Done with Run Flats. Live in rural midwest, and have to traverse a couple miles of gravel drive (slowly!) everyday before the motoring fun begins. Lower profile seems less appealing, though wider footprint just seems...better?!

Looking for optimal all-season performance, understanding that the benfit of mpg and smooth ride is more important than autox skidpad capability. Also understand that different tires will affect the speedometer (which runs 3mph faster than actual). Appreciate the feedback.

Thanks,
bg
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2009 Clubman S - R55

 

I have 205/55-16 on my 2004 MCS and they fit without any problem whatsoever. Regarding speedometer error, do not make any assumptions. Go to one of the tiresize calculators for an estimate of the circumference and speedometer error for the various tire sizes you are considering. But then determine the actual circumference of the tire(s) in which you are interested by checking out the specs on the TireRack website.

 

I agree with ditching the standard idea of 195/55's and go with the 205/50's. For one, you have a broader tire selection, and two: the prices drop like 40 dollars a tire for some reason.....go figure.

I did just that with a set of Nitto Neo Gen All season, and the handling and ride is so much better. Don't see why a clubbie would not benefit from the same transition.

 

Thanks JAB 67...looking at the tire size calculators, I get the following:

195/55-16 = 24.44"
205/50-16 = 24.07"
205/55-16 = 24.88"

Have read mixed feedback about the 205/55's fitting and was hoping to get clarification.

 

The difference between those three sizes is very small. The 195/55 has an average sidewall height of 4.22" compared to 4.035" for the 205/50 and 4.44" for the 205/55. Tire wear reduces the sidewall by a quarter inch.

FTR, wider footprint means better lateral grip but poorer grip during acceleration and braking. The taller sidewalls might give you slightly better mpg. But your choice of tire is going to override all of the effects from size differences.

 

205/55/16 fit fine on my stock Justa. Milage dropped about a mile a gallon until I adjusted to GPS miles, then it was down about 1/4 MPG.
It takes a little more gas to get to speed in a hurry, but after about the first day that feeling was gone. I seem to have better traction all around, but never had the notion to test either tire for how much they could take. Speedo is now 1 to 2 MPH off instad of 3 to 4 per GPS.
It is a new ride and a much quieter ride. I was ready to ditch the car at times because of the road noise.

 

What tire, lostin?

 

Just heard from Alex at TireRack and confirmed my suspicion that the 205/55-16 is "too tall" for the standard ClubmanR55 suspension and is "technically not recommended." Looking at the Yokohama AVID ENVigor tire. Going to have to make decision today, as the Conti RF's just blow (literally...won't hold air overnight with 21K of hwy miles). Hope the conventionals wear and ride much better. Appreciate all the feedback. Thanks, bg

 

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

This tire. I haven't had the road noise issue some complain about, but they may have come from a quieter tire. I have driven in some pretty bad rain storms with almost the confidence of a dry road. I work near the La. gulf coast. We get a little rain at times. LOL
Do your research and find what you think will suit you. I have a tire guy that I have used for many years and he hasn't done me wrong yet, so that was the main force of my going with these.

 

The OEM 195/55-16 tires have a diameter of 24.4 or 24.6"

The 205/55-16 Yokohama Avid Envigor has a diameter of 24.9". 3/10ths of an inch is technically too high for the suspension?

 

I have run all of the above sizes on my 04 MCS, no issues, actually run the 205 55 16 for the winter, give a bit better ride and a little more sidewall for those NYC POT holes.
My fav size was the 215 50 16, that was the best riding tire I had on the Mini to Date. They were not on the factory rims, but I had no issues with the fit .

 

Yep, apparently the R55 Clubman is lower than the standard R56 suspension thus Tire Rack won't "technically" endorse the fit. In fact, also called the local MINI dealership and they wouldn't handle/answer at all, referring me back to TireRack. Kinda frustrating...short of mounting the tires and trying them, don't have clearcut evidence that they'll work.

At this point in time not interested in doing any major mods to the vehicle, as I'm not sure I'll stay with the R55Clubman or move to the R56JCW. Again, appreciate all the feedback.

 

I have been purchasing tires from Tire Rack and alike for 25 years and the last 3 with my MINI. They err on the side of caution when it comes to side wall clearance.....mostly because they caonot issue a refund if you have actually driven on the tire.

But if you would rather listen to what they tell you then do so. But I doubt anyone spoken with thus far even drives a MINI....my 2 pence.

 

And when I purchased my set of Pirellie PZero Nero tires from Tire Rack in size: 215/40/18 for my GP rims, they called me before shipping and said they would not fit either....So much for that....

And my MINI is lowered on a JCW Sport Suspension.