Fellow NAM'ers,

The time has come to replace my tires and I'm in need of help (er... honest opinions). I've narrowed my choices down to (2) tires -- Bridgestone G019 & Falken ZE 912 but would like to hear from anyone who is currently running a set OR has had a set of these tires.

A little background-- my MINI is a daily driver [80% of which is highway, so a fairly quiet/tame ride would be appreciated] and living in MI; it sees all seasons. Currently I have 205/45/17 and am looking to, most likely, stay with that size.

Of course, all feedback is greatly appreciated and will greatly help the process.

Thanks!!

 

While 205/45-17 is a good size so is 215/45-17 since you are using it for street use.

If you want the stock size then of those two (both are fine) the G019 would be my choice. 400 treadwear 22 lbs V speed rated $99 each

This can open up more possibilities.

G019 in 215/45-17 one lbs heavier, 460 treadwear H speed rated $112 each

Yokohama Avid H4S $101 each in 215/45-17 23 lbs, 500 treadwear H speed rated. Even comes in 215/40-17 for a little stiffer and lower sidewall. Slightly less tire diameter 23.8" is more aggressive looking and will handle well but if your roads are full of potholes then a 45 series tire would be better/safer.

215/45-17 will fit stock rims and is slightly taller than stock so wheel gap is decreased a little. You get a slightly taller sidewall even though it is 45 series and the weight is not bad.

The Falken 912 are good street tires on a budget, a little heavy.
You give up a little handling for longer treadwear and low price.

 

Thanks for the feedback and info on the other options. I wasn't certain that I could run a 215/45 or 215/40. MI is pothole country - some of the worst I've ever seen.

 

The 215/45 also provide a little more cushion and ride support which is great to have for those wonderful roads.

I have BFG G-Sports in 215/45 on stock S-Lites and was just receantly driving the fine roads of MI. It sure does help with road noise and ride. I also have not ever had any trouble with the taller tires rubbing.

 

Are you running summer or all seasons? I have summer tires on now and really haven't had much of a problem with the 'elements' - granted the tread pattern is VERY similiar to an all season.

 

I currently have the G-Force Super Sport All Season. I try not to drive the MINI on nastier days since I do not trust my fellow Hoosiers that much, but when I do get caught in ugly weather the A/S do a very nice job of holding on to the road. And that extra side wall helps to keep them quiet.

 

Thanks!! I'll have to check out the 215/45. Did/Do you notice any changes when switching from 205/45 to 215/45?

 

I need a little help also. As of 2/28, I will be driving on stock 195/55/16 on my new Clubman-S. I've never cared too much about tire size options in the past, but it seems to play an important role with MINIACS.

What are my size options?
195, 205, 215, etc.
55, 50, 45, etc.
My driving is average (no racing or extreme performance needed); I like a smooth ride but I want it to look good also . I've always driven much heavier cars (Cadillac CTS, Acura TL).

Thanks gang.

 

I previously had the Kuhmo ASX in a 205/50/16 2yrs ago - I thought it was a GREAT tire. Pretty quiet ride, handled well and they were actually decent in winter weather.

 

Just an FYI, the Falken 912s I have in 205/50/16 have become noisy at about 14K miles.

From the comments the G019 might be a quieter tire. I would go with 215/45/17 but I prefer to stay with a V rated tire so personally go 205/45/17.

Let us know if you go with the Bridgestone G019 or something else.

 

Those [G019] are what I'm leaning towards. I think I'm going to stay w/the 205/45 set up -- I don't really see the need for the 215/45, other than being ever so slightly wider. I'll definitely post once I've made up my mind.

 

bump - did you go with the 205/45 and the G019's ? - that's what I'm looking at right now