I own a 2009 Mini Cooper S hardtop. Came with stock (boring) 16 inch wheels (195-15-55) in silver.

Now that the stock OEM Goodyear Excellent tires are becoming worn (only 25K miles) I'm contemplating either replacing with the same Goodyears (Goodyear Excellence ROF Run Flat 195/55R-16 87V RF MC), or possibly Continental's (Continental ContiProContact Run Flat 195/55R16 87V RF BMW). Which brand/model do most prefer? I prefer to be safe and stay with OEM wheel set-up with run-flat tires.

Or possibly upgrading to 17 inch set-up. I'm looking into 17 inch JCW wheels in black. Are most using 205-45-17? Are any additional parts required (spacers, etc.,...)?

Which 17 inch run-flat tires are most popular?
Continental ContiProContact Run Flat 205/45R17 84V RF BMW

I also plan to purchase upper stress tie-bar as well as upgrade stock springs and shocks/struts. I'm considering Neuspeed (NM Engineering) components:
NM.358856 Billet Aluminum Tie-Bar
http://www.nm-eng.com/231/0/0/1445/n...bar.html#popUp[products]/3/
GM5.D902 Bilstein Coilover Kit
http://www.nm-eng.com/231/2/0/1465/g...kit.html#popUp[products]/0/

How do JCW components match-up/compare to the mentioned Neuspeed components?

Appreciate your input.

 

I saw that TireRack had the Pirelli 205-45-17 RFT on a pretty good sale price - you might check those out if you want RFT's.

 

You have lots of options-

Keeping 195/55-16 runflats you can consider-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....=yes&tab=Specs
$145 each, 400 treadwear

Moving to 205/45-17 runflats-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....PRFT&tab=Specs
$185 each
This tire tested well, is reasonably priced, and has good treadwear-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=164


For general suspension upgrades for performance you can check out-
http://www.waymotorworks.com/handling/suspension/
For more info contact Way- he can tell you what will work.

Instead of the tower strut bar (does look nice but doesn't functionally make as much difference under street use since MINI chassis is stiff), you can consider an adjustable 19mm rear swaybar-
http://www.waymotorworks.com/tsw-rea...-bar-19mm.html
This can be tried in softest setting and adjust to make handling neutral- usually the one best upgrade you can do for any MINI.

JCW upgrades in general are higher priced due to the nature of being sold as a dealer performance upgrade "Name" item. If you can get them from the factory or dealer installed that is in your monthly payments or covered by warranty then that has some benefit.

But if you want total flexibility, you don't have a big budget, you aren't worried about warranty on upgrades, then you are better off shopping around and coming up with solutions that fit your own needs. However, plan well, not all upgrades are worth the expense. Talk to a MINI tuner that knows MINIs to get an opinion before committing.

The advantage of 16" wheels for the MINI is that the tire size allows for a 55 series sidewall which is generally more comfortable in street use than the 45 series tires used for 17" wheels. Runflat technology and prices have improved over the years so tire selection is better.

All season runflats tires are usable in cold weather or some light snow, no need for winter snow tires unless you get significant snow or cold.

 

Hi, really appreciate all this detailed information, very big help.

I ended-up replacing the stock Goodyear "Excellence" ROF's with Continental ContiProContact Run Flat (195/55R16 87V RF BMW) tires. So far they feel/drive very nice, definitely not as hard-riding as the Goodyear's, and feel slightly more "grippy". Although I feel the Goodyear Excellence ROF's exhibited a noticeably more solid feel, especially at high-speed.

Now I kind of wish I tried the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position RFT's instead since they are newer run-flat technology, and I generally like Bridgestone. I may consider returning the Continental's and exchanging for the Bridgestones (I believe America's Tire Store allows exchange within 30-days)..

Also, I am content with sticking with the stock wheel size (ie. 195-55-16), I believe this size will yield optimum performance from the Mini for everyday street/highway use.

But I would really like to upgrade to a more progressive suspension set-up. Even using JCW springs and strut-bar (I believe strut-tower bars really make major noticeable difference- from mjy experience).

I moved to this brand-new 2009 Mini from two, highly modified, Acura Integra's. I'm somewhat familiar with common mod's- ie. springs, shocks (coil-overs), stress-bars, sway-bars, hi-flow exhausts, headers, cam-gears, etc.,...

However, at this point I have mixed feelings in regards to how far I really want to take things. I do like the thought of keeping things simple.

 

While strut tower brace can be helpful for some cars it might not be the best choice for your MINI. Ask Way.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/nm-eng-...r-tie-bar.html
Strut tower defender plates are helpful for added strength.

Best to consult with Way at Waymotorworks.com for an honest opinion as to what upgrades if any are worth your effort.

In general your model has enough power. Suspension may be a better investment. Most owners will change out brake pads from OEM to something that dusts less.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/ebc-red...rake-pads.html

On a budget-
http://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-sus...n-package.html

Your runflats are fine but you can ask about your options from your tire store.

Intake and exhaust are common but you have CARB in CA to deal with.