My '04 MCS was in the shop this week getting it's 24K service when I was called by the service writer to inform me that my front tires were past the wear limit. I already knew because the alignment shop the week earlier said the same thing. (I wonder how much that new Alta 15% pulley had to do with that? ) Anyway... the dealer said they would make me a great deal on two new runflats for the front. $599.00 installed! After researching on NAM I knew there was no way I was going to put runflats back on the car so I took the plunge today and got new tires.

HOLY SMOKES BATMAN!

What was I waiting for! If I knew how much of a difference new tires were going to make I would have got them the day I bought the car! After doing some NAM research, combined with some prior experience with Kuhmo tires, I decided to go with Kuhmo SPT 215/45/17 on my stock s-lites.

I only have about 20 miles on the new tires but I can already tell a HUGE difference.

1) MUCH quieter.

2) MUCH MUCH smoother.

3) No more erratic 'tracking' on uneven or grooved road surfaces.

I got the tires for $114 each plus road hazard, etc.

The 215/45/17 is slightly taller and wider but I have not detected any rubbing so far. Tires fill out the fenders better too.

If you've been waiting/wondering if you should ditch the runflats... Stop waiting!

PS Going today to get my can of fix-a-flat!

 

congratulations buddy, now i'll never be able to keep up with you.

 

I feel a AMVIV spending spree coming over me!

 

Congrats, dude. I made the jump today from the S-heavies with Goodyear all-season runflats to 15" wheels with 225/50/15 Yokohama (non-runflat) tires. The difference is amazing. The car actually rides like a "normal" car! Before I got the call my wheels were ready, I was cursing a blue streak because the stock combo kept trying to suck me into curbs when I went through the smallest bit of standing water.

The difference is everything everyone said it would be!!!

 

Don't forget the air compressor.

 

Added pics to my Gallery of the new tires.

Check um out and let me know what you think.

 

Very nice! They look great! I'm really starting to fall in love with the look of my wide tires. I knew I wanted to go wider, but these just look better than I thought they would. :-)

 

I'm itching to take my winter hollies off (they're not the most reassuring at taking corners at speed ) and return to my summer 17s. But I'm liking the whole non RF ride quality... so before I put them back on in a couple of weeks, I may replace the Dunlops with the same Kuhmo tires. Glad you like them... your post has convinced me!! Any one want to buy a set of stock Dunlop RF summer tires with about 5k on em

 

Nice. I am still amazed at how much more grip I have with the 215s over the runflats.
See you Tuesday.

 

Hi jdeitch, that looks great, are u using stock suspension?

 

All stock suspension for now. The only mods I've done so far are the 15% Alta pulley and the Kuhmo tires. There is much more on the horizon... Pending spousal approval of course! <wink>

I feel a AMVIV spending spree coming over me!

 

Keep in mind, almost anything you're likely to do mechanically, either Mark or Todd (or Mark and Todd) has probably already done it and can give you help or advice, or loan you the tools, to do it.

 

How good are the Kuhmos at sustained high speed driving, conservative at that, at 110 mph and up? Anyone... (post above just got me thinking...)

 

Local law enforcement would love this reply...

There is a particular stretch of road I drive daily that allows me to cruise in the triple digits for 2-3 miles. I am very pleased with the smoothness and responsiveness at that speed. The strange 'tracking' effect I used to feel with the run flats is gone.

 

He's from Germany, so he'd actually be going slow at 110mph!

 

As Napoleon Dynamite would say... "LUCKY!"

 

yesssssssssssssss

 

It's been a while since I've been out west, but did Montana institute a speed limit?

 

Just a quick question:

Do I need my run flats or can I get away with regular tires?

Thanks,

 

I like having the security of having run flats, but my new 18" rims and Pirelli's should be arriving by the weekend!

 

"Like anyone could even know that!" LOL

 

Were there any brake clearance issues going to the 15" diameter wheels from the s-lites? Do you have the Cooper S?

 

Al, I've got an MCS and there are no brake issues with the 15" Konig Rewind wheels. I suppose it's possible that some 15" wheels might have problems, but I doubt it, given that MINI puts 15" wheels on the Coopers and I believe the calipers are the same. Either way, no issues there for me.