Hi guys

I've read the numerous threads on tires and really need to get rid of the runflats on my 2007 Sidewalk Cooper S convertible - the ride is much too rough and noisy.

I'd like to keep the 17" sidewalk black wheels. Can someone recommend tires, and a good place to get them (I am in SF East Bay area)? I'm not a massively aggressive driver, but like the quick acceleration. I'm not going to do any additional suspension mods until I see how much difference the tires make.

Phil

I just put a set of 17" Continental ContiExtremeContact DWS on my MCS. I upsized to 215/45/17 and that size gives a nice look. TireRack gives those tires great ratings. I've heard a lot of good things about Bridgestone G019 Grids too. Both of those tires have treadwear warranties, which is pretty rare for performance tires.

I bought my tires thru www.tirebuyer.com . The Conti's were even cheaper than TireRack. They have local installers all over. Very slick.

Tom.

Thanks for the reply Tom. Not sure I fully understand the implications of the "upsizing"....

Is 215/45/17 what I should be looking at?

Phil

I checked the current run flats and they are 205/45/17

Both 205/45/17 and 215/45/17 will fit. There are more options to pick from in 215/45/17. the 215/45 is slightly wider and taller than stock, but will fit.

Alex

Will the 215/4517's fit OK on a gen 1??? 2005 MCS

Thanks - my main aim in changing tires is a softer ride, so I guess the 215/45/17 are the way to go...

Also, I live in Northern California where it doesn't snow, so I guess the Continential DWS is still a good choice?

Phil

Phil-
Yes, what Alex said was correct. The stock size for the 17" tire is 205/45/17. I opted for the 215/45/17 size because it fills out the wheel wells just a little bit better. They also should give a "slightly" smoother ride. No problem fitting those tires on the rims or inside the fenders.

The Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110 is a great all round great tire for NorCal and is only $89 in 215/45-17 at Tire Rack. Several magazines have gave them accolades.

Look into the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S or the Pilot sport A/S plus. I spent alot od time researching and these are the tires I am going with when I get my new rims next month.
Bridgestone Potenzas are my second choice.
The continentals and hankooks seem to have alot of mixed reviews. People either love them or there is something about them that they hate.
Just my input to get your looking in a different direction...

Hi guys

Just wanted to let you know I went ahead and fitted the 215 45 17 Continental ExtremeContact DWS tires to my 2007 Cooper S convertible, and they are FABULOUS. My ride comfort has improved so much, and the car seems much more responsive.

I should have ditched the run-flats a long time ago - the difference is incredible.

Thanks for all the great advice.

Phil M
Pleasanton CA

I put Nokian WGR's on my Mini. They are a great tire for any condition, wet or dry. A smoother ride in a Mini is kind of wishful thinking These tires are much better with a 45000 mile warranty (much better than the Continental's that came on the brand new car and lasted 19000 miles). They grip the road in all conditions (we have a lot of snow here now and they grip down like on concrete). Look at Nokian.com and you can find a local dealer. We went with the same size run flats.

I am also opting for the Conti DWS for my 08 Sidewalk. $440 for a set of four with free shipping from TireBuyer.com. fyi only got 17k miles on the original Pirelli's, plus a very harsh ride with the RunFlats

Just want to know what will you do if you get a flat out in the middle of nowhere with the non-run flats? My 09 MCS does not have a spare.

do you have the ac schnitzer body kit on your car?

Do any of you run a 215 x 40 x 17? Wouldn't it be closer to the OEM tire height?

That is my favorite size. Had them with R98s on Nitto NeoGens.

I'm going to carry a couple kits of the "flat fix with sealant". Probably will get me as far as the run flats. Amazon carries the "Slime Emergency Repair Kit", includes a compressor for about $20. If the "flat fix" doesn't work I will use my auto insurance towing service as the last resort

Makes sense. Post back to let me know what the ride is like with regular tires. It seems like the Mini does have a fault....really liking the feel of the road.

I had the Conti Extreme DWS (215/45/17) tires installed today. Was very impressed with tirebuyer.com. I placed the order yesterday at about 3:00pm, $125 per tire including mounting/balance with free shipping. The local Dealer called me this morning at 9:00am saying the tires were at the shop, had them installed by 11:00am. The Dealer offered free "lifetime" rotation included in the tirebuyer.com price. Manufacturer limited warranty of 50k miles. Very efficient

First driving impressions were very favorable in the rain/sleet we have today in North Alabama. Very smooth ride and a lot less road noise.

I also purchased the Slime Emergency Road Kit (Spair+) at Wal-Mart, on sale for $49. Includes the Slime, Compressor, Jumper Cables, and First Aid Kit. This version does not require the removal of the valve stem: just attach hose, plug in to 12V outlet, and turn on. Think my wife can handle the emergency repair if required. TPMS safe.

+1 on the Conti DWS. I've got a few hundred miles on them, and they seem pretty good. I took them out in the snow and ice today and was very impressed by the traction. BTW, I upsized from the 16" runflats to 215/45/17's. I think the ride is slightly better even with the narrower sidewalls of the 17" tire.

Tom

I switched out Dunlop RF's 3 days ago to Bridgestone Protenza's non RF's. I've only put on about 150 miles, so please consider this under the heading of 1st impressions. The ride seems to be a bit less stiff, and I feel like I'm getting more traction. I purchased the tires at the local Firestone service shop, where I've been having our cars serviced for the last decade. We printed out internet coupons that offered 4 tires for the price of 3, lifetime alignment for $130. Bottom line, 4 Proteza's, lifetime alignment, installation, hazadous 50,000 mile warranty,and balancing $650 out the door. The funny thing to me was I was required to sign a statement that I'm aware these aren't RF's, and I don't have a spare. I'm not really all that concerned about this. I have a cell phone, belong to AAA, have a Slime kit (tube of Slime & compressor) in the boot.