The tires on my 2004 MCS are the much-maligned run-flats, (all seasons on S-Lite rims).

I keep hearing little snippets about how "second generation" run-flat tires are supposed to ride softer and have more grip than the original run-flats that are on my car right now.

So Alex, I have 2 questions for you:

1.) Is this true? Do so-called "second generation" run-flats perform better, while offering a more compliant and comfortable ride? Do they "feel" like normal tires yet?

2.) If so, which of these are specifically recommended by you for my MINI?

Thank you very much.

Take a look at the Bridgestone Potenza RE050. BMW is using this on the Z4, and I predict it will be the OEM tire on the R56. Only $190 a piece.

why don't they just make foam inserts like on RC cars and call it a day?

runflat, puncture it, still doesn't go flat. how's that for 2nd generation.
what did we learn from the first generation? nothing...they still go flat
when there's no air.

I don't know of any types of 7 inch wide foam that can support in excess of 800 lbs a wheel, while maintaining the strength and rigidity required to drive at speeds of 60 MPH and resist temperatures of 120+ degrees (That would still be cost effective).

my point exactly. there is still a lot of room to improve. first off, the
current Runflat design is now getting old... the price should go down
more with more users now than 4-5 years ago.

I asked Alex about the 050s six months ago but he hadn't sold enuff to discuss it yet.

There is somoene here from Germany using them and they are 2nd gen. Highly rated and regarded.

i thought i read highly over rated and retarded.

Kenchan, thank you for your contribution to this thread. Your pessimistic and skeptical view on run-flat tire technology has been noted.

Now, is there anyone else out there with knowledge about 2nd-Gen run-flats, (hopefully first-hand experience)?

Thanks

np! just trying to make my day go by faster.

By the way, kenchan, I like how your car looks, with the black bonnet stripes and body kit. Looks evil.

I feel all self supporting tires ride rather firmly - those ridgid sidewalls that carry the vehcile's weight dont like to bend and flex as well. Not that I personlly recomend this option - Michelin PAX is a runflat option that uses the
donut in the wheel concept - but for a variety of other reasons - namley complicated installation.

Alex

So you don't recommend the Michelin PAX's? I'm sorry, I'm just having a little trouble reading your last sentence.

Could you clarify/elaborate for me, please?

Thanks.

runflats are hard to mount onto wheels.

i have these on my s2k, they are very nice... with low noise, good feel and progressive break away at the limits...

^^ does it grip as well as the regular RE050?

i remember the DSST SP9000's and they were not as good as their
non-RF counterpart.

These are NON-RF tires, so ignore my comments if you were looking for the RF version! When i had the stock 16 dunlops, the grip was lowered compared to the non-runflats i moved to, albeit turn in was not as good

^^ oh ic. i was like wow, people actually running these RF's on
S2k's..then that must be good!

not the case!

hehe, yeah that would be funny... i will never run RF's again, ever.... at least until the technology improves... even with the spare donut in the s2k that takes up 1/5 the room in my diminutive trunk i will trek on

^^ yep, especially when you're running 310whp on a
S2k!!!

Yes, that is precisely what I'm hoping to find out...

Has run-flat technology gotten "there" yet? We need an official answer to this. I can't be the only MINI owner out there who is wondering this...

I like the safety net that run-flats provide, since I don't carry a spare tire and a cell phone. But the ride quality of normal tires is something I'd love.

So, CAN I HAVE MY CAKE, AND EAT IT TOO, (yet)???

I think Alex was answering Kenchan's question about foam inside tires. This is the Michelin PAX system.

http://www.michelinman.com/differenc...paxsystem.html

Very similar to foam inside RC car tires.....but not available yet for resale.

Sorry I can't give you any advice on second gen run flats.

^^ now that i read it over, i think you are right.

i was talking about this and it went like this and then like that so
you know.

I have the Goodyear GW3 EMT winter runflat tires, and they're awesome. For summer tires I use Eagle F1 (non runflat). The GW3 is not as grippy, of course, but ride comfort & handling are really great & barely worse than the F1. They're TONS better than the Pirelli Euforias I used to have.

Maybe this means that Goodyear's summer runflats are also good... (but since I've only tried the winters, I couldn't tell you for sure...)