Hello everyone:smile:,

I have a 2005 MCS with the 16" wheels and Dunlop run flats. I am considering replacing them with some high performance, non-run flat tires, probably 205-50-16. How has your MCS's handling changed or improved, or feel with the non-run flat tires. I'm sure the ride has improved. I have read some threads on the non-run flats and people seem to like them. I am considering the Avon M500, ES100 Yokohama or Goodyear F1.

Thanks all

 

look into Kumos, the 712, cheap and very very grippy.

 

here is a good example of just how bad the runflats ride. We have a cooper with 16" wheels and runflats, we recently changed them to 17" wheels non runflats 215/40/17 the car not only handles better but it rides better too! I was concerned making this switch since the car is actually my daughters car, I would highly recomend ditching the runflats if you arent too paranoid about a flat tire.

 

We have Kumho MX and they can be loud but they stick quite well and they ride much better then the rfs.

 

Think about it no longer my friend. Ditch them. I've had the 16" Parada Spec2s for over a year now. Wicked awesome difference over the 16" stockers. I'm sure that anything will be better than the runflats. Not only are they heavier, but not as sticky. It'll be a whole new driving experience after getting something else. As long as you have roadside assistance, you cares if you get a flat. If you go on a road trip, maybe bring a can of that inflate-gel crap. Tire shops hate cleaning that chit out, but it beats being dead on the road away from home.
Cheers,

 

not only the handling improves, but the ride is so much more compliant. The stock runflats are ridiculous, they ruin the character of the car IMHO. Even the cheapest of the cheap non-runflat tires will be better than the O.E. tires.

 

Glad I didn't get them from the get go.And I can hual a spare

 

if you decide to ditch the runflats, there are poor people like me who need new tires soon (33k miles on 03 MCS... dealership said they'd go out at about 25k, so i'm getting kinda scared). throw them on the marketplace, or donate them to poor mini's. Or ebay.

 

I find that with non run flat the ride is smoother.

 

Thanks everybody for the feedback! I bought the Avon Tech M500 tires, 205-50-16. Alex from tire rack was a big help. I'll let you guys know how the car handles & feels with the new tires. I'm really looking forward to a better ride and better tire performance. The tires should complement the H-Sport Comp. rear sway bar I installed.

 

I was thinking about losing the run flats too. The ride is horrible. I was thinking about getting a donut spare to put in the car for long trips. Around town I will just risk it. Hope you like your new wheels.

 

My first replacements were goodyear F1 GS3Gs or whatever and OHMYGOD! The car was completely different, much better handling and much smoother to drive. This is one HUGE improvement! You'll never go back. Minis come with roadside, don't they? I have AAA+, with a very long tow range.

The price of the runflats is outrageous. You can gett much better rubber and save $$$$$.


Matt

 

From the manufacturer's data I saw, the SP9000 DSST's were only 1/2lb heavier than the non-DSST's.

The one single most thing I hate about run-flats is its tendency to
memorize flatspots. Once the car sits longer than a week or so, I
start hearing soft thumping noises throughout the cabin from the darn
tires. Other then that, the runflats weren't that bad for normal driving.

But I got the SSR's and GS-D3's and I can't go back. talk about
tremendous grip improvement and light weight. :smile: