Hey guys,
I just got my 2002 MC in September, and I really love her. But shes had a loud noise that gets louder and louder with speed. I took the car to 2 dealers and they both told me it was cause by the rear tires feathering on the inside of the tire, and suggested I replace the 2 rear tires for 500! So instead, I thought of replacing all 4 tires, and getting rid of the run-flats. I found on tire rack the Goodyear F1's 195/45/16 for $90 each. Im new to MINI's, but I've had a lot of people with these tires and always heard good things. I just wanted to make sure they were good for the Cooper, and if you guys had any more advice. Thanks a lot for the advice, and this forum has been a great tool for a newbe motorer like me.
JL

 

I recently mounted 205/50YR-16 Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 on a 16" rim (Minilites) and am very pleased with the results. Less noise than the runflats; good grip. I'll know more afetr the Phil Wick's event at Sebring on the 1st.

I went with the 205/50 to get closer to stock size (still a little under) and for a better ride with the higher sidewall. You'll like getting rid of the runflats!

 

As DaveS said, 205/50-16 F1 GSD3s are the closest in rolling diameter to the OEM 195/55-16 size.

 

and that is a perfect size

 

Thanks a lot for the help guys, I had planned on getting the 195/45/16's since thats what the stock ones come with, but I guess the 205/50/16s are the best bet. How about treadwear? Road Noise? How do you rate the tires?
Thanks again, Jorge

 

stocks are 195/55/16, not 195/45/16.....the latter would be only 22.9 inches
in diameter compared to 195/55/16 = 24.4 and 205/50/16 = 24.1.