ok... The title of the thread says it all.

I have been doing a fair amount of research. I am looking to get OZ Ultralegerra 17s with a 205/45/17 summer tire. My newbie conclusion is that there just seem to be a lot more options for tires for 17s vs. 16s. I will probably also like the look of 17s a little better.

It seems that road noise is pretty good with both of these tires (considering they are ultra high performance summer tires), although the Michelins seem to have an edge in that category. I doubt I would really go wrong with either...

What is your vote? Why?

 

What size 16's? Most get 205/50-16, and there are a lot of options.

 

If you use 17x7 rims then use tires in sizes-
205/45-17
215/45-17

IF you use 16x6.5 or 16x7 rims then use tires in sizes-
195/55-16 only if you want runflats, very limited non runflats
205/50-16 a good choice
205/55-16 OK if you have not lowered your MINI.

Between those two tires- slight edge to the PE2 for better wet traction/performance. Both were good on dry, and on street use.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=104

If you never see wet conditions then the S.Drive is OK.
$30 less for 205/45-17 tire and slightly longer treadwear rating of 300 vs 240.

 

A very big for the PE2's! Just a very well balanced tire between comfort, noise, traction and wear.

 

In my humble,unvarnished opinion,I have found the Yoko S Drive to perform poorly.
Wait!
That's not quite correct.When you mount the S Drives, it will feel like you have lashed 4 rump roasts to your wheels....like your driving on calamari!
That's it......squishy.(possibly flim-flam)
ps,
You can trust me cuz...Im a CU grad,haha go Buffs!

 

I'm on my 3rd set of PE2's, in a 205/45R17 and love them!!

 

Put it this way, it was time to replace my PE2's and I got a great deal on some Bidgestone reo50's ($400.00 mounted, balanced, out the door, not one cent more) that I couldn't turn down and even though they may be a tad stickier I am now lamenting the loss of my PE2's........

 

Ok... After more research I am now down to one of the following set ups:

1. 16x7 OZ Ultralegerra with 205/50/16 Pilot Exalta PE2

2. 17x7 OZ Ultralegerra with 205/45/17 Pilot Exalta PE2

Here is what I have gathered from research. I am somewhat of a newbie on this so see if you think my conclusions are on target...

16's are better for handling, a little bit lighter (thus the suspension will suck up the road a little bit more), but leave a larger wheel gap than 17's. The 16's noted above will be a tiny bit quieter with the added sidewall (maybe not even noticable).

The 17's will probably look a little better (filling the gap a bit more), and may be a little bit noisier, and will give up a tiny bit in the smoothness of the ride. They may also handle a little bit slower than the 16's.

If I am correct with the above, then here are my questions:

1. Let's be real... Am I really going to notice much of a difference in any of these categories between these two set ups? If not, then I choose the 17's for the looks.

2. Won't both of these be a huge step up when considering weight vs. 16 OEM Bridgespokes? (fyi: I currently have Blizzaks on them. The car is 2 months old, and I never wanted the runflats, so the dealer swapped them out for Blizzaks)

3. Other than looks, is there really any reason to spend the extra few hundred dollars that it will end up costing for the 17's?

Thanks a ton for your responses... I'm ordering once I hear a few thoughts.

 

Also, MINIMARKS, I noticed you have the TSW Springs. Those are probably my next step. How do you like them? I'm thinking 17's + the small lowering from the TSW springs will look and ride great.

 

Hi.

I have owned my '04 S since March '07 and just turned over 50,000 miles of spirited driving since we have been together. (just ask the guys who try to keep up on the twisty runs). I do have a problem with recommendations but maybe i can let you know more when my PE2s wear out.

I think at this point I have another 5-10K miles left on the SAME set that was on the car when I acquired her.

Over the years I have been driving (almost 45), these have been the BEST overall tire for wear, predictable cornering without feeling like you are on marbles, wet performance and reasonable noise levels.

Ok..Ok.. the NEXT set of tires I'll be getting? The SAME 205/45-17 PE2's I have been enjoying.

You WON'T be disappointed!

Jim

 

Love the springs and I run 215/45/17.

 

Minimarks,

Thanks... I'm excited to try the TSW springs. The only issue is that they have not been tested on a Clubman yet. TSW says this should be happening pretty soon.

Any special reason why you chose 215's? Many people seem to go with 205's.

 

Have you ever considered Yoko Parada spec 2's? I have them on my s-'lite' wheels in 205/45/17 and I like them very much! From what ive heard and seen, the s-drives are pretty poor performing. Currently im running 16 inch wheels with 205/50/16s. They are about the same outer diameter at the 17s that I have. Lately ive really been enjoying the look of having more tire on the mini! You cant go wrong with the parada tires in 17" either imo.

 

Just trying to get as wide a tread as I can, would love to have 225/40/17 but no one really makes any in a street tire.... Don't know if you've done it yet but if you go to TireRack and check the specs on the different sizes you get a very good base on the changes, diameter, tread width, etc.. Helped me a lot in choosing what I want.

 

+1 Great tire! I also run 215/45-17 -- love the handling and the slightly wider tread fills out the wheel wells nicely.