I just bought 2004 Mini S with the 17 inch runflats. When it was in the shop for a checkup the loaner was an 05 with 16 inch wheels. The car handled easier, it was faster, and much, much smoother. I am looking to sell my wheels and tires and get a set of 16s. I hear it is even softer with non runflats. I am not interested in racing or breaking the sound barrier when cornering. As far as I'm concerned, the Mini outcorners anything, no matter what shoes are on it. So, being an older person who wants all the glamour of the Mini and the periodic viagra blast from the supercharger, I really want the comfy steering and ride. I really like the R83's as a substitute but do you have to use runflats on them? Can anyone recommend a wheel and tire combination that does not employ runflats? Does anyone run nonrunflats and keep a spare doughnut tire in the backseat in addition to the roadside emergency kit? I'm sure there's a doughnut tire that would fit the wheel holes. To summarize all the questions.Any recommended wheel purchase sites?

1. Can you run non runflats on the stock 16 inch R83's?
2. Any recommended non runflats?
3. Any recommended stowable doughnuts (besides those from Dunkin)?
4. Any recommended wheel purchase sites?

 

1) You can run non-runflats on any of the rims. You just need to get the proper size tire for the rim. The original equipments would be 195/55-16 for the R83. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Search...ng=S&minLoad=S

2) Lots of variables here. If you go to tirerack.com you can search for tires by size. It will then give you several different category choices, that you can read about explaining the advantages/disadvantages for all.

3) Outside of my scope of knowledge...

4) I've had a good experience with TireRack and one of their local installers.