I was surprised that my regular tire installer declined to mount my new tires because his equipment can't remove runflats. He showed me a pic of the changer required to do it ($22,000). He called a buddy at a local Goodyear dealer to see if they could handle the job. They said no!!! Even though they stock the same GY's that came on my MCC they haven't upgraded their tire changer to handle them. Anyone else have this problem?

 

My Tire guy went ahead and removed them, he did however nick up my wheels.

 

Call around. About half of the shops around here can handle them. I've had mixed luck with the goodyear places, but I have two locally that can do it now.

 

Wheel damage was the reason my usual installed declined. He said he could probably get them off but I wouldn't like the way it would nick up the wheels. I assume that Costco has the right equipment since many folks seem to go there? Any damage from them? Thanks

 

If anyone is in the Maryland area, My shop has a tire machine that can do runflats and anything up to 30" w/o a problem.

 

Don't go back to those guys!!! They obviously are either ill equipped to be in the modern tire business or have employees who don't know what they're doing. Installing and removing "run-flat" tires is the same as a standard tire except that a bit more care w/ the machines and tools needs to be taken. We install run-flat tires every day in my shop, in all the current sizes, and don't have any issues. The Mini's, especially the 1st gen. w/out the TPMS sensors at the valve stem are very easy to remove and install. It's the 645 Bimmers and Vettes w/ the 19" runflats and reverse drop wheels that make you work for your $$ and make you take extra care not to damage the wheel/tire.
By the way, I don't have a $22k machine either, nylon at all the contact points and on the pry bar ensure we don't mar the wheels.

Later

 

Tires Plus in Alexandria, Va.
(703)823-2666

I work for them out here in Ca. they should have equipment that will allow them to work on your vehicle.

HTH

 

Thanks, they are just up the street from my office.

 

Just a question... why were you looking to change out the run flats? Your post doesn't say that you were looking to replace them for "regular" tires, so I'm wondering if that's what you were doing. I don't have my mini yet and I'm a bit confused with run flats.

 

What part of the runflats are you confused about?

 

The runflats have obvious merit when you get a flat and changing it would be a problem but the ride is a little harsh due to their construction. Some don't mind it and the Mini's suspension is designed to compensate to some degree. Mine came with Goodyears and the ride really wasn't all that bad.

I'm at the point where I need tires at 29K miles and just prefer the lower cost and smoother ride of regular tires plus a much wider selection of brands and types. I also have an optional factory temp spare. The Goodyear runflats are over $200 each to replace and the replacements I chose, Avons, cost $80. It was an easy decision. Mini owners who sent reviews to Tirerack had good things to say about the Avons--plus they're British!

I chose to go with 205.55.16 while many others prefer the 205.50.16. I wanted to keep as much sidewall as posible for the ride. Just a matter of personal preference. For winter, I'm running OEM Continentals ContiTouring all seasons on 15" factory alloys for the narrow footprint and smooth ride. Really don't need ice/snow tires here in Virginia. My Mini Convert lives in the garage in bad weather anyway--that's why God made Jeeps! I'll put the Avons on in the spring on the original 16" alloys.

 

I guess confused is the wrong word choice. I don't have experience with run flats so I don't know how they'll feel. I get the sense they'd feel solid and with less give. When I think run-flats I think driving on solid rubber. Anyway, I was wondering how many people changed out their run flats for a more traditional tire and a more traditional feel.

 

I live in Maryland. What's the name of the shop?

 

Admiral Tire and Goodyear, we are in South Bowie in the median of rt 301.

 

Most people use the tires that came with their car until they're worn...then maybe consider other options at that time. I drove my first MCS for 20k miles on the factory issue, then traded in for an 05 and drove it for almost 20k, again on runflats, before changing to non-runflats. Main reason for the change: looking for better performance because I started doing HPDE. I had no experience with runflats before the Mini, but didn't attribute the ride to the runflats as much as to driving a Mini.