Hello folks,

I have a 2009 mini cooper s and am starting to add some horsepower. I am looking for rubber. I was thinking of Pirelli but would like to hear some opinions. I would be mostly spirited city/highway driving with some out of town curvy roads...no race tracks.

 

for summer: Michelin Pilot Super Sport
for winter: something else (don't ask me, my Mini doesn't see temps below freezing.)

 

What size wheels do you have?
What suspension?
How much wet weather do you have?
What are your road conditions like- lots of potholes?
What is your budget?

Your wheels limit the choices for tire sizes. For a given wheel diameter you have choices on sidewall height. Taller sidewall is more forgiving for bad roads but less responsive when pushed hard in turns.

Max Summer tires are a good choice for those that don't see cold temp weather and don't mind faster tire wear.

For those that really don't mind tire wear and want the best performance then Extreme Summer tires will fit the bill. expect them to last about 10-12K miles with tire rotation every 2000-3000 miles.

 

This. The tires are so good that they are HEAVILY affecting my wheel buying decision. I ran them for roughly 15k on my WRX and used Wintersport 4Ds in the winter.

I can fully recommend these tires. They wear extremely well, are average to slightly above average in cost, are quiet and handle rain/water EXTREMELY well.

 

Michelin Pilot Super Sport is a good choice if-

You have 17" or 18" wheels (205/45-17, 215/45-17, or 205/40-18)
Have the budget for it- prices range from about $140 to $175 per tire
Never drive in Cold weather down to 38 degrees
Don't mind a little faster tire wear, treadwear 300
Have a Cooper S or JCW.

If you have cold weather and want longer treadlife then-
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 - comes in sizes for 16" to 18" wheels, W or Y speed rated UHP all season tire, 500 treadwear.

Or Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 in H or V speed rated High Perf All Season tires, available in OEM 15", 16" and 17" tire sizes. Similar to above but lower speed rating (handles less high heat when stressed from higher speeds). Will work fine for base Cooper or MCS if street driven.

 

Federal 595 if you want to go a bit cheaper with minimal performance difference

 

Another for Michelin PSS. Nitto tires are also good and wear well.

 

sumitomo htrz3 in 215/45/17, near same performance as pilot sports at half the price, all I do is spirited driving....

 

Yet another recommendation for Michelin PSS, they have excellent traction wet and dry. Smooth ride and glued to the road, I haven't loss traction even when I try.

 

gotta be specific the 595 SS are just ok street tires I run the 595 RS-R ant the grip is unreal on the track and keep the extra power in check too I paid 300 for all 4 and never looked back the tread wear is only 140 i don't drive all that much but they seem to be wearing nicely

 

The Hankook V12 EVO is an excellent tire for the money. It performs well in wet or dry and, since they're relatively inexpensive, you won't worry about using them up. If you want a serious, sticky DOT street legal tire, look at the TOYO RA1 or the new Bridgestone RE71R.