Going from 17 inch runflats to 16 inch runflats is supposed to give a much smoother ride. That is what I experienced when I went from driving my S with 17 inch wheels to a dealer loaner with 16's, but are non nonrunflats on 16 inch wheels even that much smoother? I am looking for soft ride and don't care much about cornering because in my opinion, Minis corner well enough even if they had bricks for wheels. I have a chance to pick up 16's with runflats. Should I go with non runflats...Is it that much of an improvement in ride?

 

Its all relative to your personal tolerance. However, I went from 16" runflats to lighter 16" wheels and non-runflats. I thought the orignal ride was extremely harsh, to the point it was hurting my back. Now, while it is nowhere near a soft ride, the new wheels and tires have taken a big edge off the harshness. I am very glad I made the switch.

 

I went from 16" runflats to 17" non-runflats and experienced a much improved ride. I think most of the problem is the harshness from the runflats.

 

Lighter wheels make a big difference as do non-runflat tires. Taller side walls do, too. So, ideally, 15", light wheels with 50 sidewall non-runflats will give you the smoothest ride.

 

Look at a combination of light weight wheels and conventional tires. I'm going with the R84 (vspoke) rim, which weighs in at a reasonable 17.5 lbs or so, with a modern, light weight performance tire such as the Avons from tire rack. Others might opt for 15 inch wheels/tires - there is good information on the tirerack sponsored forum about sizes, brands that are available.

 

Go with NON-RUNFLATS on your 17's. It will make a world of difference. The runflats are the main reason for your harder ride. Change the tire - not the rim's and you'll notice a BIG difference.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought runflats require a specific kind of rim that doesn't work with other tires.

I certainly would consider jumping from runflats if I don't have to buy new rims.

 

NoDak Pat,

:smile: You are corrected- the MINI runflats mount on standard rims so you can just switch from runflats to non runflats.

 

(edited for content)
See
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/...el_weights.jsp
(interesting results on ride comfort when using heavy tire on plus sized rim)

15" and 16" rims allow for taller side walls like 55 or 50 series tires that will still fit in the wheel wells. The 17" rim will allow for only 40 or 45 series tires that ride harsher but do offer better handling in corners.

Runflats are harsh, non runflats are more comfortable.

For added smoothness you can also run slightly lower air tire pressure about 32 or 33 psi.

One of the most comfortable wheels you can use with stock suspension would be the stock 15x5.5" holey rims and Continental stock 175/65-15 tires. Just don't expect them to corner on a dime without complaining with a loud squeal.

 

Lighter rotating assemblies, along with lighter unsprung mass, allows for quicker reaction to transient road shock, thus reducing NVH. That's how lighter wheels improve ride quality.

Also, consider softer springs and shocks; if you're running an MCS with the factory SS+, try to dig up a base Cooper with SS, which has softer shocks and springs. That'll smooth out your ride too. Also, you can opt for comfort-oriented aftermarket sprigns, like M7's Spring set, and look better while riding smooth.

Cheers,
Ryan

 

Can one use the stock 15" wheels and 175/65-15 tires from a Cooper with the sport suspension on the Cooper S without any ill effect (other than reduced handling)?

I love my new S but the ride is too harsh at times and am considering a set of these that a friend recently removed from his Cooper.

/gary mc

 

Other than squishy handling, and the car will probably sit about 0.1" lower due to the higher weight of the S vs. MC, you'll be ridin' comfy like a Caddy.

 

Want a comfy ride... buy a Honda.

 

Hey now, be nice!

Certainly be "comfy" they meant "not a sledgehammer banging the shock tower on every crack in the road like I'm running Moton's on full-stiff"

 

Man I'd hate to be on the POS roads you guys are on - my 17"'s with runflats are butter smooth for me. The roads back around Detroit were so rough, the potholes would blow tires, sometimes 2 on the same vehicle! I would hate to have to change my car to suit the crappy roads!

 

Thanks - I can live with the handling. I'd put the 17s on for maybe a week per month for enjoyment and leave the 15s on the rest of the time. (I have a recurring problem with my back. It kicked up again a week ago. I couldn't walk, much less drive my new MINI, for three days. Today was the first day I wasn't in pain getting out of bed.)

 

My used 02 MCS came with the original 16" wheels and run-flat tires. After 3 round trips to Columbus (300mls.) I conceded that my Baby was going to end up hurting itself (squeeks & rattles) because of the bumpy ride.

I than decided to go with original 15" MINI wheels (8 spoke) and 205/60/15 non-run-flat tires.

I know I sacrificed appearance and cornering capabilities, but I still have a nice looking 02 MCS that will still go thru a corner faster than I care to go.

Does it ride better? Lets put it this way...My wife can now take cat-naps during our trips to/from Columbus. Something that was impossible for her before with the 16" run-flats.

 

Rockin' 18's in the land where 3rd-world-countries have better roads isn't easy, but someone's gotta do it Now that I think of it - at least 4 of us here in Detroit have 18's on our MINI's.

...not that it's a smooth ride. A friend of mine is terminally banned from having Starbucks in my car because he can't seem to hold it still while going down the road. Sigh, another can of fabric cleaner all gone, lol.

 

I just went from the S-lites w/runflats to the X-lites w/runflats. I definitely feel a softer side to the ride. When the 16" runflats wear out, I will take the next step with a non-runflat. I think it will be just perfect for the cross country trip. But! But, those 17"ers make the MCS feel like it is on rails!
Just 2 cents worth.