Finner,

The 195-55-16 Conti runflats ride almost the same as non-runflats in the same size. Lower profile runflats, as previously noted, everything else being equal, will be harsher.

When you test drive the 195-55-16 equipped car, set the front tires at 33 psi (cold) and the rears at 31 psi to sample the feel at pressures that will give long term even tire wear. I am not familiar with whatever tires they are using for 17s, so I can't comment on what they will need for pressures. Just be sure to check yourself with a good gauge (maybe just go with OEM suggested). Dealerships often have tires overinflated or unevenly inflated on demo cars.

DOC

 

Excellent point Doc. I always have a tire guage in the glove box. I check the demo to make sure inflations are right. Wouldnt have even thought about that...and main purpose of test was ride feel with runflats.

 

After 2 sets of Pirelli tires I was over the cost as they don't last long so I took a chance and order the Kuhmos - could get about 3 sets of those for the price of 1 set of the Pirellis so thought I'd give them a try. When I bought them, I think I paid just around $100 per tire. At the time, I was planning to trade the car in soon anyway. Well, they've been on my car for over a year now (I never got around to trading in the car as I decided to wait on a 2011) and can barely even notice any wear on those tires.

 

I put on Pirellis snow tires, non-RF, and couldn't believe the smoothness and quiet compaired to the Conti summer RFs I was running. Carrying a spare is worth the comfort.

 

I have a set of Dunlop Sport SP 1 Run Flats that I was wondering since the are OEM do they have a warranty, I only have 19500 miles on my mini 08 clubman S, they seem so low, I want to see if they will replace them. ANy idea?

 

Generally, tires are warrantied by the tire manufacturer unless you have bought a special warranty from Mini that covers tires.

No, the mileage you have on the RFTs is not generally considered low. I would be rather surpised if Mini would do much for you.

 

My, admittedly limited, experience has been that mileage usually isn't grounds for warranty action on tires. Too many variables. How were they used? How hard were they driven? Were they run under-inflated for any length of time? The list goes on, and even if you treated your tires well, in every manner that they could be treated, there is no way to prove that you are as good as you say you are. Hence, good luck in your endaevours.