Hi ~ I desperately need to replace 3 of my run flats that have very little tread left. In the 4 years I've had this car, I've replaced 3 tires already and now need 3 more. They don't last and I've had 2 punctures that necessitated replacement plus one that wore unevenly hence the replacement. My Mini dealer said they'd give me 10% off on replacements but that's still about $810 for 3 tires.

I'd like to replace all 4 tires with non run flats. I currently have Goodyear 195/55 R16 tires. Should I get the same size on non run flats? I live in the foothills of California so don't get much snow. Was thinking of getting all weather tires. Any recommendations? Can I use the same rims? This is getting so expensive and the run flats just don't last. Any specific recommendations would be great! Thank you.

 

There aren't many options in 195/55r16, 205/50r16 or 205/55r16 are more popular. You can use the same rims you have now. For all seasons, Conti DWS are pretty good.

 

Thanks so much for your input and advice.

 

Good call on replacing the run flats. I'm still waiting for my MINI, but I replaced them on my 335i and couldn't even believe the difference in the ride (MUCH smoother) and noise (MUCH quieter). The non-RF's re cheaper to buy (about 1/2 price), can be repaired, and last longer. Your only regret will be that you didn't do it sooner. I'm going to replace mine as soon as I get my MINI from the dealer! Check out Tirerack.com. I'm looking at the Yokohama AVID ENVigor in a 195/55r16, but may move up to a 17" since I'm also buying wheels. They run about $100 apiece and got very good reviews from customers.

 

Thanks!

 

I would definitely suggest getting some Nokians. They are an amazing brand and i've heard great things about them. They have the WR-G2 in that size. You should check them out!

 

I've been reading tire threads here for over a year, and I see more recommendations for the Continental DWS, than for any other brand.

That's not to say other tires aren't as good or better, it is just something I've noticed.

Should I change over to Non-runflats, those are the ones I'll probably get.

Dave

 

As a fellow R56 driver, I've been in your position before, frustrated to heck with the treadwear and cost of runflats. For a while, I'd switched from the factory installed runflats to Pirelli Eufori@'s, which were pretty, but in all honesty had some of the worst treadwear I'd ever experienced, i.e. replacing tires within 10k miles with moderate driving. My current tires are BF Goodrich G-Force KDW II's (non-runflat tires). Though they're definitely on the sportier side, and would be useless in snow, their summer and wet traction are absolutely incredible. And then there's the treadwear; I've had them on for close to 20k miles, including some occasional "let's go to the abandoned track" days, and I haven't noticed ANY treadwear whatsoever. The rubber compound used to make them is amazing, not to mention the reinforced sidewalls which have (thus far) prevented a single flat. As for price, I got my set of 5 from Tirerack (Including a spare) for $98 each, pretty darn good deal if you ask me. Now I'm not saying these tires are for everyone, just pitching in my 2 cents: I have KDW II's and they're incredible.

 

I've never heard of the brand "continental". Where are they made? Probably overseas somewhere....

 

Continental is an old German tire company. They were the OEM tires on the old VW beetles, that's where I first saw them.

www.continentaltire.com/

Dave

 

When you order tires from Tirerack, where do you go to have them installed on your Mini?

Also, regarding Continental tires, just doing a web search in my area, it looks like they are carried at several Chevrolet dealerships. I haven't been able to find another local source. Has anyone taken their Mini to a Chevy dealer for these tires and have you encountered any resistance to having them installed?

Another question regarding slime.com's product: has anyone patched a tire puncture with this product? Has it ruined the tire so it couldn't be permanently patched or have you not encountered any problems using it. Their website says it's safe, but I've read other warnings here against using this type of kit.

Now that I've convinced my husband to install non-runflats, I need to get this change made in the most convenient way for a couple of 60 year olds (us, not the car)

 

Interestingly, Continental just announced plans to open a new plant in South Carolina.

They also sponsor a series in Grand Am Road Racing (the division that MINIs race in coincidentally).

 

I've seen posts here that say that Discount Tire will mount tires purchased at Tire Rack and you can always call around to a few tire places.

Slime is not a permanent fix for a tire puncture, you have to get the tire repaired. It washes out with water and won't harm Tire Pressure Monitor Sensors.

Fix-A-Flat, however, hardens into a nasty glob and will destroy Tire Pressure Monitor senders.

Some people confuse the two or think that they are the same thing. They are not the same.

Dave

 

My Conti DWS tires and new 17" black rims to be installed tomorrow. Purchased from tirerack.com. My installer said I made an excellent choice, as wenhave varying weather conditions here. Replacing my 16" rims and rf's....so excited! Spoke with Preston at tirerack, he advised every step of the way. Ordered yesterday, being delivered TODAY!!!

 

Whatever non-runflat tire you choose, it will be a dramatic improvement over the runflats. I've lost count of how times I've said on this forum that this should be the first modification everybody makes to their MINI. FWIW, I've had the KDW's on my Cooper, and though their grip is excellent, I found them to be excessively noisy as they wore, and I didn't get anywhere near 20k out of them, even with rotating every 3-5k. My current performance tire of choice is the Hancook Ventus Evo 12's, which I have on my MCS.

 

We have a local network of installers country wide willing to install our tires, and most will even let you ship directly to them. Just enter your zip code here to see the list.

Alex

 

Alex ~ The link didn't work, but I went to your website and was able to find several tire dealers in my area that are in your network. Many thanks! Now I just have to decide on the tires.

 

Fixed that link, sorry.

 

Tires are being installed next week just a few miles from where I live. No need to drive 50 miles to my car dealer. Plus, installed they are half the cost of the runflats with a 65,000 mile warranty. Supposed to run smooth and quiet and save gas as well.

 

FYI. Driven on my new Continental 17" DWS tires and am LOVING the ride! Definitely smoother and quieter and handles beautifully. Now to soon see how they do in snow. I also have heard a lot of recommendations for this tire. My local installer assured me they were a good choice.

 

Tire installer said, "Well, you won't have a spare but that's why God made AAA."

 

Login my new Cont Extreme Contact DWS tires.....NOT liking the 500 mile break in period. Not supposed to go over 55mph and must corner gently. Never heard of a tire break in period....really?

 

Other than not pushing them really hard, I just drove normal during my DW break-in period.

 

Yea, me too, but on some roads I have to do at least 60 or traffic behind me will run up my a**

 

Crap! As much as I drive my MINI, it'll take a month to break them in!

I ain't gonna do it!

Dave