Just put a set of Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grids (205-45-17) on my car today. I noticed the extremely pleasant difference in ride quality before I'd driven 30 yards from the store. I don't feel every irregularity in the roads and the car is way quieter. Feels like I put new shocks on the car. I haven't torn it up yet nor had it on the freeway either but it's really dramatic just driving around town. Went to Walmart for 3 Slime products (compressor/light, green goop, plug kit) that all fit under the seat for $40. Hope I don't need 'em. This is great. The tires were $117/ea at Tire Rack (shipped) but I got 'em locally out the door for $147/ea with nitrogen (they tossed that in for fun). If I have them free rotated/balanced just once at my place here they'll cost less.

 

night and day right

 

+1

Great tires.

 

Yeah. I've read a bunch of nonRF thread over the years and said "I bet they ride different, maybe I'll like that, maybe not". It makes me want to drive the car faster because the thing won't hop over a bump in a curve. I know, that won't always disturb the handling but it feels like you're not in contact with the surface for that fraction of a second. And the tunes sound a helluva lot better let me tell you that.

 

I know what you mean. I just replaced the RFs with Falken Azenis tires 2 nights ago. Copy everything you just said here.
Motor on!

 

how long did the the stock tires last?

 

I'm at 23,xxx miles and it's almost gone.

 

You mean your RF's are almost worn out?
Personally, I can't wait for the day that my RF's wear out. My daughter has a BMW w/ RF's and she hated them. Her can rides so much better with conventional tires.

 

I know how you feel. I enjoyed running the rf's until I switched. Holy smokes what a difference.

 

I just got my Zuggy a couple weeks ago with stock RFs. They are noisy and bumpy, but they sure hold a wet road! Very impressive.

 

Yes on the RF's. I'm going to buy some regular tires but even with RF's I didn't notice a noisy uncomfortable ride.

 

Mine had 27k with maybe 3k to go. Funny thing is that I was combing the tire forum for someone who had 17" RFs they wanted to unload. Now I'm glad nobody did . I tore these new ones up yesterday and they handle a little different but rock solid at 100mph. Steering maybe a little more understeer but not in a bad way. I expected different, the sidewall is not nearly as stiff.

 

Yes for RF the ones on my MCS (contis) have a particular good ride, but they are still RFs.

 

Yep. I have Kuhmo's and they grip the road like glue. Dunno why people have such a passion for RF's- bumpy and expensive as hell. But then again, I also dont know why people name their cars.

 

Good decision; i just took the RF's off my R53 for the spring season; and i can instantly feel the better performance.

 

Can't agree more! I changed my RF's for Bridgestone Pole Position RE960 215/45/17. What a difference!! Selling my 195/55/16 Conti Runflats with Bridgespokes.

 

I just switched to Bridgestone REO11 - 215/45R17

HUGE difference. The car holds the corners and no bouncing on small bumps.

I can't wait for Laguna Seca!!!!

 

I got rid of the RFs after first 2K miles. They'll just ruin your suspension and the car will need wheel alignment done every 3k miles.

Good decision.

 

I switched mine out for regular tires too, and, honestly, it's a mixed bag. Sure it's more comfortable, but, be prepared for the loss of turn-in. The stiff sidewall really made it a joy to yank the wheel. I guess I ultimately have more grip now, but, now a suspension upgrade is mandatory, not just something I want. Either that, or go back to run-flats.

Just be prepared, if you are a performance-minded driver, to spend more money than just the cost of the tires.

 

I think I know what you mean about turn-in being different with nonRFs. It makes sense. I have a 19mm rear ASB. You get used to it just like you get used to turning off the sport button on twisty roads (I do that a lot). I don't think it requires a suspension tweak, just a little different driving technique.

 

Well, it doesn't require anything, you are right about that. But I don't want to live with the decreased performance. But that's just me. Different things matter more to different people. If you are a nut about good handling, you would probably want to do something to get some turn-in back, and improve everything else while you are at it. But, Obviously, if it isn't a big deal to you, then you could just adjust.

I was just stating my own experience I guess. Just to warn people. I read those same threads and all I heard was how great it was to get rid of the run-flats, as if there were no drawbacks. Well, there are. Not to say it wasn't a good choice, but, like any other decision, there are pluses and minuses.

I think people are easily mislead by those threads. I was.

Basically, comfort is up but sharpness is down a little. And the tires are way cheaper.

I think that is a more accurate statement about how getting regular tires affects the car. Better than, "Ditch the run-flats, they are crap. Regular tires will be much better."

 

Does anyone here consider the safety factor of run-flats over conventional tires I just ordered my wife a new Mini and seriously thought about giving up run-flats because of our first 2005 Mini experience. However........

My wife drives 25 miles to work on the highway to a hospital (R.N.). Considering the fact that she could continue to drive on the tire if it became flat seemed comforting to me. I really could not imagine my wife being stranded on the highway at the mercy of every nutcase out there.

Considering the 2 gen suspension redesign and the fact that the sport package no longer has the "sport suspension", I am anticipating a nicer ride regardless of the run-flats.

Note: Cindy (my wife) gives way to good of "sponge bath" to lose or injure her. Now if she only keeps the Mini washed and waxed. Since she is already calling it her "Baby", I am hoping for the best.

We are both REALLY looking forward to getting back into a Mini Cooper.

 

D-Unit: You're probably right that the tire choice will affect the cornering more than anything else. A thicker rear swaybar (done that) and maybe lighter wheels(?) may help as well. The track folks don't seem to be in love with RFs for the most part. They go for specialty tires made for tracks that I'm not into because of wear issues and weather. I don't think these nonRFs corner worse than the Dunlaps, just feel different cornering, if that makes any sense. I suspect if I'd bought a different RF style/brand they would feel different too.

 

Sounds about right to me.

I guess the moral of my story is that I have a bit more research to do. It has been a learning experience though.

 

So many MINI owners switch to 17" rims. Is everybody purchasing new Wheels or is there a trick to putting 17" tires on 16" rims?????