March 2019 Dumped the 195/55 R16 Continental Conti-Pro Contact SSR Run Flats. Time for a change after 27,200 lack luster run flat miles. Installed/Upsized to Goodyear F1's 205/55 R16 Non-Run Flat from TireRack with an $80 Rebate and $80 Goodyear Gift/Debit Card. November 202011/28/2020 Continental Extreme Contact 205/55 R16 with a TireRack $70 Rebate. So it's been 4 months and 4,325 miles. FYI, my current mileage is 66, 025.

My impressions of upsizing to 205/55 R16 are that the MINI feels even more stable, sure-footed and slightly more cushioned ride. I run 38psi all the way around. At first the Continental Extreme Contacts did not grip well at all. After 500 miles everything changed and the grip improved far beyond that experienced with the Goodyear F1's.

I experimented a little adjusting the psi but did not find that there was an appreciable improvement in handling or road feel. Low psi was not a friend of these tires. Temperature swings Northern New Jersey can be be extreme during Spring and Fall. Today 50 degrees - tonight 17 with 35 mph gusts. When things settle down, I may invest some time adjusting psi.

Would love to hear your experiences with upsizing and tire selection.

 

Great post... missing some info if you don't mind posting up.

Which year/model?

What is the full setup on the car for suspension... Stock or modified?



.

 

Thanks for your interest.

Upsized tires otherwise stock 2015 MINI Cooper Roadster S.

 

My old winter setup was 205/55-16. I did like the way the car ride with those tires, even if it was a bit sloppy at times.

 

you should be good on the 59 platform... it is good on the 56 (and 55 as noted) ... no go on the 53 ... I tried that on factory 16” x 6.5” wheels ... no go on the rear 🥺

Your size really improved the ride of my Ice blue 2011 MCS 🤙

 

Mountainhorse please explain... "no go on the 53 ... I tried that on factory 16” x 6.5” wheels ... no go on the rear 🥺"

I have an R53 (stock suspension) and I just put 205/55/16 GMax RS on my Xlites. I haven't put them on yet due to low temps so I'm curious why don't they work on the rear?

 

They Rubbed on the inner fender liner on mild bumps or cornering. It has to do with O.D. and not offset.

 

I just swapped the factory Dunlop Sportmaxx 205/40R18 for Conti DWS06 215/40R18.

I started out at 4 psi below the door jam recommendation (based on a tire psi conversion chart).

I'm thinking I may bump up 2 more psi.

 

I did the same thing on my 05, JCW.
205/55-16 Dunlop tires. I also experimented with pressures. I also installed bars in the back and plates in the front so I can adjust the camber at both ends. The car also has a larger than stock rear anti-sway bar.
With about -1-1/2° camber in front and about -3/4° in the back, 36psi in the front and 28psi (VERY little weight in the back of the car !) in the rear, the car is a LOT of fun to drive. When I take trips into the local mountains, the tires are scrubbed pretty evenly.
Around town, I rarely use the brakes to go around corners, just turn on the steering wheel, and the car goes. Sometimes scares people as they see me coming at 30 to 40 mph to make the corner, the car just does it, like it's having fun. Of course the traction control is turned off shortly after I start the engine, every time I get in.

Have fun with your car.

Mike