I have a bubble on one of my Continental original run flats and obviously need to get it replaced. I am leaning toward replacing all 4 with non run flats since I have had nothing but tire trouble since I bought by 97 cooper s a year ago.

I am not a sport driver, my main concern is a nice smooth ride, the tires lasting a while and not spending too much money. The size I have now is 195/55/R16 - I am thinking of the Bridgestone Potenza Grids, but my real question is what is the difference in going to 205/55/R16 size? Advantages/Disadvantages? I know little about tires, but want to make a good decision since I am going for 4 new ones after putting around 12K miles on it.

 

When I went from the stock size 185/60/15 tire, to a nice 205/60/15 on my Scion, the ride comfort was improved, as the sidewall was larger and offered more cushion!

The ride height of the car did go up a bit and the speedometer is actually accurate these days, instead of being 4mph optimistic!

The extra width didn't hurt at all, either!

I'd say go for it, especially since a nice smooth ride if your primary concern!

The Michelin Exalto A/S tires were so much nicer then the factory ones, and I was able to find them at a local BJs Warehouse for a great price!

 

Deciphering tire size goes like this...

Using your stock size of 195/55/R16...

195 is the section width or cross section in millimeters
55 is the aspect ratio or sidewall height expressed as a percentage of the section width, in this case 55%
R refers to Radial tire
16 is the rim diameter

To answer your question about going from a 195 to a 205...the 205 will handle a little better because it's wider, and probably look a lot better than the 195.
Just make sure that whatever tire you decide to buy is roughly the same height(diameter) as the stock size.
EDIT: since you are staying with the same aspect ratio/sidewall height, the ride should be just as smooth...even more so with a non-runflat tire.

 

thanks for your help. I bought the 205s, but of course it turns out I have a bent rim as well! The new tire held air however, so I can drive a bit while they try to order the wheel Monday. Lots of money, but am kind of happy to have the run flats gone - at least that is how I am trying to put a positive spin on my mini's tire woes.

 

You can use
205/50-16 which is slightly smaller than stock.
or
205/55-16 which is slightly taller than stock tire diameter

205/50 likely handles a little better and fits stock suspension and lowered MINIs better. Depending on which tire you choose might be a little firmer riding but still fine for street use.

205/55 is more comfortable and decreases wheel gap with stock suspension. It might be close to rubbing with any lowered suspension.

Before you buy a new MINI rim check the price vs getting new 16x7 rims from tirerack or any NAM wheel vendor- new rims might be about $400-450 shipped and you can make them various finishes or slightly wider than the stock 16x6.5. The 205/55-16 tires will fit aftermarket rims 16x7 just fine. Also the aftermarket rims are very likely to weigh less than stock rims.

 

Love the pick of your car, Minihune! Thanks for the info!