Order 16" or 17" wheels for comfort?
#1
Order 16" or 17" wheels for comfort?
Hi all,
I am ordering a new Cooper S Convertible and deciding on wheel size. I test drove a car with 17" conical wheels and it was quite harsh. I am very used to firm suspensions and actually like them (coming from multiple m-sport BMWs) but this is harsher than it needs to be IMHO. I can certainly live with it, but wondering if the 16" wheels/tires are noticeably more comfortable?
I am not planning on going to non-RFT tires. Also not planning to track it ever.
Many thanks for advice.
I am ordering a new Cooper S Convertible and deciding on wheel size. I test drove a car with 17" conical wheels and it was quite harsh. I am very used to firm suspensions and actually like them (coming from multiple m-sport BMWs) but this is harsher than it needs to be IMHO. I can certainly live with it, but wondering if the 16" wheels/tires are noticeably more comfortable?
I am not planning on going to non-RFT tires. Also not planning to track it ever.
Many thanks for advice.
#2
All other things being equal, 16's are going to be less harsh than 17's due to the taller sidewalls of the tires. But I would predict that you might not find any MINI on runflats riding as "comfortably" as m-sport suspended BMWs due to lower weight and less sophisticated shocks on the MINIs.
My stage 2 Dinan suspended 5-series was both firmer AND more comfortable than my sport suspended MINI. No RFTs on either though.
Quite a few people have reported improved ride with the FS Koni shocks on the MINI. Also with one of the newer generation Bridgestone RFT's. Search for which model.
My stage 2 Dinan suspended 5-series was both firmer AND more comfortable than my sport suspended MINI. No RFTs on either though.
Quite a few people have reported improved ride with the FS Koni shocks on the MINI. Also with one of the newer generation Bridgestone RFT's. Search for which model.
#3
Hi all,
I am ordering a new Cooper S Convertible and deciding on wheel size. I test drove a car with 17" conical wheels and it was quite harsh. I am very used to firm suspensions and actually like them (coming from multiple m-sport BMWs) but this is harsher than it needs to be IMHO. I can certainly live with it, but wondering if the 16" wheels/tires are noticeably more comfortable?
I am not planning on going to non-RFT tires. Also not planning to track it ever.
Many thanks for advice.
I am ordering a new Cooper S Convertible and deciding on wheel size. I test drove a car with 17" conical wheels and it was quite harsh. I am very used to firm suspensions and actually like them (coming from multiple m-sport BMWs) but this is harsher than it needs to be IMHO. I can certainly live with it, but wondering if the 16" wheels/tires are noticeably more comfortable?
I am not planning on going to non-RFT tires. Also not planning to track it ever.
Many thanks for advice.
Drive it on the roads you would be using to get some idea how it would do.
Cooper S only comes with OEM runflats either 16" or 17"/18". Of these the 16" tire size is 195/55-16 and a little more comfortable but still firm riding.
That's likely your best bet. You can run tire pressures a little on the lower side.
For those that would consider non runflat tires-
17" OEM wheels come with 205/45-17 runflats. If you were to use 17" wheels and change to non runflats you can use 215/45-17 with stock suspension and choose a smoother riding tire like the Michelin Pilot Super Sport. You get good handling and good street ride.
16" OEM wheels can take many non runflat tire sizes-
195/55-16
205/50-16, slightly shorter tire diameter than OEM
205/55-16 slightly taller tire diameter than OEM, better ride comfort but not as crisp handling.
#4
#5
On my car (sport suspension originally), I had 16" RF tires on my winter wheels and 17" non-RF on the summer wheels. IMO, ride comfort was similar between them, but the RF tires had better transient response. My summer tires are all season, so a true summer tire would likely improve the feel of the 17's. If I was choosing between the two, I prefer the 16" RF as a trade off.
Since then, I replaced the snow tires with non-RF snows (which traditionally have a soft sidewall), and they feel too compliant for my taste.
If you plan on going with non-rf tires, that will eliminate a significant amount of harshness. I would recommend the 17's if you are used to driving M's.
Have fun,
Mike
Since then, I replaced the snow tires with non-RF snows (which traditionally have a soft sidewall), and they feel too compliant for my taste.
If you plan on going with non-rf tires, that will eliminate a significant amount of harshness. I would recommend the 17's if you are used to driving M's.
Have fun,
Mike
#6
Thanks for all the advice. I and my wife test drove both the 16" RFT and 17" RFT, and the difference was night and day. 16" felt more comfortable than my aforementioned stiff riding BMWs, while 17" was worse than any of them. And the 16" didn't handle noticeably worse. Ended up ordering 16" black wheels.
#7
Cooper S only comes with OEM runflats either 16" or 17"/18". Of these the 16" tire size is 195/55-16 and a little more comfortable but still firm riding.
That's likely your best bet. You can run tire pressures a little on the lower side.
16" OEM wheels can take many non runflat tire sizes-
195/55-16
205/50-16, slightly shorter tire diameter than OEM
205/55-16 slightly taller tire diameter than OEM, better ride comfort but not as crisp handling.
Good info on replacement tire sizes. Thanks!
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#8
Thanks for all the advice. I and my wife test drove both the 16" RFT and 17" RFT, and the difference was night and day. 16" felt more comfortable than my aforementioned stiff riding BMWs, while 17" was worse than any of them. And the 16" didn't handle noticeably worse. Ended up ordering 16" black wheels.
#9
Quite a few people have reported improved ride with the FS Koni shocks on the MINI. Also with one of the newer generation Bridgestone RFT's. Search for which model.
Many owners abandon runflat capability all together in favor of lower cost and more comfortable ride.
The RE960, the 1st 3rd generation runflat on the market: offered a jaw dropping ride quality, outstanding control when on zero air pressure. This was our test. JMO
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