I'm in Phoenix and we have a mix of good and rough roads. I picked up my 2006 Mini a few weeks ago with run flats that are about three years old.

I NEED something softer and quiet for my sanity and also for ride quality.

The current RFs are Bridgestone 205 /45 R17 . How much room do I have to play with without rubbing or looking silly on a non-RF tire? The rims are the R99 Double-Spokes.

Can I increase the sidewall for additional comfort without compromising performance?

Would appreciate some feedback

Thanks

 

You've seen and commented in my sig thread but perhaps didn't see my chosen replacement tires, i.e., Michelin Pilot Sport 4S "Summer" type in 215/45R17. Perhaps other brands equivalent for performance, however I'm enjoying combo of greater air volume for a bit more ride comfort (plus restored ride height with slightly taller/softer springs), noticeably quieter ride than former DOT "track" tires plus speedo correction at typical highway speeds. Regardless of brand and/or whether Summer or A-S type, I'd suggest +1 on OEM sizing.

 

On an '06 MINI R50 or R53, just switching to a non runlflat will improve your ride substantially. You might lose a little on center feel ( less stiff sidewalls), but everything else will be a drastic improvement. And they're cheaper.

 

I haven't checked your thread in the last week or two and hadn't thought about the sigs. Will get caught up. 👍🏼

As you've definitely traveled on the same roads as I, greatly appreciate the feedback. The current ride is so loud that I have to imagine the RF and the condition of the 17 and similar roads are the issue. Don't recall my first R53 being so loud.

I've had Hankooks in the past which has worked well for me for my broad needs. I'll check out what you've tried as well.

In regards to suspension, I think I'm going to keep the height stock but upgrade to the Koni FSDs in the next few months. I used to run HRs springs which loved the look on my prior but was definitely rough on the daily.

 

^^^ No recent updates on my thread with replacement tires being prox 3 months ago. I stay out of Phoenix and the valley as much as possible (especially with the MINI), however local roads with dips and potholes are plentiful when off the Beeline passing through town. My suspension is behaving nicely now, however poly bushings installed everywhere as part of the 2006 build contribute to NVH. Another example of "no free lunch" with performance upgrades. Agree with dpcompt's comment on gain purely with non-runflats (even in OEM size) which I did with former R56. Happy shopping!

 

Maybe look into 16" rims.
This would give you a little more sidewall so the road may feel smoother.

 

Although I haven't followed your thread from the beginning; I've been anticipating replacing my tires as well and having a similar question. I've been running Bridgestone 205 /45 R17 Potenzas' for the past 12+ years on 17" Mini S-Lites (wish I would have seen your wheel sale in the marketplace way-back when - such a good deal! - btw). I may not be in a position to afford the Michelins, but am looking at going with a 215/45R17 set of rubber on my stock 7" rims.
*My question is: Will the 215s' give a bit of a "bulge" look?
Honestly I would love that. I have a significant amount of curb rash on my 18 y/o rims and will be repairing/refinishing them, (hence my comment regarding the rims you once posted for sale), and wouldn't mind a bit of a rubber buffer between the rim and a curb.

 

^^^ Sale price of prior sets of S-Lites was dictated by cost of shipment plus my town location 100+ miles over mountains from nearest population centers. I figured (perhaps wrongly) that hassle of finding suitable wheel boxes plus cost to ship would dissuade most prospective buyers. Selling anything on CL in my town means has to be priced right for buyers to drive 200+ miles roundtrip to see and purchase. Sold both sets to an R53 enthusiast that far away and he was delighted to get them at my asking prices. A win/win for both of us...

Team Dynamics wheels are 7x17 and with 215/45R17 Mich PS4S tires, no noticeable bulging. I could take more pics but below is the most recent. Very dirty, so I'll be pulling all soon to clean and remove previous weight adhesive residue plus paint rear brake hubs in Rustoleum black (surface rust showing)...

 

Hey - @MCS4FUN - Thanks for uploading a photo for visual reference. Very helpful.
I can live without the bulge/"protective" buffer. I'm looking forward to the 215's. I've always liked the look and feel of stability in a wider tire. Although I am aware there will be a difference in responsive steering.

Notwithstanding; Most of the curb rash on my S-Lites was caused on the passenger side when I ran Pirelli Run Flats for the first 6 years. You may recall / Per our brief exchange (in another thread), regarding our insistence avoiding "parking lot carnage", It has always been my habit to back-in along a curb away from all the other cars. I since learned my/Mini's threshold clearance. I love road trips in my Mini. It would have given me a great excuse to take the drive back West to get those S-Lites you had.

 

OP, I agree on that ditching Runflats alone will give a huge gain
in ride quality. It's worth it no question. Noise - not so much or not
neccessarily so. It's the specific trad pattern what matters more.

HOWEVER: Don't expect too much if any gain in ride from taller
sidewalls on the same rims. While going 215/45 R17 is a good
choice no doubt or even the 'natural choice' for a 7" wider wheel,
it doesn't neccessarily give a more pleasant ride. Why so? While
205/45 R17 non-runflat tires use to come with an 88 load rating
the 215/45 R17 use to come with a 91 load index which makes
the tire stronger and stiffer. At least the increased LI compensates
for the marginally taller sidewall of the 215. You may get a taller
wheel which better fills your wheel wells and you may also get a
slightly taller gearring which you may like oder not, but even if
you actually notice an improvement in ride - that's just because
the tires aren new instead of old rubber and of course because
these aren't runflat garbage.
If you really want a significant improvement both in ride and in
robustness - get a set of R53 or R56 OE 16" wheels and wrap
them with 195/55 or even better with 205/50 R16 tires. These
use to come with an appropriate 87 load index. Some touring
summer tires may suit your needs. For your existing 17" wheels
I'd recommend 205/45 R17 Michelin PSS or 215/45 R17 Michelin
PS4S.
That said, I'd prefer Bilstein B6 along with stock springs instead
of Koni FSD. Avoid lowering springs on any kind.

 

Thanks for the additional feedback.

I have some Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2 in 215 /45 R17 coming in this week. Looking forward to seeing how those feel around town.

As much as I love the look of a lowered Mini, I'm going to pass on that at this time. Appreciate the recommendation on B6s. The car only has 63k miles on it (already added 2500 in the last four weeks &#128556. Im trying not to just replace everything in the first few months over ownership. Even though it's already looking I'm headed down that path.

I'll have a 15% pulley and Miltek Non-Res put on in the next week or so. Still waiting for the exhaust to clear customs in Houston. Been there for a week already 😡. The DDM intake was on the car within an hour of getting to my door.