Hi, this is our first post. Its time to put tires on our 2012 mini. What's the best value for 175/65 15's ? Also, our speedo is off a little, about 4 miles fast at 70 mph. Would putting 185/65's help heal the speedo or make it worst ?
Thanks

 

Most of the readers here look for high performance....
Before going to the slightly wider tire, know you might lose a bit (part of a mpg) due to the extra width...but the 185 is a common size for many cars....I run a set on my 2005 s as my "winter" set on 2013 rims...fits fine...speedo is accurate (about the same % error as gen2 cars).
Think about your priorities....
Low cost, long wearing, good winter traction, brand name, low rolling resistance, smooth ride, road feel, quiet ride, etc ? All things folks rank differently....one size, brand or style does not meet everybody's needs, wants or desires....
I suggest you try tirerack.com's help me pick a tire feature to get a feel for what you want...touring, grand touring, high performance, etc tire....
They will show you the most popular, etc....
The 185 size is used on Prius cars...so lots of good mpg tires...not so much performance choices though.....for that size you might need to input the search for a tire by size rather than car type....

 

If your speedo is 4 mph fast at 70 mph with 175/65/15's, it will be only
2.5 mph fast at 70 mph with 185/65/15's, and they should fit just fine.

It would be 3 mph fast with 195/60/15's, which may perform better and
still fit the 15 x 5.5 wheels well.

 

the speedo reads high by design


many threads on this


has been this way since day one of MINI and allegedly applies to BMW too


rumor is it has to do with big Europe fines if the speedo reads low ... so they pad it.


my 2002S read high on 17's


my 2007S read high on 16's

 

Thanks !

 

Thanks

 

A 185 will only partly correct the speedometer by changing the effective gearing by two percent giving a reduction in speedo reading of 1.2mph at an actual 60mph. The extra width and greater weight will have a slightly negative effect on your mpg.

If I still had my 2010 MINI I would buy the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 in 175/65-15. Excellent handling in dry and wet, good ride, 45k treadwear warranty. Can be used in temperatures below 40F. $89 at TireRack.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....SAS3&tab=Sizes

 

Cool I learned something today, so it really nothing to due with the over sized optional tires that were put on the car. My car came with 16" stock but the option was 17" 205/45/17 and according to my gps my car runs 5 mph slow, so if the speedometer says it's going 70 the gps says i'm doing 65. I was going to switch the tire out to a 235/45/17 if i could fit them in order to fix the speed error. Now i'm not going to, maybe 215

 

how do the Michelin's do in colder climates, do you know?

 

There are many testimonials here and at TireRack.com. I don't personally live in a colder climate.

 

Thanks

 

if you read tirerack.com's test of ultra high perf A/S tires, the michelin A/S3 is the new king of the hill in wet and dry perf but the conti dws is still king in snow

 

if you want the best summer and winter perf then you need 2 sets of tires/wheels

on my all4 I run 225/50R18 michelin pilot super sports in summer and 205/70R16 dunlop grandtrek sj6 studless ice and snow tires on mini oem 16" alloys during the winter

once you have driven a dedicated winter tire in snow you will never be happy with all-season tires again

 

We can't run studs in MD, i'd love to though.

 

they are studless tires ...

 

Discount Tire Direct has a tire calculator under their "info center". Top right on their home page. You enter the oem size tire that you have and then put in other size tires you like to try. It could be the same diameter example 15 inch or put in plus size tires. It will automatically calculate the side wall height, diameter, circumference, width and will equate 65 mph with oem tire to the new tire size that you chose. For 175/65/15 the equivalents would be 185/60/15, 195/60/15 and 205/55/15. 205/55/15 being the closest to original oem speed. 185/60/15 is close but why not get 175/65/15 at the point. 195/60/15 is close but mph will be off slightly. It does offer a taller side wall and will flex more in curves and corners. It does fill the wheel gap and the ride will be smoother due to more sidewall. It will be wider too. The 205/55/15 will fit the 5.5 inch wheel. I have had these and the car corners unbelievably well. It is wider for a more aggressive look. As mentioned the speed is closest with these. Some people use 205/50/15 which is a smaller diameter and speed is off but offers greater acceleration due to the smaller diameter. There are very good choices in the 175/65/15 tires these days. Not so when Mini was in its infancy. They are speed rated and comfort is good. They just don't look aggressive. Your choice depends on your goal overall. Gas economy, looks, handling, or cost. I have two Minis and have tried all the above. My choice would be 195/60/15 for handling, cost, looks, selection and filling wheel gap. Just my experience and opinion.