Hi,
I've been browsing around but couldn't find a good answer.

I have a 2013 Cooper S with run flats - live in Georgia (mostly hot weather). Roads are crap and the ride is quite stiff. I understand run flats are not the comfiest and I was looking for non-runflat alternatives. There is no track use but I enjoy a good grip, although comfort remains the main objective.
Size is 205/45R17.

Any recommendations?

 

If you want a more comfortable ride, go with a 15" or 16" wheel and tire. It will give more sidewall to cushion the roads.

 

Thank you but I am not looking to change the wheels.

 

Continental ExtremeContact or
Michelin Pilot Super Sport in 205/45/17
or Michelin Pilot Sport 4S in 215/45/17
(in increasing order of quality and price).

 

I love my Cooper Zeon tires (the Cooper brand is just a coincidence)! They're just slightly less sharp-feeling than the OEM run-flats, also 17", but much smoother & quieter -- worth the very minor compromise. They also seem less vulnerable to pothole damage, although I still try to avoid putting them to the test.

In case you're interested, I'll check the exact model & size when I go out shortly, and post back.

 

Cooper Zeon R53-G1 205/45R17 M+S.

 

Yes, go to an all season tire. I switched over to an Continental DWS 17" so all bases are covered. Run flats are overpriced and give you an awful ride.

Make sure you have a portable air compressor and green slime in the boot.

 

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S for max performance
Michelin Pilot Sport AS3+ for all weather

both very popular among NAM members (I have the 4S on my R56S and the AS3+ on the VW Alltrack)

 

I put Michelin Pilot Sport 4S on my car a week ago. They are amazing. The car is more responsive and quieter. I'm very impressed.

 

What is your budget?
Michelin tires can be more expensive but are highly rated.

In general if you want great handling and performance and you don't get cold weather less than 40 degrees then Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is an excellent choice for a Max Performance Summer tire. Tends to wear faster but performs well and is comfortable for daily street use.

However there are also other Max Summer tires that are more budget friendly, Go to tirerack.com and ask for Reggie, say you want 215/45-17 tires good for your MINI and to be used for street driving on bad roads. If budget is a concern let him know your range.

205/45-17 or 215/45-17 will both work for you, but tire selection is better with 215/45-17 and tire sidewall height is a little taller for more comfort.

All Season tires allow for dry or wet use and cold weather under 40 with some light snow. You get good comfort with longer wear but not as sharp handling. In a base Cooper this can be OK but with a Cooper S it's nice to have the best tires if you drive aggressively. Michelin Pilot Sport AS3+ is a good example for Ultra High Performance All Season tire class but there are also budget models from other brands. You don't want to consider lower performance tire classes in general.

If you don't drive aggressively but want good comfort and even longer tire wear life then Grand Touring All Season tires are worth considering.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/surve...=true&filter=y

 

+1 for Michelin Pilot 4S best tire you can get for all around as long as you’re not driving in freezing conditions.

 

I resemble this remark.

I also put on PS4S about a month ago and couldn't believe how much quieter and smoother they were than the A/S 3 they replaced. Not even mentioning the order of magnitude increase in performance. Well worth the $$$.

For an all season the Pirelli P zero All Season is supposed to be very comfortable. The Michelin A/S 3+ gets really good reviews for handling but the sidewall are reported to be pretty stiff.

These are UHP tires and priced accordingly.

Having said all that, the biggest improvement in ride quality I did was to install Koni Super Active shocks. (Previously FSD's) After getting rid of the run flats of course.

 

I went with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ for my 2013 S. The reason is that where I live I may have days where I'm driving in dry weather with temps in the low 30's. The summer tires don't work well in cold weather.

I don't know what Georgia weather is like. If you will never drive the car in cold weather then summer tires would likely be best. But, if you will ever drive in cold temps then either get all-season tires or have winter tires to swap on when the weather gets cold.

 

MP4S from Michelin are amazing. Put them on my JCW this week. Cannot break traction in a straight line. Couldn’t slide on on-ramps and corners.