I needed to change my tires ASAP, I have a 2012 Mini Cooper S hardtop 205/45/17". Using it to commute, anyone know what tires are the best? Great quality, Low noices? Someone suggest me Michelin Premier. Is this good?

 

You can go to TireRack.com and look at test results and consumer surveys. (The Michelin Premier is very good.)

You get even more choices with a 215/45-17:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...=true&filter=y

 

Oh, I didn't know I can also use 215 for 205 tire?

 

215 would be 10mm wider, but in 45 series actually helps the speedo correction and has a much larger array of 17 inch tires.... and way cheaper than the 205.... go figure, more rubber less $

 

When a size is more common market-wide the cost can be lower due to more sales to cover set-up and overhead costs. However, it is not true for all tires that the 215 will cost less than the 205. Michelin Premier AS, Continental Extreme Contact DWS 06, and Kumho PA31 all cost more at TireRack.

215 = a little better cornering grip, a little better ride, a little slower turn in response. It fits fine. Many people here run the 215/45-17.

 

Which tires is the best for commute and ride?

 

Here are the descriptions of tire categories:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/types/tiretype.jsp

If you're sticking with great quality, noise, and ride as the criteria the best category is grand touring. I linked to those in my first response.

Call or email Alex at TireRack.com for further information.

 

I just ordered Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ for mine. Get installed in Tuesday. Looks like a good overall tire. I went 205/45-17.

 

What is your total tire budget?

How much do you drive your Cooper S "fast"? If rarely then Grand Touring All Season tires like Michelin Premier A/S (treadwear 640) is worth a look-
205/45-17 $125.20 each at tirerack.com
215/45-17 $142 each for H rated, $140.20 for V rated), for the Cooper S the V speed rated is the better tire, it handles heat better than the H rated which is fine for the Base Cooper.

You choice on tire size, the Premier is comfortable riding so either will work and be better than anything you have on now. The MINI stock rim will fit both OK. There is a small difference in speedo and odometer accuracy but not worth being significant.

Tirerack owner survey results for Grand Touring All Season tires:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...=true&filter=y