New tire suggestions
 

Hello, Please Help.

I need your help. I have a stock 05 MCS with17" wheels. What would be the best run flat tire to put on it and what size? I have 205/45 -17

What would be the best if I ditched the run flats? I still want the handling and performance. I don't drive in snow but rain. What do I gain if I put on 215/45 -17?

Thanks for the help!

Robin

There are lots of good tires out there right now, and everyone has his/her favorites. I ditched runflats shortly after I got my car, and right now am running Michelin Pilot Super Sports. They provide outstanding grip, low road noise, and a good ride.

I'd recommend going to TireRack.com, entering your car's info and comparing what's available. You can read reviews & ratings and get a feel for your options throughout a range of price points.

I ditched the run flats and went with 205/45/17 Goodyear eagle sports. Very happy with the ride. Lighter tire and better ride. I needed all seasons for Chicago winters.

You have many options for tires that fit OEM 17" wheels and stock suspension.

For runflats, they only come in 205/45-17 which gives you a firmer ride-
see
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...45&diameter=17
Prices vary from $135 to $250 each.

The two basic classes are Summer tires and All Season tires. Summer tires are not meant for any cold temperature weather and no snow. They tend to handle better but may wear faster and can be noisy as they age and the rubber hardens. All Season tires come in Ultra High Performance and Grand Touring classes, UHP tires handle better while Grand Touring tires last longer and provide a little more comfort and quiet.

If you are only doing commuting and street driving and if you drive on poor roads with lots of potholes or if you have some cold weather under 38 degrees and use no winter tires then a Grand Touring All Season tire like Bridgestone Driveguard (480 treadwear, $153 each) makes more sense.

If you are looking for a blend of good handling, treadlife, ride comfort and a little more treadlife with three season use then an Ultra High Performance AS tire like Bridgestone RE960AS RFT ($180 each, 400 treadwear) may be considered. See tirerack test result:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=164

Why runflats? You don't have to stop for a flat tire in traffic, bad weather, in the middle of the night, or on a dangerous road or highway. If you are not the only driver of the MINI then this safety consideration alone is worth the effort to use runflats. If you have AAA or other roadside assistance then that would help.

For non runflats you have many choices. For tire size the basic 205/45-17 is a good starting point but if you have stock suspension then 215/45-17 is fine and will fit and work. Tire selection is better in 215/45 and ride comfort can be improved due to the taller sidewall. However ride comfort has more to do with the exact tire you choose rather than just tire size alone.

Again, if you want crisp responsive handling with more grip in dry or wet conditions only then a Max Summer tire or even Extreme Summer tire is fine. Expect the ride to be firm and if you have a lowered suspension ride quality will be harsh or jarring on anything but smooth roads.
see
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...wdp=N&showcm=N
The top 3 are all good at different price points- for handling and comfort the Michelin Pilot Super Sport is best, $166 each, 300 treadwear.
For value the Continental ExtremeContact DW at $99 each, 340 treadwear is a common choice.

If you have lots of potholes or bad roads then 215/45-17 non runflats are the best choice.

If you want longer treadlife and good handling in dry or wet with some tolerance for cold weather or light snow then Ultra High Performance All Season tires work well.
Example: Continental ExtremeContact DWS, $119-121 each, 540 treadwear
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...wws=N&showcm=N
Also check in 205/45-17

If ride comfort, lower noise, longer treadlife and good in dry, wet, cold or snow is more important then Grand Touring All Season tires are worth considering.
see
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...wws=N&showcm=N

TireRack has the Hankook Ventus Evo V12 K110 on closeout for $66 each. I bought a set for $300 including shipping

I haven't put them on yet, but from what I've read and been told, I should expect a big improvement in noise and ride quality over the OEM Dunlop run-flats.

I also don't know how they compare to other non-run flat tires, of which there are many, but price-wise, there's no comparison I can find. There is simply no other W-rated tire (168mph!) for $66.

You weren't quick enough. They're up to $68.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...45&diameter=17

I have been a fan of Kumho ecsta AST for years, and put them on my MINI and truly think it's best for the $$ , great traction and wear. And in 205/50/17 is $77 at discount tire, I have the 215's myself.

Note that the OP has an R53 2005 MCS and should probably stick with 205/45-17 or 215/45-17.

An R56 MCS has a bit more wheel gap clearance for a 205/50-17 tire which is taller in tire diameter than OEM, hence less clearance, and higher center of gravity. 205/50 does give a taller sidewall and slightly less stiff ride.