to run flat or not to run flat..............
 

So today I took the big plunge and bought 4 bf goodridge traction t/a NON run flat tires,on Alex's recommendation for the type of driving I do,Had them shipped to MINI Peabody and had them put on........YEAH BABY!!!!!!!!!!What a difference! for anybody (like me ) sitting on the fence about going in this direction, the word from here is a catagorical: 2 THUMBS UP! I went all the way and bought both a donut spare and a jack/lug wrench,and one of Jerseygirls spare tire bags.I will never look back!I've had this car for 2 years and 35k miles and it's like re-experiencing the magic all over again.Why oh why did I wait so long?:roll: :wink: :razz: :grin: :eek: :confused: :smile: :cool: see all you new england pulley party-goers in a few days. Jock

I have 23,800 my original run-flats so they need replacing. Have been looking at the BF Goodridge Traction T/A also. What size did you get and if you don't mind telling, what did Peabody charge to install them?
Charles :razz:

You can have the tires shipped to various garages or shops- Tirerack has a list of installers to help or even costco can do it for fairly cheap if it is a standard size mounting and balancing (as little as $10 each wheel). You are not limited to dealerships to do the installs.

SIzes for the BF Goodridge Traction T/A
195/55-15 V rated for a stock 15" rim on an MC $78 each
205/50-16 V rated for a stock 16" rim on an MC or MCS. $94 each
No really good size found for stock 17" rim
Talk to alex@tirerack.com to confirm sizes and prices

I went with the Proxes 4 from EdgeRacing, love the tires 245 45 17. Fits on the stock S-Lites, feel great. All season to boot (but I think I'm gonna hold onto the holies with the Dunlop Winter Sport tires for winter time)

Thanks minihune
I'm trying to find a shop with a mounting machine that doesn't touch the wheel. Only one around here is the local BMW dealer and they charge a small fortune to mount a tire. Not a member of Costco anymore and it cost $45.00 to join. Do have a Sam's membership, might check out their machines and employes. My wheels are 16" so I would go with the 205/50-16 V rated.
Charles :razz:

I have had Traction T/A's (205/50/16) for almost three months now. They're simply great.....a better ride than stock and I have tremendous confidence on wet roads. Haven't used them in snow yet, but expecting more of the same. :wink:

I got 205-50-R16, and with everything,(new valves,and fee to discard old tires) the bottom line was about $127

What size were your RFs? 17" or 16"? I have the 17" RF s-lites, and am hoping to get lighter rims next year...or after my stock RFs wear out. I'm contemplating dropping down to 16". But some traffic I've seen up here says for JCW, stay w/ a 17" tire...

Whats the weight difference between the runflats and a standard tire that would fit on a mini.

Check out all the weights on tires in the stickey @ the top!

Alex

Love the run flats.
 

I must put in a bit of good news for the run flats. I had my first trouble with my run flats on a 120 mile drive. I was about half way there when the run flat light came on. I stoped, checked all tires and could not see any trouble. I drove on and made it with no problems. It was not untill the next day when I noticed the right/back tire looked a bit low. Checked it and it was, found a large nail. Did not remove the nail, filled it with air, drove the 120 miles home. Took it to the tire shop, and they fixed it and I was on my way, $17 later. I must say that when it comes time to replace this set, I will go with run flats again. I have about 16,000 miles and they still look new. Just the idea of stopping to change the tire, in 103 degree weather, on a busy hiway just did not sound good. With run flats, I just drove on. I understand your thoughts on wanting regular tires, weight and all, but that is just not enought to make me stop, put on the spare.

Love the run flats.

Exposed

I just recently had to replace a flat runflat for $242.00. I'm glad to hear about your purchase and obvious delight in non runflats. That's my next move!