I have an '06 MCSa. The tires I have on right now are 215-50-16. I had gotten them with a set of 16" v-spokes from a NAM member for $250 total, if I picked them up. What a deal...they didn't even have 2,000 miles on them...were so new he didn't even have time to fill out the registration papers on them and gave them to me to do and send in. Anyway, the ride is a lot smoother than the 205-50-16s of the same brand [Kumho ecsta ASX all seasons] that I had before and I thought THEY were a lot nicer than the Dunlop runflats I had as OEMs. I was concerned at first, because some people told me they might rub, but I have had absolutely no problems so far. In fact, my mileage seems a tad better, even though the speedo is running about 1 mph faster than with the 205s. I got around 30k with the 205s and expect at least that much with these 215s, mostly because I tracked the 205s a lot [as well as used them for daily driving] and have since gone to 15" wheels and 205-50-15 Falken Azenis RT 615s for the track now.

 

Yes, the ride really is that much better. Honestly I don't know how the Falkens compare to the Grids. I do know that overall the Falken 912's have gotten excellent reviews from Consumer Report, etc. The reviews I would "take with a grain of salt" are the ones from customers on online tire sites. I am only saying this because of some bad personal experience; twice I have bought tires based on the customer reviews and both times, the tires were junk. One set I bought had customer reviews that were so high, I figured I was getting the best tire available......man was I wrong. So when you're searching for tire reviews, try to find info from the pros, if there is anything available.

 

I have a 2006 MCS. I've run 2 sets of the Kumho Exta ASX. They are definitely a better ride that the original runflats with very good handling for an all-season. I found they got a little noisier as they wore but not bad. Both sets got about 25k miles befor worn out with wear bars showing and balding but I did do several autocrosses on each set too.

My current set of tires are Continental ExtremeContact DWS. I can see why they got good reviews. They are quieter than the ASX and perform very well in all the rain we've had where I live in the last couple of months. They seem to handle pretty well in spirited driving around town but I haven't autocrossed them for a good comparison with the ASX (I have a set of Bridgstone Potenza RE11's dedicated for autocross now). My DWS tires are too new to know how well they will wear but the treadwear rating is higher.

The original tires were 205/45R17 but the Kumho's and Continentals have all been 215/45R17. The changed tire diameter is exactly the same as having changed your gear ratio. The 215 will be very slightly slower to accelerate, will ride better and your speedometer (and also odometer) will be a little more accurate.

 

+1 slinger688
Check out Tire Rack surveys and tests.
Wait until your euphorias wear out before you get non-runflats and then it will be totally worth it.
Pesonally, I prefer size 215/40-17 for stock MINI wheels. I myself do not take into consideration things like noise, comfort or even wet weather traction for summers.
But the Falken ZE-912 and Nitto NeoGens have high ratings from NAMsters and are tied for Consumer Reports UHP All-Season Tire of the Year.

 

I'm going to look into these (Falken) a bit more.

THe local guy said the same thing about Consumer Reports.

 

I replaced my original run flats yesterday with the Dunlop Star Specs. 215/45-17. Only have 5 miles on them. The ride is so much better than before. Haven't run them on my favorite on-ramps yet, but I expect the car to stick much better. Also, Tire Kingdom charged me only $11.90 per tire to mount and balance.

 

Non-Runflats =....Run-Flats =

However..getting a flat...may create an opposite equation

 

...which is why Slime was created...that and a small compressor and maybe a plug kit for extreme circumstances. Still, it beats lugging around a spare in an MCS....

 

I was told they were wider but the same height as the stock 205/45-17's that are standard. I was wondering if they would rub. Is anyone out there using the 225/45-17's on a 2006 or later Mini? Is so it would be nice to have a small review.

 

They 225 is taller. 45% of 225 is more than 45% of 205. A very close match to the 205 height would be a 235/40-17, but you would probably need an 8 inch wheel.

 

TRUE

 

225/45-17 has a 25.1 overall diameter.
I am gonna need to replace my 225/35-18 GS-D3's on the GP, but I want all out Extreme Summer tires. The problem is the only size available is 225/40-18 and it also has that same 25.1 overall diameter which I'm hesitant about fitment issues. (do not care about speedo inaccuracies)

 

okay so I narrowed it down.

My top 3 (in order)

1. Kumho SPT
2. FALKIN ZIEX 912 (price plays a factor)
3. BS RE760 (not a fan of the Kumho ASX tread design)

Let me know what you all think.[FONT=Arial][SIZE=2][FONT=Arial][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]

 

Just my opinion, but I am very pleased with the Falken 912's and the fact that Consumer Report Mag rated them so high, definitely helped make up my mind. However, they are an All Season tire and the Kumho SPT's are a Summer tire, so it's hard to compare the 2. You "should" get a nicer ride out of the summer tire. I have no experience with the BS RE760's.

So in other words.......I've been no help at all . I like the little bit of added security that I get with an All Season, in rainy weather (since the car is a conv., it gets put away in the winter so snow doesn't factor in) and there is a huge improvement in ride quality over the runflats.

But if I was to take off the Falken All Seasons and replaced them with a quality Summer tire, the ride should be a little better again.