All I can say after driving 25K miles on the OEM RF's, and and switching to the GS-D3's is WOW!!! Just got the GS-D3's put on earlier today. Have only put 25 miles on them. Ride, noise, handling, all feel great. The connection to the road is awesome. Honestly, it's like a whole new MINI. I'm glad I pulled the trigger on these.

Eagle F1 GS-D3's, a big thumbs up!

granted, it's only 25 miles, but dang. they're awesome. looking forward to future rides....

 

I've run GS-D3s for about 40,000 on 3 different MINIs, great tire. They're absolutely awesone in the wet, at least when new. I wouldn't notice any reduction in grip, they'd just get on with it.

What size do you have? I've been running 205/50 on 16" wheels, but they just discontinued that size. So I'm looking at a different size (205/55) or a different tire (if there's something better out there), or both. Shawn's set is just about due for replacement.

 

I put a set of Eagle GS D3's on this weekend. Bought them in November & they've been waiting for warm weather in the garage. Very nice tires, quiet & very good stick. Tomorrow morning I'll get to see how I like them in the rain. So far 200 miles & loving them.

EDIT... 205-50-16

 

215/45/17. This Eagle is awesome!

 

Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3's
225/35-18
:thumbsup:

 

What's the deal with these tires? Aren't there new ones that are made somewhere else and aren't as good of quality as the older model? Can anyone clarify???

 

Mine were built in Germany....

 

I was just looking at them on Tire Rack, and the 215/45R17s are made in Germany AND CHINA! Several other sizes were too. The majority are made in Germany.

 

225/35-18's are made in Germany not China.
this reminds me of Doc Martens, which nobody buys now after made in China and not in England anymore. I buy used docs on ebay now

 

It is time for me to get new tires.. all over NAM, there are tons of threads talking about tires.. and I am completely overwhelmed.. I am not hijacking, but would like to ask a few questions..
I have only ever had run flats.. needlessly to say.. long trips kill my back.. I have a 06MCS.. im concerned about getting a flat with no spare... what are people doing about that.. I just dont want to get a flat far away from home and get stranded..
I went to tire kingdom.. they wanted 1200 for 4 run flats.. not sure of the going rate.. but I know they are expensive.. I am not a .. complete aggressive driver.. and really dont like driving in the rain... in fact I can be manic when it comes to tires, because if I feel a slip, I do get quite panicky.. so.. I have 17inch S lites... would these tires that you are talking about.. being something that would be good for me? And do I have to worry about the speed rating on them,?

 

I like you dont like the thought of getting stuck with a flat tire, but more than anything I am worried about rim protection from a tire compression hitting potholes, etc. I am on the fence about purchasing non-runflats, but I am extremely close to purchasing the following, one of which solves your tire going flat away from home.

1) Buy a full set of Goodyear Eagle F1 All-Seasons 205/45ZR17 ( Discount Tire Direct - $488 delivered) ***These seem to be a favorite among a lot of reviewers.***

2) Tire Mobility Kit ($150 ?)
http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...ility_kit.html

More than anything I am worried about the Sidewalls holding up though, that way I dont crack a rim. But I am driving right now with Snow Tires on 15inch rims, and knock on wood I have had no flats!

 

I say... go with the Goodyears, either Eagle F1s or GS-D3s. I'm sure you'll be happy. I love my GS-D3s. I don't worry about having a flat. However, my wife does. Therefore, we carry a full size tire in the back. Either one of the GS-D3s or a snow tire,depending on the season.
You might have a problem with the low profile tires hitting a pothole, so,
I recommend buying the tire protection plan, just in case you get a sidewall break which I think is not an adjustable problem without the insurance.

 

If you are uncomfortable with the idea of using non-runflat tires check the Market here on NAM. There always seem to be new take off runflats for sale at much better prices than the local tire store.

I switched to non-runflats in the first 6 months of MINI ownership. The ride is so much better & the choice of tires is a lot larger. For me a win-win deal.

I bought a donut temp spare tire from a Cooper & keep it in a bag standing behind the passenger seat. It rides well there with the seat pushed all the way back to wedge it in there. I've not needed it yet. I've had one flat, but it was a slow leak & was an easy repair. I would not put a spare full sized tire in the back of your MINI unless it was somehow securely fastened. In an accident it could become a lethal projectile.

Make sure you buy tires that are good in the rain, not all are. Also when it rains slow down a bit, that will help with the slipping.

 

Well my other option is to buy two new Pirelli Eufori replacements to go with the two rear tires that are at 7/32"-8/32", but they arent cheap! I tried the Marketplace looking for two used ones with about the same tread, but no one seems to have any. Right now I am worried about getting my snow tires off the car before I destroy my snow tires, so I am in a hurry to get moving on this. I guess I could keep running the fronts for a little while longer, they are just about at the wear bars though. Not to mention these tires are probably the originals, meaning they are getting old on my 2003.

 

Since your tires are original on your 2003 you might be safer buying 4 new ones rather than 2 if you can find them. Have you checked the date code on your tires? They could be even older than you think.

 

I love my GS-D3's on the roads for spirited driving. But, I found that they couldn't hold up after a long hot day on the track or auto-x.

 

I am now considering the switch.. thank you to Crashton.. the idea of a donut is so much more appealing to me then being out there with nothing, not sure why I didn't think of that. But someone else raised a point that I am not sure of.. the sidewalls? Ok.. so the main question is, if i switch from runflats to non runflats.. on my 17 inch S lites.. do i have to be concerned about sidewalls? As you all can tell I have no idea what the heck im talking about.. I just know I need new tires lol, and am at a complete loss, and the tire places here, aren't so helpful with information that might be important to me.. any help is greatly appreciated..

 

What about the sidewalls? They have a reputation for being a bit floppy, which may be the case but only in extreme circumstance. For me that'd be on the track, I find the shoulder of the tire wears much too quickly. That's probably because the sidewall is flexing when taking corners hard. Pumping up the tires hasn't helped, I'm going to try changing the camber.

Unless you really are pushing them hard, its not a problem. You'll know you're pushing them hard as they start to squeal.

 

just a follow-up. I now have 3K miles on the Eagles. Love em! awesome tire. I haven't noticed any sort of sidewall flex, (vs. the OEM RFT's).

Awesome tire, glad I dumped the RFT's. Wished I would've switched over sooner.

 

I installed these back in 2007 - 205/50/16 - really bummed that they discontinued that size. That was 40K miles ago and they are still in great shape - but keep in mind that I run snows in the winter. I would guess that I have about 25K on the GY's.

Wet and dry traction has been great, but I guess I'll have to find a different tire to replace them - I'm not moving up to 17's just to stick with this tire.

 

Yeah I am still looking for 1 more GS-D3 in 225/35-18, tire rack sold out.