I've had my '09 MCS for 8 months now. Love the car. My continuing gripe is the ride quality, which I attribute to both the 17-inch rims and the run-flat tires.
I'm considering a double switch - to 16-inch rims (probably Rota RBs) and more conventional tires.

Couple of questions: what size (offset, bolt pattern) 16s would fit my MCS?

And, what are your thoughts about improving the ride by making this switch?
I'm certain there are consequences I have not thought of, but I'd like to hear 'em.

Thanks in advance.

 

A switch to 16 inch wheels & non-runflats will improve the ride for sure.

My 06 R53 has 16 inch wheels, but I bought high performance Z rated tires & they are about as hard as a runflat although they stick like glue. My next set will not be Z rated.

 

I have an 08MCS with 16's and 205/50/16 General Exclaim UHP tires and the ride has vastly improved over the runflats. Handles better too.

 

My MCS came with 17" S-lites and runflats too. Like an idiot I drove the car 30K before I changed over to non-runflats. The difference is like night and day. If you want your Mini to ride like a Rolls, go for the 16-inch wheels too. I'm not kidding about the Mini Rolls either: http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/19/auto...oyce/index.htm

 

I kept my run-flats for 20,000 miles. I recently changed to michellin exalto pe2's. What an amazing difference. I had also considered going from 17's to 16's to improve the ride but in the end stayed with 17's and am enjoying a far superior ride over the run-flats.

 

I love my 17 inch rims on regular tires (non run-flat). The steering response is definitely there with my 17 inch rims wrapped in 215/40/17 rubber. It doesn't accelerate as quickly as it does with the 175/65/15 on holeys setup, but I think the added ride stiffness and grip from the bigger rubber is a welcome addition to the Mini. I would try regular rubber before I did wheels and tires completely, just my .02

 

Multiple ways to improve ride comfort:
- change run-flats for regular
- go from 205/45-17 to 215/45-17 as the latter not only are wider but also taller tires
- go from 17" to 16"
Maybe the two first mods will be enough and you won't have to purchase new wheels.