hi all,

It's time to get new shoes for the MINI - I've pushed my original run-flats as far as they can go. I have 195/55 16's on the standard V-spoke wheels.

What is the best replacement for them? Searching for this size on Tire Rack yields surprisingly few results: 7 choices total with only 2 being non-run flats.

I've read several threads on regular vs. run-flats and it appears that regular tires yield better performance for less cost and weight. However, the 2 regular tires listed at this size have a low feedback rating from buyers. Where else are people finding regular tires that fit the MINI?

 

Try 205-50-16s. Much more to pick from and size difference is negligible. That's what most of us do.

 

Is this the widest you can go on the stock 16"x6.5" wheels?

 

Because I didn't rotate , I skinned my oem Dunlop front runflats @ 22k. (the rears were still ok, if anyones interested ) So after researching and pm-ing here on NAM I settled on Pirelli 205-50-16 non-runflats. My local dealer matched internet pricing. Bottom line for four incl install, balance, and valves: $528. Why 50 instead of 55? I was advised 205-55 might scrape on bumps or high speed turns. So far, no scraping.

OK, three suggestions: pick up a donut spare for long trips; buy a can of goo. Join AAA and opt for the 100 mile tow option incase you don't have spare with you or tire is so damaged, goo won't help.

I've had the new ones on now for 3000 miles and the ride appears to me to be about the same...certainly no complaints. Also, they performed perfectly in some very very heavy downpours.

 

Thanks for all the feedback!

Hugh, which Pirelli's did you get?

 

P-Zero-Nero

 

You are not limited to the stock 195/55-16 size.
Popular choices are non runflats in:
205/50-16 fits 5.5-7.5" wide rims, outer tire diameter 24.1"
Load 91 about 20.5 lbs
205/55-16 fits 5.5-7.5" wide rims, outer tire diameter 25"
Load 94 about 20.9 lbs (larger diameter, slightly smoother ride)

If you have stock suspension both tires will fit the stock rim and will work without rubbing.

If you have a lowered MINI you're better off with the 205/50-16 tire.

In that size tirerack.com has many choices-
For max performance and great wet or dry traction see:
-Bridgestone Potenza S-03 for $156 each Max Performance summer tire
220 tread life AA traction 24 pounds also available in 205/55-16 with the same weight and outer tire diameter of 24.9" W speed rated $162 each
Or
-Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 for $119 each special price
280 tread life AA traction 22 lbs Max Performance Summer
Also available in
205/55-16 $135 each 23 lbs 24.9" tire diameter
215/55-16 $136 each "special" 24 lbs 25.3" tire diameter
225/50-16 $98 each "special" 23 lbs 24.9" tire diameter

Ultra HP Summer tire in 205/50-16
BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDW2 $117 each
Avon Tech M500 $81 each
Yokohama AVS ES100 $81 each

Ultra HP All season (good for light snow or rain, longer wearing)
Pirelli PZero Nero M&S $105 each

Talk to Alex@tirerack.com for more info.

 

Alex was one of the people who steered me toward the 50 because of potential rubbing and I don't think he assumed mine was lowered. I also read about 205-55-16s rubbing here on NAM...again lowering not mentioned, although I can't remember who's post.

Rubbing would also be a funtion of how spirited / agressively you drive. I played it safe by choosing the 50s.

 

Other choices could also include 205/45-16 with an average diameter of 23.4" and similar weights. The Avon M500 weighs 21lbs

 

I just replaced my Dunlap Runflops with Kumho's Ecsta SPT 205/50/16's. The car is stock. They don't rub at all. $71. each. They are EXCELLENT, wet or dry, but definetly not a snow tire. The tire rack would call my driving style, spirited.

http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/tires/tires.jsp&tireMake=Kumho&tireModel=ECSTA+SPT


Partsman109, I belive the widest tire approved for a 6.5 inch rim would be a 225/50.

 

I bought the more expensive ($71vs $104) Nero Zeros because of the best of snow (handling)recommendation. This November or December,I'll find out if they're worth the extra $$$.

The oem Dunlops were awful (in the snow).