Hi, 2010 MINI Cooper S hatchback, looking to replace factory Dunlop SP Sport 01 runflats that are toast after about 18k miles. I've been looking at Tire Rack but there are so many options it's hard to decide. These are 205 45 R17.

I want to get run flats again. I live in Los Angeles so they will never see snow and only rarely rain. This is a daily driver, only put about 5k miles per year. I would prefer longer tread life and prefer handling over minimizing road noise.

Any recommendations?

How is the Continental ExtremeContact DWS? Price is good at 119.

Thanks

 

You said that you want to get run flats again, but then ask about the Conti DWS, which is not a run flat. Which is it?

Assuming you prefer non-run flats, in the UHP A/S category the Conti DWS is very good for rain and light snow (tops, probably), but where they shine wouldn't be very useful around L. A. They also seem to have relatively poor steering response compared to the Kumho Ecsta 4X, which is in the same UHP A/S category and is also apparently quite popular for MINIs.

 

Sorry my mistake, I didn't select "show only run flats" on Tire Rack. That tire I listed is a no-go.

 

In that case, these Tire Rack test results for four UHP A/S run-flat tires might be helpful. As I recall, Tire Rack Alex also stated on NAM that he was very impressed with the Bridgestone RE960 in the test. Run-flats are apparently improving.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=164

 

very helpful, thanks Jim!

 

I just got the "Conti DWS" installed about a month ago. BEST THING I EVER DID! Car rides SO much better. Smoother. Grips the crap out of the road. I would rethink the "Only Runflats"

I just went and got a little compressor/goop kit. I will take it over the runflats any day.

 

These newer runflats are testing decently-

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....PRFT&tab=Specs
$185 each treadwear 400 for 205/45-17
Could be a little better in the wet but overall good

Some owners need a runflat but just want it to be more comfortable without costing a lot.

 

I've been looking for options to replace the tires that came on my [new to me] 2009 MCS that the dealer installed, Bridgestone Potenza GRID Go19. They are new and seem OK, but reports I've read indicate that they will wear out or become very noisy in a short time. They are the OEM specified 195/55/16 size, but not run-flats. I'm curious if the Conti DWS 205/50/16 will fit on the stock MINI Cooper S 16" wheels? Will that tire size cause any rubbing with full deflection turns?

I too am not a big fan of run-flats and drove many miles on my BMW, most with non-runflats.

 

New Bridgestone G019s came on my wife's used MC too. They're okay, but I would have bought Kumho Ecsta 4X instead. They seem to be wearing okay, but handling isn't as good as it should be.

205/50/16 is a very popular size switch here on NAM. It fits the rim width perfectly, with only a very slight reduction in tire diameter from stock. I don't think I've seen anyone report any rubbing with that size.

 

I own some G019's - the advantage they have over 4X is ride quality and mileage. Customers complain that they get noisy. I have found with diligent rotation, and attention to tire pressure they aren't loud at all. The Kumho 4X is certainly more fun for aggressive driving.

 

Alex -
Been looking at your TireRack web store. Looked at the tire size calculator to see ramifications if I were to up- size tires on my stock 16x6.5 wheels. The caclualtor shows if I go to 205/50/16, overall wheel diameter is slightly smaller. the 205/55/16 is slightly larger. I don't understand the offset/backset settings?!
Do you have a place on the website that explains that?

Thx.

 

Some tech articles-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...currentpage=45

Wheel offset has to do with the wheel-
http://www.gtsparkplugs.com/WheelOffsetCalc.html
For the stock 16x6.5" wheel the offset is 48mm. If you were to change to another wheel of the same diameter and width but offset of 38mm then the position of the wheel in the wheel well would be 10mm further outward compared to the stock wheel on the car. This would be closer to being flush so some owners like that. The tire size has nothing to do with offset.

Stock MINI 16" tires are 195/55-16 due to the runflats being in limited sizes.

If you were to keep that tire size you still have quite a few choices-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...55&diameter=16

You can move to a wider tire and it will fit the stock wheel just fine but the tire diameter is not going to be exactly the same with 50 or 55 series sidewalls.

Stock 16" tires are 24.4" tire diameter, 205/50-16 is 24.1 while 205/55-16 is 24.9". You do get a little speedometer and odometer error as a result but it's small. You still will be fine on the street and the 50 series sidewall can be a little stiffer for better handling while the 55 series sidewall can be a little more comfortable depending on which tire you select, one designed for handling and grip or one better in comfort and longer wear.

If you don't like the idea of making error in the speedo or odometer then use the stock sized tire.

 

Have had a set of KUMHO ECSTA 4x for a couple weeks now and they are truly enjoyable.