I've read lots of arguments on lots of forums. I have a 2005 Cooper S with 17" Pirelli runflats which need replacing now so need to make a decision. I want to get them from someplace like NTB that has a nationwide presence and a roadhazard warranty and the free rotation, etc.

I'd also like to know how much fuel savings I'd get if I switched to smaller wheels. If I got new wheels at around $100 each, would the savings on the smaller tires plus the fuel economy pay for itself in a reasonable amount of time? What size? I want better fuel economy. I was considering trading in for a new model to get it. This would be cheaper.

So, I've seen the complaints about how fast they wear, but isn't that usually true of performance tires? Are there non-performance runflats?

Also about the hard, noisy ride, which my car has. Doesn't that depend on what technology they use to make them run flats? It's my understanding that Pirelli has thicker sidewalls which makes them hard, but also improves the handling as in when I swerve around something on the freeway and then straightening out, which is my concern. But they also transfer more of the bumps to the suspension. I just spent 1200 on repairs from Houston's notoriously bad roads.

But Continental uses a different technology that self seals punctures. So why would they have a rougher ride or affect wear?

I originally wanted runflats because I felt that spending all the money on them would mean I'd never have any tire emergencies whatsoever. And I haven't, but then I haven't had a flat in decades. But the ex-husband has had one and it was exactly what I don't want, on a freeway with no shoulder and a long way to the next exit. Houston has quite a few of these through downtown which is where I live. And I'm sure as soon as I don't have runflats, I will get a flat. It's the law of nature.

But then again, it sounds to me like they may or may not work anyway. It depends on what kind of puncture you get.

And then there's the fact that few places have them in stock so if I needed a replacement, it could take days. I called the Sears, NBT and Discount tire nearest me and only the Discount tire has 1 pair of Pirellis.

 

the fuel savings accomplished with smaller wheels would be minimal if at all, the diameter of the tire is still the same even though your wheels are smaller. Maybe in the weight savings you'll get slightly better mileage but I think it's negligible.

all run flats are going to have a harder noisier ride because they all have thicker sidewalls. any tire should handle well if you swerve around something and straighten out at reasonable speeds.

i think you should stay with run flats if you don't wanna be stuck on the side of the road with a flat.

I've had a sidewall puncture in my runflats and i drove 60miles on them safely. I've since switched to traditional tires and havent had any issues :knocks on wood:

You may need to special order them from your local shop.

 

Thanks for the reply.

hmm. In other threads posters have claimed better gas mileage. And the ContiPro runflats are over $50 cheaper for 16"

 

nothing wrong with saving $200 for a set of 4 tires but how much more are you going to end up spending to get 16" wheels?

 

$200. But I could potentially sell my 17" titanium wheels.

Aren't there other advantages to more sidewall?

 

more sidewall = a more comfortable ride.

17" to 16" runflat is a little squishier (technical term )

 

Just last week I swapped out my 16" MINI wheels with stock runflats, to some aftermarket 16" wheels with non-runflat tires. I couldn't believe how much quieter and smoother my car was. I didn't have to talk as loud inside the cabin for my passenger to hear me. I should have made this switch sooner, however I was trying to get more use out of the runflats as they still have plenty of tread. I will be sticking with non-runflats from now on. I do most of my traveling within the city, so if I get a flat it'll be AAA to the rescue.

 

I would never buy another set of the run flats, save the cash and buy a spare if you are really worried about a flat. You can also get a few bottles of slime,a few cans of fix a flat and a tire repair kit with an airpump. better yet if that does not fit your needs just join AAA as is stated above. if you really want a softer and quiter ride, switch to 16 inch and run a 205 55 16, try the Avon tech M550 they are excellent, and about half the cost od run flats.

Good Luck

 

I'd stick with the runflats, but I'm old enough that my sensitivity is going fast!! Have you had any suspension mods done to your S?

 

No.

I still can't decide. Which is strange, because in most situations I'd choose to save the money. I was hoping for more responses about the runflats and the wheel size.

Also, recommendations on not-so-ultra-performance tires if that just means they'll wear faster.

 

The topic may have been beat to death to garner many responses. Reason I asked about your suspension is that, I find the runflats fine in the configuration I have - which is the factory JCW suspension upgrade plus the dealer upgrades. I can't really say what a stock would have been like since mine was this way from day one. It maybe that the added suspension work makes the ride with the runflats different from a stock MINI - just a thought. I hope you get some meaningful responses that help you decide.

I find Houston roads fun in a MINI, but I hope I keep missing those road ornaments!!

Oh and I have the Contis. Runflats should get you to the Woodlands and back on a flat.

 

I have had it with runflats - too noisy, too expensive, too hard to find shop that can service. All I need now is a spare tire - is there a small spare that will fit & not take up too much space?

 

You could go for the 1960's "rally look" and put the spare on the hood or roof!!

 

Lots of folks purchase "donut" spares for their MINIs... you can purchase the OEM Cooper spare, or get a same-sized spare (4x100 lug config) off some (but not all) Hondas at the junkyard. Most folks carry it in the boot, or behind the passenger seat.

 

The donuts spares for a Chevy Cobalt or a Miata are supposed to fit. Or you can purchase a spare for about $200.00 from the various Mini aftermarket sources.

 

Thanks - my other car is a Miata, so I'll see if the donut fits when the weather is fit (Central Illinois)

Bob

 

Note that the donut will only work on the rear, if at all...

 

I went through two sets of run flats on mine before I switched to Yokohamas. The run flats are too pricey, and they didn't last all that long on my car. My Parada spec II's are super sticky and I love them, not to mention that they're half the price! They are a bit noisy though.

 

I wish someone would post some wheels and donuts from cars that definitely do fit. All I ever see are posts that say what is supposed to fit.

And I'm surprised, but not one of my siblings or anyone else I asked is concerned about me driving around without a spare. I didn't ask my mother's opinion though. Anyway, I'm not getting runflats.