I have a 2013 MiNi S Hardtop with the stock 16" all-season runflats. Being in the northeast USA, I fortunately was prudent enough to order Blizzaks and they have served me well so far. But now I have to look ahead to my summer treads.

So what to decide on summer tires and wheels... My stock wheels are now married to winter reads and those will be my snow wheels at 195/55R16. Should I move to something different for the summers? While I love spirited cornering, I definitely value ride quality so I'm reluctant to step up to 17" because of the harsher ride quality. As far as treads, I know there is no perfect tire, but good traction in wet is probably important since it rains fairly frequently here.

And, of course, no runflats. Too harsh - and I just can't see myself committing to a worse ride just to make it easier to drive on a flat if that ever were to happen.

So I'm looking currently at Borbet LV4 Anthracite wheels (with TPS installed) and Kumho Ecsta 4X treads, 195/55R16 (all on TireRack) Any thoughts or comments from others' experience and knowledge?

 

Michelin Pilot Super Sports in a 17 for a firmer sidewall, being a non-RFT it wont be too harsh unless you hit potholes.

 

If you like the Borbet wheels mentioned in 16x7" size then to meet your needs for ride comfort and for superior wet handling and performance consider:


Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Ultra High Perf All Season tire
205/55-16 $115 each, 400 treadwear, fits rims 5.5-7.5" wide, perfect for 6.5" rim, 23 lbs, W speed rated.
Tirerack test result-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=165
Note results for comfort and wet handling.

Other choices in UHP All Season tires-

Continental ExtremeContact DWS
205/50-16 $117 each, 540 treadwear, 19 lbs


General G-Max AS-03
195/55-16 $94 each, 480 treadwear, 18 lbs, V speed rated
Tirerack test result-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=151


Kumho Ecsta 4X
195/55-16 $86 each, 420 treadwear, 19 lbs, V speed rated
Good tire on a budget. Not as comfortable as some others.

Tire sizes all will fit on 16" wheels but some will be a little larger than stock 195/55-16. As a result some tires will be a little heavier or lighter in weight. Less weight usually can feel a little more nimble and responsive, requiring less energy/power to accelerate or to stop. Not all tires will come in stock 16" sizes so these are the best available.

17" wheels and tires are also viable but 17x7 rims will likely weigh a little more and tires will be 205/45-17 or 215/45-17 which have a relatively stiffer sidewall and are less comfortable than the tires listed above. Summer tires will also wear out faster than UHPAS tires for general street use.

 

You might want to look at an alternate size, there's not much in 195/55-16. 205/50-16 is pretty close (slightly smaller) and works well and has more choices. 205/55-16 is a bit big but still fits, but has lots of choices available.

I'm very happy with the Continental DW tires we have on the JCW. Even in 17" they ride very comfortably, but are still very grippy.

 

Similar situation; my factory 16's now host my Blizzaks.

I went with 17" JCW Challenge wheels, with 205/45 Conti DW summer tires. You rarely see Ice Blue MINIs with Challenge wheels, I've always liked them.

A few weeks from getting them mounted and on the car. I figured even in 17's they'd be more compliant than the RFTs that came on the car.