HELP ME PLEASE!!
I am interested in switching to non-run flat tires as they are too expensive, get low mileage and poor wet weather handling. I presently need two of them but if switching will change all four.

I am confused as to what I can actually switch to. I have 205/45/17's run flats presently. Does anyone have an actual tire recommendation that will improve handling in wet weather, soften the ride and not change the overall handling too much.

Also, do I also need to change the wheels as well as the tires? I am seeing mixed information on this. Thanks.

 

Your wheels are fine. Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus are what I will be putting on my MINI when my runflats are shot.

 

Wheels are fine with non-runflats and they may provide a little softer ride, mine did.

 

Check out Tire Rack. I did some research earlier and the Michelin Sport looks like a great option. Make sure you get the proper speed rating. In the end, the "best" tire really depends on your personal driving habits.

 

Check in advance with the shop you want to use to mount the new tires - some will refuse to mount non-runflats on a car that came with runflats from the factory, particularly if you don't have a spare tire. I'm currently dealing with this issue with my winter tires at a Goodyear tire shop, where the manager claims it's a liability issue for them...

 

Wheel size is not a problem, and finding a tire in your preferred size is not a problem. Yes I have heard of tire dealers who do not wish to mount non-runflat tires on cars that originally came with runflats and claiming a liability problem. That is of course nonsense, not having a spare tire is a convenience problem not a dangerous liability matter. If you run into thiis question and they won't change their position, take your business elsewhere.

 

You will be amazed how much better your MINI will drive with real tires. I run Bridgestone Potenza Grids. These tires perform well in all seasons, ride well, handle well and are not too noisy. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Model=Cooper+S

 

Awhile back I went through the very same process you are. I had the run flats and I hated them. I spent several weeks doing the research and inquiry and this is what I discovered.

Yes, your wheels are probably fine. As long as you like'em you can use'em.

As far as tires go and assuming price is not a major issue, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus is most likely the best tire you can buy if you need all season performance. I now have a set of 215/45-17. I went up to the next size for a couple of reasons and I would recommend it to you too. I am amazed at how good these tires perform, the handling as well as the braking has improved significantly. Very Very Grippy! I absolutely love my Michelin Pilot Sport A/S +'s.

If you are fortunate enough to live in a more temperate climate, you could also consider the Continental ExtremeContact DW's. The Conti is possibly a bit better handling tire at a bit better price at a bit lighter weight. If I lived in the south I would have bought the Conti DW's.

I looked into all kinds of tires from these and other brands, but the bottom line is that all the others were either "almost as good" or "very similar to" the Michelin PS A/S+ or the Conti EC DW's, but there was always a "But" added to the comments. So I decided to get the tire that everyone compared their tire to, I think I got the best. They look really cool too!

I wish you the best of luck in your search.

 

I had to replace a damaged runflat so I just purchased two conventional tires for less than the price of one run-flat. I will eventually get two more conventional tires when I can but so far, I'm super happy with my Continental Extreme Contact DWS on the front, runflats on the back. Also, I will do minimal snow driving but I was told they will do very good when I do. D for dry, w for wet, and s for snow just fyi.

 

On the other side, Ive had a garage tell me they wont/cant do my tire replacement because they dont have a machine strong enough to pry the stiff-walled RF off the rim. They would have no problem putting regular tires on my car, though.

 

i just switched from my RF's to yokohama s-drives. got them online from tirerack.com. very easy, good price, even got a courtesy phone call out of the blue from them about them not being RF's etc.

i mounted & balanced 2 of the tires myself on the existing wheels. PITA on the equipment i was using (being lowish profile). i paid 25$ each to get the other 2 done.

the change is good. not overwhelming, but quieter and smoother. get the can of fix-a-flat and a plug kit first off.

 

I too switched from run flats - see pictures below. These are 215/45/17 Toyo Proxes 4's. No regrets on making the change. Much smoother ride with more grip. Also had them siped...

 

I siped a set of tires a few years ago, I wil never do it again. Yes the inital traction was great, especially on ice and snow but my tires were shot after 14,000 miles, they were rated for 30,000. I had went in for a rotation and the tech asks me if I wanted new tires, I said why, they are barely a year old. He didn't believe me until he checked my purchase records. Fortunately he gave me a nice credit on new tires.

 

Some tire shops will not sell you nor mount anything other than what came with the car. Not a real liability issue, just a business decision to protect those dumb consumers out there that don't know about tire choices.

Go with a quality tire (research Tire Rack) in the same size, or even go with a 215/45 for a bit better ride.

 

I have the Continental DWS all season 205-45-17. I got them for their inclement weather performance qualities. If I had to do it over I would have went with 215-45-17. It would have filled the tire well in better and put just a little more tire to the road for overall handling. I like my DWS's, however, If I were you I would look very strongly at the Yokohama Envigors too. Tirerack has excellent consumer reviews.

 

I also have a problem with a defective RF tire. Is there any warranty on these from the dealership??

For those of you that went with a conventional tire did you get a donut/spare? Does anyone know the specific spare size that will fit a 2008 Cooper S.

I guess I will be putting the snow tires on a little early this year to put off buying new tires (at least it is 70 degrees today)
Thanks

 

The obvious answer is: the spare tire that fits on a 2008 (Justa) Cooper. Only on the rear, though; if you have a front flat you'll be changing the good rear to the front and putting the donut on the rear.

There have been several threads on obtaining a donut - the hub can be bought new from MINI for about $45, but they sell the tire for over $100. If you can get a Kumho replacement from Tire Rack, it's much cheaper.

Alternately if you're brave enough to go non-OEM, there are supposedly several other cars that use spares that will fit - if you can pick up one at a junkyard in good shape.

See also:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...r-74-00-a.html

http://www.thompdale.com/mini_cooper/add_a_spare.htm

 

As said previously, you can get the wheel from a MINI dealer. I almost bought a Continental 115/70 15, same tire that MINI uses OEM on ebay for $45. I would have but I was able to find a complete MINI spare in this site's Marketplace. Check it often, there was one available last week.

Also, you can look here this might work also: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VW-B3...7#ht_629wt_754

 

I don't have RFs on my '03 MCS. But, I don't have a spare either. If r56trbo is correct, then the space saver that came off of my '87 Accord should fit. So, my questions.

1. Where do you keep the spare? There doesn't seem to be a place to mount it.

2. I bought my car used and there is no jack or lug wrench. Doesn't even look like there is a place to store all of the stuff. I don't have an oddment tray above the battery (should there by one?). I have seen roadside kits and will probably get one, but I also have good AAA coverage. So, my question is where would you put the tool kit? Left side compartment behind the tail light?

 

I've never carried a spare even though I chucked may RFTs many years ago. I carry this instead http://bit.ly/b6cLE1. It fits back in the cargo area, and I use a strap to hold it in place. BTW: I also carry tow insurance just in case the Slime doesn't get things rolling (AAA would be even better).

 

I just ditched some Bridgestone Potenza RE050A runflats for Hankook Ventus V12 evo's yesterday & can already tell a difference in ride quality. The non-RFT Hankook's ride like a dream in comparison. I'm in FL so I don't need an all-season tire, and decided on the V12's after reading a ton of driver reviews all over the place.

I drove through some serious rain last night & puddled water on the streets, no problems whatsoever. Can't comment on dry handling since I haven't broken the tires in yet & therefore haven't pushed the speedy cornering, but from what I've read I won't be disappointed.

So far swapping runflats for "regular" tires is the best decision I made since deciding to actually buy my MINI.

 

I put on the Michelin Exalta PE2's and went to 215/45/17"s

These tires do not hydroplane at all and stick like glue in the rain. They are summer tires and not all season but living in Florida with a strick personal policy of never going North between November 1st. & February 28th. I don't need an all season tire.

Go to the tire rack and read some of the reviews on different tires.

 

For those with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus and in snowy climates...have you run these in snow yet? How do they fair? Getting to be that time of year!

Thanks-

 

I just swapped out my RF's for a set of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus 215/45 17's and I live near NYC which is what I'd call a semi-snowy climate. Its still in the mid 50's here, but when we do get the snow I'll post my thoughts.

BTW, I have the Michelin Exalto A/S on my M/B E320.

 

im normally against run flat tires and would get the tires the guys posted above but the other day i got a hugee nail on my tire and i thanked myself i did not swap em out when i was gonna.... would of sucked driving with a flat tire for too long.... but yesss i wouldnt get run flats again after these go out hah