Who makes a good 15" tire for an S. I have a set of KDW-2' on right now, they are getting bald and BFG doesn't make them in 15 anymore. What a bummer, because it is a good tire and I was looking forward to getting a fresh set.

 

205/55/15 Yokohama S drive is the most sporty tire I have in 15's for mini



Alex

 

That's why I bought a set of 16x7" SSR Type C - to get better tires vs. available 15" sizes.

 

how do these compare to the Generals?

 

there's a nice selection of 140 treadwear tires in that size.. I guess you were looking for more longevity?

Bridgestone RE-11 in a 205/50-15
Dunlop Z1 StarSpec in a 195/55-15
Toyo R1R in 1 225/45-15

I normally get 10-15k miles on a set of this type of rubber...you absolutely cannot beat the stickiness if you don't mind the wear rate

 

Nokian Vs in 195/60/15. They are 300 treadwear tires.

 

Consider the Hankook R-S2 (also known as model number "Z212"). They are a different league of performance (better) than the Yoko S.drives so might be overkill for your driving. (I've enjoyed their high performance relative to low price on both my miata and MINI. Dry traction is their main asset but rain traction is quite good in my experience even when the tread is more than half-worn.)

 

I like the BFGoodrich g-force sport. I prefer the reserved appearance of the tread pattern, but that's a personal preference. They're cheap, too.

 

I think that's what I am going for. America's Tire has the $458 out the door. I'm not thrilled about the reserved appearance of the tread, but I have read they are a good tire.

 

Which Generals?

Alex

 

What size 15" rims do you have? 15x7 usually a good size.

205/55-15 is basic and will work.

If you don't mind faster treadwear, the Extreme and Max Summer tires offer quite a bit of grip and vary in price.

If you want a little longer treadwear then Ultra High Perf Summer tires like the Yokohama S.Drive is good ($89 each, 300 treadwear). General Exclaim UHP ($69 each, 380 treadwear) is comfortable and good for street use but not as good on handling- it is well priced and light in weight.

BF Goodrich g-Force Sport is OK for street use. $86 each, 340 treadwear
Another tire size possible is 225/50-15.

If you want all season use and still good handling then-

In UHP All Season
Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS 400 treadwear
205/60-15 ($76) or 195/60-15 ($82) or 185/65-15 ($81)
A very good street tire.

Want more comfort and even longer treadlife for All Season use?
Then in Grand Touring All Season
Michelin Primacy MXV4 620 treadwear
205/60-15 $108 each
195/60-15 $109 for H speed rated
185/65-15 $105
A very good choice for those with any MINI and stock suspension
Will fit rims from 5.5 to 7.5" wide

 

Are you able to fit 15" rims on a Cooper S? Apparently you are. I didn't think they would fit over the larger S brakes.

Regards,
--Anders.

 

I have sets that will work, what year is the S in question?

Alex

 

I run 15" wheels and tires on my Cooper S all the time for the last 6 years

15x5.5 stock wheel
15x6
15x7
15x8

All can fit for the older R53( except for JCW brakes due to larger front caliper) or R50 MINIs, some might need a spacer in the rear to clear the rear lower trailing arm but it's fine.

The newer R56 has a bigger front brake caliper on the Cooper S so you have to make sure the wheel is large enough.

Some aftermarket wheels don't fit the 14mm bolt diameter of the R56 MINIs so check for that as well. All MINI wheels will fit 14mm bolts.

Try to mount tires that are about 24.1 to 24.4" tall and will fit the width of the wheel you are using.

The biggest advantage to 15" wheels with the Cooper S or any MINI is you can use taller sidewalls for more comfort. If you really want to have 40-45 series sidewall tires then 15" is not a good choice.

 

I am on the other end of goal: I am going for fuel mileage & moderate handling -
Question: Any obvious concerns you all see - If I push diameter to 25": that would mean a 195/65/15 on my factory 15 x 5.5 rims on my 2007 Cooper base.
I have measured clearance, seems as if it will clear (except possibly worst case of wheel hard over and big pothole) -and that interference would be on rear plastic wheel well -not suspension. Thanks

 

"G16 between carmel and Greenfield, 40 miles of awesome Cyn. Rd.!!!"

I drive this road every week!!!
I start out at Laurels Grade Rd near Laguna Seca out to Carmel Valley Rd to Arroyo Seco, then back!!
Fun fun fun, get some good tires dude don't cheapskate out if you drive that road, much funner with super grippy tires.

 

Narrower tires give better fuel mileage. Also consider 185/65-15.