I have been looking through information on the MINI Cooper S and its various packages, and I was trying to decide which wheels to get. I want to get the 16s for two reasons:

1. They cost less.
2. I would get a new set of 17s for track use, and keep the 16s for street use.

Problem is, I can't seem to find any tires that come in the 195/55 R16 tire size. Am I crazy, or are there basically none out there besides Dunlops?

If this has been gone through extensively, just reply with "SEARCH!!" - I looked and couldn't really find anything, but I am willing to look again if it's out there.
Thanks for your help!

 

Dunlop is the only runflat manufactured tire I carry in that size. firestone has a tire on backorder called the GTA02, in this size. I dont have the highest recomedation for the firestone. Dunlop is all I haver to offer, aside from dedicated winter tires (Blizzak)

Dan

 

Are there non-run-flats that come in that size? Kuhmos or Yokohamas? Or, is there another tire size that has more options to choose from and still fits on the stock 16" wheels?
Thanks!

 

>>Are there non-run-flats that come in that size? Kuhmos or Yokohamas? Or, is there another tire size that has more options to choose from and still fits on the stock 16" wheels?
>>Thanks!

I also have the 16" V spokes and would like to go to non-runflat performance tires. Kumho's seem like a good tire for the price. But this size tire seems to be difficult to find? Any suggestions would be very helpful.

 

I was very happy with my Yokohama A520's in a 16" size that I have on my GTI for track days. They are not run-flat though, but are a good all around street/track tire.

Depends on how much driving you are going to do on the track, but it is a lot cheaper to buy track tires for 16" wheels.

 

>>2. I would get a new set of 17s for track use, and keep the 16s for street use.
>>
>>Problem is, I can't seem to find any tires that come in the 195/55 R16 tire size. Am I crazy, or are there basically none out there besides Dunlops?
>>

If you are getting the 16s for street use why not go to 205/50-16? There are a lot of tires made in this size and there is no fitment issues with this modest upsizing. The side wall for the stock tire is 4.2 inches and the 205s give you 4.0 inches which should be fine. The diameter of the tire goes from 24.4 t0 24.1 which again is no problem except when you are going 60 MPH your actual speed is 59.1 MPH. Or, am I missing the point of run flats vs regular tires?

 

Yeah, I wasn't sure if 205/50-16 would fit on the stock 16" rim. The more I think about it, will 15" wheels clear the MINI's brakes? One can find a lot of 15" lightweight wheel and tire combos. Or, should I stick with something like 16" SSR Competition wheels and some good racing tires?

 

If you are going to be on the track, you generally end up with a lighter weight package using 16" wheels rather than 17". Plus, tires will be a LOT cheaper if you are the type that replaces your track tires frequently.

 

>>Yeah, I wasn't sure if 205/50-16 would fit on the stock 16" rim. The more I think about it, will 15" wheels clear the MINI's brakes? One can find a lot of 15" lightweight wheel and tire combos. Or, should I stick with something like 16" SSR Competition wheels and some good racing tires?

You can have problems with the 15" wheels. No problem with the Standard Cooper 7-hole 15x5.5 ET 45 (12 Lb) but I have read of a 15x7 ET 38 that rubbed on the ball joint. Be careful with width and offset!! I assume you ar looking for auto-x wheels. There is a 16x6.5 ET 44 (12.75 Lb)in delvelopment at http://www.aktiresusa.com/ priced at $165 each. I think that is cheaper than the SSR Competitions and will meet all the stock wheel requirement for auto-x racing.