When I asked my dealer (Roadshow, Memphis, TN) what make of tire will come with my ordered S, they said it all depends on the bulk-buying price at the time the Mini is built. It could be Dunlop, GoodYear, etc.

Looking for feedback from those of you with 17" performance tires. I know it's subjective, but good and bad feedback appreciated.

 

I really liked the Dunlops (as run-flats go).

BTW, I moved your thread out of Off Topic and into the Tire and Wheel Forum.

 

I have Pirellies, and I have driven 14,000 miles, and there still doing ok, but if I was you for the sake of low end I would go with 16' tires.

 

Thanks for the feedback. What did you mean by as run flats go?

 

Why are 16 better than 17?????

 

The run flats are rough riding and they wear out really quick, and in answer to your question, the 16' is better because it is lighter and lets you get off the line quicker. :smile: :smile: :smile:

 

as run-flats go:

- they are hard like all the other run-flats (stiff sidewalls)
- they are heavy like all the other run-flats

I originally had the 17" MINI R90 wheels witht the 17" Dunlop run-flats. One of the best changes to the car was going to 16" MINIR84 v-spokes and regular tires. I originally had the 205/50 R16 Yokohama AVS ES100's, but now I'm running the 215/45 R16 Falken Azenis for autocross.

Just changing to regular tires (regardless of the brand) will drop weight, improve acceleration, and increase ride comfort. I dropped about 13 lbs per corner by going to the 16's and regular tires. It is noticable.

so, "as run-flats go" the Dunlops are my favorite, but you'll most likely be happier with your MINI's ride and handling with regular tires.

 

>>as run-flats go:
>>
>>- they are hard like all the other run-flats (stiff sidewalls)
>>- they are heavy like all the other run-flats
>>
>>I originally had the 17" MINI R90 wheels witht the 17" Dunlop run-flats. One of the best changes to the car was going to 16" MINIR84 v-spokes and regular tires. I originally had the 205/50 R16 Yokohama AVS ES100's, but now I'm running the 215/45 R16 Falken Azenis for autocross.
>>
>>Just changing to regular tires (regardless of the brand) will drop weight, improve acceleration, and increase ride comfort. I dropped about 13 lbs per corner by going to the 16's and regular tires. It is noticable.
>>
>>so, "as run-flats go" the Dunlops are my favorite, but you'll most likely be happier with your MINI's ride and handling with regular tires.
What he said.
I too have the Dunlop performance runflats on 17" S-lites. Got myself 16" R84s w/ the Yoko AVS ES100s. Hard to beat for the price -- $78 at Tirerack. Much nicer all around. I put on the 17's for long trips -- less worries.
Bluesmaster

 

I should have been asking these questions earlier, having just ordered an "S" with R90s and performance run flats!!!! Although I'm not contemplating autocross events I am certainly considering what is referred to as "Drivers-Ed", which basically means road racing in a very controlled environment at our local track.