Just bought my first MINI, a 2010 R56 (non S). The wheels and tires have apparently been changed from factory built as the door jamb label says 15" and there's a 15" donut spare under the rear, but the tires are new (or almost new) ContiProContact SSR 195/55 R16 87V.

Some questions:
I assume I should not use the donut spare if I get a flat - agree? I believe the "SSR" means run-flat, so just get to a shop within 50-miles of a flat?

Does the car require any computer adjustments when going from 15 to 16"? I guess I can get my dealer to see if those changes were made if they were needed?

Does anyone see any problems with this particular car/tire combo?

Any recommendations on tire pressure settings?

Thanks from a MINI nube!

Ron
Cincinnati

 

Your cooper can come from the factory with either 15" non runflats or 16" runflats, in any case you still get the compact spare tire.

The door jam has tire pressures for the various size MINI wheels and tires that come with the car, besides 175/65-15 there is 195/55-16. There are OEM tire pressures on this label but you can run a little higher, about 36-38 psi front and rear.

If you get a flat you have several options, use a tire sealant to temporarily fix the air loss and drive to a safe area or home, change to the compact spare (yes it works), or drive on the runflat until you get to a safe area (up to 50 mph).

None of the MINIs need any computer change when changing to a different size wheel because the tire sizes are close to the same tire diameter of 24.3".

Your MINI likely came from the factory as you described. The Cooper S does not come with a spare tire and there is no 15" non runflat option.

 

Thanks for the feedback MINIHUNE! I thought that post got lost in the ether...

Glad to hear that the donut will work OK with the ~24" OD of the 16" tires. Makes it an easier call to get these hard riding run flats off when they get worn or I get fed up with them

Ron R.
Cincinnati