I got a new set of R90's for my wife's 2006 MCC. Two piece 17" OEM with no tires. Currently have 16" 5 stars. Summer only driven (stored now).

1. What size tires are the same diameter overall so her speedo isn't screwed up?

2. What are recommended tires for a non-S Mini? She doesn't need high performance that only last 20K miles. She needs good wear rating, and ones that sound good on the highway. I'll spend a little more for the best.

 

From searching I'm thinking of Goodyear GSD-3 215/45/17 or Michelin Pilots. Not sure which Pilots....may Sport A/S?

 

The 2 piece R90 rims are not light (looks nice though) and you'll be adding some weight compared to the stock 16" rims. Did you know that there are MINI one piece R90 rims? I would have suggested that for you. Looks like an R90 minus the wheelrim bolts (hard to keep clean).

You have an MCC so don't expect highest performance. If you do normal street driving you will be fine. Expect to expend more throttle to accelerate and a little more effort to stop.

If you use stock 205/45-17 tires then-
Consider the Avon tech M550 A/S $105 each W speed rated
360 treadwear AA traction 22 pounds 24.2" outer tire diameter

If you choose 215/45-17 (this is sightly larger than stock size but most owners find it to be the best compromise for an alternative tire as 215/40-17 is a bit harsher ride and much less than stock size).
Consider the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS $140 each W speed rated
400 treadwear AA traction 25 pounds 24.6" outer tire diameter

Both of these are Ultra High Performance All Season tires.

Talk to Alex@tirerack.com for more info and options.

 

Thanks Minihune, I've always trusted OEM wheels especially since these are BBS even though they are normally heavier than aftermarket. I got the R90's because I think they are the best looking OEM 17" rims Mini has made. I like the bolts over the one piece look.

I'm thinking your Bridgestone suggestion is what I need. I'm not sure how they compare to the Goodyear's that a lot of people seem to lke on ths board. Again, you are correct, she doesn't need ultra high performance in a standard MCC. No S.

 

I have an MC40 - comes stock with R90's

I can't tell you what dia. tire will not mess with the speedo..(although I dun 15" holies in the winter and r90's in the summer (with spec-2's that are same size as my stock RFT's) BUT what I can tell you is that if you are a spirited road driver...you will notice a slight differance(due to weight) right after you put them on, but you forget it quickly....

 

OK, that makes sense. I have a set of R90 two piece myself- nice wheels.
The quality of the R90s is standard BBS. In any MC or MCC you won't easily forget you have heavy rims. You feel it at all times except going at constant speed. Might help you roll downhill, just like a load tractor trailer.

For your case the Bridgestone RE960 really does make sense. I got a set of RE950 three years ago for the family Maxima which my kids usually drive and it was excellent and this RE960 is much better. If you choose the Avon M550 it's a very close second. Ask Alex@tirerack what is his take on the two.

It's not up to the higher performance levels but doesn't need to be. Safe in dry or wet and wears very well. Just rotate the tires every 4000 miles or so and keep the air pressures up about 33 to 37 psi.

 

Hello
205/45/17 ContiSportContact 2 or RE050A, my opinion in this measure...

Best Regards

 

The Goodyears are a GREAT tire, I had them on my Mazdaspeed Protege. Quiet, almost unbelievable good in rain (predictable and stick like glue). I don't know if they're available in 205/45 but definitely are in 215/45. Another club member in PittStop Mini has the Avons and loves 'em. Can't speak to the Bstones but have had several sets of their other models and not had a bad one. The Bstones I've had have tended toward the noisier end of the spectrum but I haven't tried the 960 so YMMV.

 

This tire deal is a PIA. I was ready to order the Goodyears when I found out they are directional so only can be rotated front to back.

 

So what are you going to do?

Directional tires are OK.

Just rotate front to rear and rear to front on the same side. If after 12,000 miles you feel the wear is OK but more tread is worn on the outer edges which usually they are and tread is good on the inner edges then just flip the tires. Remove all four and place the right tires on the left side with the less worn edges facing out. I've done this on my Bridgestone S-03s and I'm driving in my third year with them- and doing fine.

The Goodyears are still a good choice- just not quite as long wearing.

Costco told me normally they only rotate front tires to rear and rears to fronts with no crossing over anyway. I guess if they always do that it doesn't matter if tires are directional or not.

 

I'm going to research the suggestions you guys have provided and see if any of them aren't directional.