I am going to replace the tires on my 2003 Mini Cooper S (Dunlop Run Flats) and I'm debating either going with 205/55-16 or 205/50-16 tires as opposed to the 195/55-16 series that are already on it.

What are the advantages of going to either one of these sizes versus the original 195/55-16 size?

Based on the their numbers are the 205 series tires lower and wider?

What's the advantage of stying with the OEM factory size?

I want a smoother, quieter ride - with good traction especially in the rain and snow. I live in a hilly area of Nashville and sometimes roads are slick and curvy.

Also, for the MCS< what is the difference between 205/55-16 versus 205/50/16 as far as clearance, stability, etc?

Thanks for any insight.

Rob C

 

Rob, I've got 205/55-16's (Blizzaks) on my '06 MC, and they scuff the wheel wells (fender arches?) if I hit a big bump / pothole or if I've got passengers in the backseat. So, I'd probably recommend against that size - in fact, I'll need advice as to waht size summer tires to get for the spring!

 

I've been reviewing the various tire size options myself. The following table shows a range of tire sizes relative to the 205/55-17 tires that come on my 2005 MCS with Sport package.

Tire Section Tire Height
Width Height Section Wheel Tire Ht. Change
(mm) (inch) (% width) (inch) (inch) (%)
------ ------ ----------- ------ ------ -------
205 3.63 45 17 24.26 1.00 (nominal)
195 4.22 55 16 24.44 1.01
225 4.43 50 16 24.86 1.02
215 4.23 50 16 24.46 1.01
205 4.04 50 16 24.07 0.99
205 4.44 55 16 24.88 1.03
195 4.99 65 15 24.98 1.03
205 4.04 50 15 23.07 0.95
215 4.66 55 15 24.31 1.00

The 205 width is 10mm (0.4") wider than the 195's, so it fills the wheel well a little more and provides a little more rubber on the road. For a 16" wheel/tire combination with 205 width tire, the 50-series section height will yield a tire height ~2% shorter than your OEM 195/55-16 tires, whereas the same width tire with a 55-series section height tire will be ~2% taller. This is typically in the "noise level" of speedometer readings and tire fitment on a car, so I'm surprised Summeroflove is reporting rubbing issues on his car.

For snow and wet weather traction, my advice would be to stick with the OEM size as it will be less prone to aquaplaning and will dig in better in the snow.

As for stability differences between a 50-series and a 55-series tire, the lower section height will provide slightly better handling at the expense of a slightly rougher ride, and vice-versa for the higher number. We're not talking dramatic differences here tho'.

Alan

 

Oh, what wheels are you running on your car Summeroflove? OEM or aftermarket? If the latter it could be a wheel offset issue.

Alan

 

Alan (ohs68) - my OEM tires & wheels were the 15" rockets shod with 175/65-15's. I was lucky (?) enough to be able to find a previously owned set of BBS RX wheels (16x7) with the Bridgestones on 'em, and those are the ones that are sometimes rubbing. They were previously on an '03 MCS, and both his MCS and my MC have stock suspensions.

 

205/50-16 is the most common choice when fitting non-runflats ...

Replacement Tire Statistics

 

195/55-16 is stock sized but has less selection of non runflat tires in various classes.

Advantage of the stock size availability of runflats and stock appearance.

Owners choose 205/50-16 (slightly smaller outer tire diameter) or 205/55-16 (slightly larger outer tire diameter than stock) for various reasons but both will work OK. The 205/50-16 is quite popular and since smaller has more wheel clearance. 205mm wide tires are 10mm wider than 195mm tires given the same rims when mounted.

50 series tires tend to be slightly more responsive on cornering and 55 series tires are slightly more comfortable. Traction in wet or dry has to do with tread design and rubber compound. Max and Ultra High Performance summer tires offer more grip but wear out a little faster. All Season tires offer good grip and good wet and dry performance with longer tread life and more moderate costs.

When shopping at tirerack.com select a size then shop in the different tire classes and check out the owner ratings and tirerack test results vs the cost. If you have more questions try emailing or calling Alex@tirerack.com

 

Just bought the 205-50-16 S03s last week, mounted on my V-spoke/X-lite/R84s and they are FANTASTIC! I just spent two days at Carolina Motorsports Park hustling around the track with 'vettes, 'stangs and Cobras and these tires grip like glue.

They've also dramatically improved the ride quality over the run flats, (I have a RSB and no suspension mods, and the run flats made it ride like a truck.)

As for Alex and Tire Rack, this is my first "big" Internet purchase, (I've never used eBay, not phobic, just old school ;-) ). Everything went great, shipped on time, accurate product, friendly installer, CHEAP prices for tires and install. I'm sold and you should be too! (No kick backs from Alex, just like to give credit where it's due--remember, I'm old school.)

 

Rob, I'm running 205-50-16 Kumho ECSTA MX's with ASA JH6 wheels on my 2006 MCS. I've had zero problems. They look like they belong there.

EDIT>> I bought them from Tire Rack. Alex gave me great service.