I'm sure this has been beaten to death like the proverbial dead horse, but I wanted to get opinions on three very specific questions:

1. If I switch from 17s with performance run-flats, to 16s will I notice a substantial improvement in ride quality?

2. How much difference does switching to non run-flat tires make? Either 16 or 17" rims.

3. Those folks using regular (i.e. non run-flat) tires - what is your plan in the event of a flat? Stop and call AAA?

Thanks in advance.

Maddog

 

Answer to number 2 "vast"

Answer to number 3 - can of fix a flat (although I do have a spare on my Cooper, it won't fit on the front due to the Stop - Tech's)

 

Maddog:

I was faced with the same questions when trying to decide which wheels to order for my MCS. So on succeeding weekends I rented an MCS with the 16" wheels and runflats and then the 17" wheels and runflats. For me there was NO question: The 16" wheels with the higher aspect ratio tires (55 vs. 45 on the 17's) definitely rode more gently (if that is a word one can use with a sports car!).

Then I went one better. From Alex at the Tire Rack I ordered aftermarket wheels in a style I liked better than any of the standard factory offerings, along with MUCH grippier and MUCH better freedom from hydroplaning Goodyear Eagle F1 NON-runflat tires (check out the ratings statistics a http://www.tirerack.com). When my car came five weeks ago, the new wheels/tires were put on as soon as I got it home. I couldn't be happier. Several people who have 17's on their MCS's have driven/ridden in mine, and they cannot believe the difference between our cars. As far as we can tell, despite the much better ride, I've lost nothing in handling. If anything, the acceleration and handling are crisper than with their 17" setups.

As to worrying about flats: In more than forty years of driving all over the states, Mexico and Canada, I've had only ONE blowout -- in 1952 outside of Tucson, driving from L.A. to Mexico City. All the other tire problems I've had never were blowouts -- they were all slow leaks from nails or screws picked up on the roadway. I was always able to keep filling those tires with air until I could get the slow leaks repaired.

So . . . for me it was a no-brainer. For piece of mind I bought to carry in my MINI the Mini-Mania kit which contains a can of something to seal a leak, and a compressor which plugs into your cigarette lighter/power outlet sockets. And if I should have an actual, disabling blowout, I've been a member of AAA all these years -- I will call them and they can come and tow me to a place where I can buy a replacement tire.

Hopes this helps with your decision making.

Joe

 

I personally much prefer the ride quality (talking strictly about the MCS) of the stock 16" tires over the optional 17" tires in the sport package. Obviously, the 17" rubber will yield a bit better handling due to the wider footprint but other than that and the fact that many MCS buyers like the look of the bigger wheels, I don't see the real world benefits of going with the 17" vs the 16" stock setup.

The 17" rims have another big problem...scratch and kerb very easily against accidental curb kisses, something much harder to do with the "taller" 16" V-spokes.

I am very happy with the ride, traction and handling dynamics of my stock 16" Dunlop DSST SP5000 tires and silver V-spokes in my '04 MCS. I saved $500 by not going with the 17" Pirelli Euforias that everybody and thier mother seems to have.

And also keep in mind that new production MINIs have revised shock absorbers for a more complaint and better controlled ride quality over rough or broken pavement.

 

Thanks folks, good info. I already have my MCS, and find the "harsh" ride on concrete freeway surfaces more unpleasant than I expected. Having see a major improvement in the past just switching tires on a BMW (bridgestone RE040s to Bridgestone Potenza S-03s - unreal change in both handling and noise/comfort) I am very tempted to either switch to nice non runflats on my 17 S-Lites, or go the whole hog and switch to 16s.

I do prefer the look of the 17s, but the downsides are significant.

Thanks again.

 

As you have nothing to lose from it, stick w/ the 17" rims for now and just change to non-runflats as soon as you like, or when your runflats wear out. You may find that the ride quality changes sufficiently, and then you'll be able to keep your preferred lower-profile 17" rims :smile:

 

I have 16's on my car and just last week changed the run-flats to some bridgestones (re930) and so this is regarding question #2. I noticed that obviusly I have a different tire and it reacted to bumps a little bit differently, just a tad bit smoother. Once I got on the freeway, about 2 miles into it, I said, whoa... wait a second.. the road is so smooth! Honestly freeway-comfort is SUPERB now, it is a very comfortable ride. So there is definitely a pleasant change.

As for question #1, a friend of mine (zamirz on this board) has a MINI S as well but with 17's and I've rode in his car once and just sitting there as a passenger, it was very easy to tell the ride quality. There was just less cushion or how can i say, the car had less range for handling bumps smoothly, it was a lot more bumpy. He said himself that on the freeway, especially when it came to those expansion joints, it's harsh. And this was when I had run-flats too so the only change in my perception was the wheel size. Let's just say the difference in ride quality was much more significant than me changing to regular tires (from the lame runflats) on 16's.

And for #3, I got AAA to help me out for anything major, I don't mind taking advantage of them when I need to.

Go lightweight 16's with normal tires!

 

Thanks Antranik, that 2 dimensional comparison is very helpful.

 

>1. If I switch from 17s with performance run-flats, to 16s will I notice a substantial improvement in ride quality?

KEN: HUGE! difference in ride quality. much much more comfortable for
American roads.

>2. How much difference does switching to non run-flat tires make? Either 16 or 17" rims.

KEN: must softer ride if you get a comfy tire. If you get stiff wall tires like S03's
17 vs 17, it's not too much of a difference.


>3. Those folks using regular (i.e. non run-flat) tires - what is your plan in the event of a flat? Stop and call AAA?


KEN: I carry fix-a-flat in a can and air compressor.

 

>>1. If I switch from 17s with performance run-flats, to 16s will I notice a substantial improvement in ride quality?

It depends on how you define ride quality. It will definitely make the ride softer and less engaged with the road, if that's what you're looking for. I went the other way (16>>17) and am very happy, but I know there are many people think less road feel is better (including most of my passengers :smile: ).