I need to replace the tires on my 2006 JCW.....it came with run flats, 195/55R-16. A short 3 years later we replaced the run flats with Potenza G019, 205/45R17. In 2016 we put some BFG G-Force Comp2 AS tires on it. Now I need another set. I have researched until my eyes are crossed....I don't understand the difference in the 195s or the 205s really. I would like a smooth ride around town. I have no idea how we settled on the BFG tires, I think we went to NTB and they said that's what we needed. I'm trying to be smarter about these types of things now and do some research..... I'm not a very aggressive driver any longer (although some would disagree!) and we live in the midwest with all seasons. It would be nice to have a smoother ride (I know, it's a Mini it's not meant to be smooooth!) without giving up some performance. I think the BFGs do seem to make it harder when I'm turning for some strange reason (or maybe I just think that), I'm wondering if I should go back to a 195 tire or what to do....I need some good advice from some Mini people! Thanks in advance if any can help!

 

Hmmm. I am a mite confused regarding your wheel diameter, given the account above.

If you drive more than a week a year on snowy roads that's one thing - if not, that's another I reckon.

Even here in Massachusetts recent winters have not exceeded that threshold really - mostly it's just cold and wet, and once in a while icy. Still and all much of my winter driving is on dry pavement.

Because of all this, I'm leaving the Blizzak LM-32 that has been my preference for many winters, and instead going to the Continental DWS-06 Plus. It's a known quantity and damned good in marginal traction, but not as capable as the Blizzak in serious snow.

So again, depending on snow days per winter - if you need the Blizzaks use a 195/55 as narrower is better in serious stuff, otherwise the Conti in a 205/50 would be my choice.

Hopefully others will weigh in with their experiences too.

Cheers,

Charlie

 

Thanks so much for your input. I just know they came with 195/55R-16 so I would assume that's the diameter? I have no clue....sorry....winters here about the same, probably won't do much driving with it on snow this winter and will use second vehicle....research continues, thanks again....

 

"195" is the tire width - This is typically the width of the tire
"55" is the side wall aspect ratio (55% of 195) - This is the height of the tire side wall
"16" is the mounting rim diameter

 

In plain English, you can't put 17 inch tires on 16 inch rims. Please confirm your wheel diameter.

 

I'd too suggest going back to 16" wheels and fit either 195/55 R16 or 205/50 R16 tires. You could even consider fitting 205/55 R16, which are taller but a much more common size giving you a broader choice. Lightweight touring type A/S should give you the smoothest ride.
Personally I use to swap tires according to season - Michelin Alpin 5 for winter, Michelin PSS for summer. You might get away with A/S tires if you don't use it much during the winter time. I'm going to go for 205/50 R16 for my next set of winters.