Hey,
My mini is currently being built. I ordered the 16" rims with the sport package including all season tires.
What is the default size of tire for the 16" runflats?
What kind of life should I expect from them? (assume conservative driving mostly freeway commuting).
When they are due, what kind of tire would be the best replacement? Recommend Run flat or Non?

Thanks!
Jim

 

195/55-16
15-30K miles
Replacement depends on your needs - I'm sure minihune will chime in...

 

I think you are getting a base MINI cooper (non S) so you'd get the spare tire.

Sport package adds 16" runflats in the size above. Most owners put on 18,000 to 22,000 miles if you keep up the tire pressure and rotate tires.

Since you have a spare you can get non runflats. Try for 205/50-16 in Ultra High Performance Summer tires if you don't have snow. Otherwise you can try for UHP/High Performance All Season tires.

195/55-16 is basically good for runflat tires.

If you keep the stock suspension you also could try 205/55-16 for street use but it is a little taller than stock sized tires. Still fits but there is less clearance and a smaller wheel gap. About 0.5" taller at 24.9". That size has a good selection of Ultra High Performance All Season tires.

Search for more information/threads based on tires sizes above.

 

Thanks for the info. I know I will be piling on the miles as soon as I get my car. Are there certain brands / models of tires which get long highway life? I know my first set of 16's for my focus lasted 50K (OEM Tires).

 

OK, for a 2007 MCa looking for longer treadlife.

If we look at 205/50-16 which is a good size then

In Ultra High Performance All Season tires:

Pirelli Pzero Nero M&S $108 each 400 treadwear
Kumho ecsta ASX $75 each 420 treadwear

In High Performance All Season tires:
Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S $160 400 treadwear
Bridgestone Potenza G009 $99 460 treadwear
BF Goodrich Traction T/A V $108 440 treadwear
Goodyear Eagle GT-HR $96 400 treadwear
Kumho ecsta AST $57 400 treadwear

In Grand touring All Season tires:
Goodyear Eagle ResponseEdge $123 440 treadwear

And in 205/55-16 (slightly taller than stock)
In Grand Touring All Season tires:
Michelin Primacy MXV4 $146 620 treadwear
Bridgestone Turanza Serenity $118 740 treadwear

As treadlife increases you get slightly harder rubber that is more durable but also not as good for handling and cornering or braking. If you only do commuting and need durable but comfortable tires then the Grand Touring All Seasons make sense. All three of these tires mentioned are very good.

The Kumho ecsta tires offer good value.

 

Thank you for the valuable information. I'm sure these runflats I will be getting won't last too long. 160 mi R/T commute 4 days/week adds up.

 

Rotate tires every 3000 to 4000 miles and keep tire pressures up about 38 psi.

You should be fine.

Don't carry heavy stuff in your MINI.

Use the cruise control if you have one.