the original subject. You can start another thread after you have searched for past threads on the same topic. Your question is about correct tire inflation. Tire size doesn't matter for inflation.
Well thank you, that was quick. 38 you say huh then ill do it But again thanks for the great info. I learn something new on here everyday.

Sorry about posting it here, i searched tire and posted it in this and one more. I was gonna go nuts if i didnt get help

I figured that the weight may have a bit to do with the way it looks but i just wanted some other opinions, and i got a great one. So again thanks. It helped a lot
 
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 11:41 AM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by minihune
I would suggest in your case about 38 is fine front and rear and check them every two weeks.
Wow, that much? The manual for the R56 only recommends 36 psi for an MC that is fully loaded (four people + luggage) running over 100 mph. Two people at any speed is 33 psi. Is the R50 that different?
 
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 01:13 PM
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Originally Posted by WiniCoop
ha thats kool, what else do u drive?
Wife's 07 CR-V EX
 
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 01:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Mixed_Blood_Mini
Maybe someone else can help me out. I decided not to go with the original size tires, ya know the dunlop ones that are tiny...seeing as they cost more because they are rare...lame, But i have an '03 R50 and i am struggling with tire pressure issues. I dont know to put in them exactly because i have 185 65 15. The sticker doesnt list what is needed for that size tire jsut one below and above it, so i took about middle for the other two 175 and 195. wich is i think about 32-33 psi. Well my front is looking kinda low and its been bothering me. I havent had any weird ware and tare. I like decent traction but not drag racing pressure or stiff; a nice medium feel.

help...any one

Thanks
I feel 38lbs. is too high. Try 33-34 and see how wear goes. Ride will be much better at 33 than 38.
 
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