Hey,

I was looking at buying a set of high/ultra (in other words, one of the best set of summer tires) that have a good grip on wet/dry surfaces. I would also like them to be run flat as well (for either a 18'' rim or a 17'' rim). Any adivice or comments on tires you have bought would be great, thanks!

 

S03, Gs-d3.

 

^^^ not run-flats

 

^^^ agree. IMHO you cannot have 'one of the best' performance tires and RF at the same time, you loose some of the grip for the RFness. There mightbe some very new ones that come close but you will pay big bux for them and its doubtful that they will be as good as the best non RF performance tires.

I have been hearing a lot of good things about the Pilot PS2s from people that have had other top tires before. I like the F1 gs-d3s on the other cars i've had them on (prefer them over the S03s actually), good grippy performance and rain handling, pretty good wear for performance tires and not really noisy or tramline inclined, but I am thinking of trying the PS2s myself next time around.

 

I just got rid of the runflats in December, I replaced them with BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2 from the Tire Rack. These are some of the best gripping tires I've had on any car I've owned. The ride is good and the grip is great on wet and dry. Best thing is that the tread looks like flames which goes with the side graphic on Fiona.

 

Well since nobody else listened to you ... Bridgestone RE050A run flats. That's more than enough tire for the underachieving MINI, albeit a good performer for what it is (speaking to the car that is). The tire is fitted as OEM to 3 and 5 series Bimmers, which demand far more of the tire than the MINI could possibly (ever).

 

I would also recommend you to go for the BFGoodrich KDW2's. They are $90 a tire and are almost as good as the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3s. They also look super aggressive.

 

Discover that in your own personal tire shootout did ya? I don't think that when the world thinks performance tires, will BFGoodrich ever come to anyone's mind. BFGoodrich is second tier at best. You get what you pay for. A tire needs to perform consistently across its life cycle, and throughout the spectrum for which it's designed. If it's good at first, then drops off, then no matter how cheap it was is of little significance. And yes I did discover that in my own personal tire shootout.

The guy wants run flats. Why are we compelled to think for him??? Seriously, everyone is guilty of this time to time. It's hard not to be. Chalk it up to unbridled enthusiasm I guess.

Cheers!

 

Looking at passenger tires, they fall roughly into these groups:
Extreme Performance Summer tires
Max Performance Summer tires
Ultra High Performance Summer tires
High Performance Summer tires
Ultra High Performance All season tires
High Performance All season tires

Typically for best performance in mostly dry weather with some light rain the Summer tires will work fine. If light snow occurs then look at the All season tires. With heavier or frequent rain the All seasons are also helpful.

You didn't mention which size rim widths you want to use so lets assume 17x7 and 18x7.5 with run flat tires.

For 205/45-17 see
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compar...tOnly&x=86&y=6
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT Max Perf Summer tire $193 each in stock at tirerack.com 140 treadwear A traction 23 pounds each, W speed rated

For 18" it only comes in 225/40-18 which is a bit tall at 25.2" but could fit a MINI with stock suspension. Fits rims 7.5-9" wide 25 pounds and $238 each

Dunlop SP Sport 9000 DSST Max Perf Summer tire 205/45-17, $265 each in stock, 280 treadwear AA traction 21 pounds not available for 18" rims. V speed rated

Alternatively, non runflat tires will offer better performance, better selection, lower prices, and better treadwear. Talk to Alex@tirerack.com for more information on runflats and sizes. I didn't find much for runflats in 18" sizes that will fit the MINI.

 

I'm a fan of both.... Toyo T1R's and Goodyear F1 GS-D3's.
I'm ran a MCS w/ both... and both are quality rubber.

Peace,
D

 

Thanks for all the advice I took a look at all the suggestions you have given me, now comes the time to choose! Thanks again!