I am looking for recommendations for all-season tires for my 2003 Mini Cooper. I bought a used MINI that currently has 3 different types of tires XD (Goodyear, Kumho, and one runflat). I'm looking to with conventional tires rather than run-flats.

 

What is your total budget (Tires, mounting, valves, balancing)?

You have a base Cooper with OEM wheels and suspension?

15" or 16" wheels? Usually for 15" wheels you don't have to keep the usually OEM size and opt for 195/60-15. For 16" wheels you don't have to keep OEM 195/55-16 and may use 205/50-16 or 205/55-16 (the perferred size for street comfort).

If you have costco membership you can go there and see what they may have in your size.

If you like performance and handling then look first at Ultra High Performance All Season tires. A good example is Continental ExtremeContact DWS in 205/55-16.

If you like comfort and longer treadlife then look at Grand Touring All Season tires.

 

I have a R50 MINI Cooper that has 16" wheels, everything is stock as far as I know.This car is what I use on a daily basis to commute to school and work. By order of importance this is what I am looking for handling, comfort and I guess tread life. I'm hoping the final cost of all four tire to at most $500

I know I can get 195/55-16, 205/50-16 or 205/55-16. I didn't know 205/55-16 were the preferred size for street comfort, learned something new.

I've looked into costco but their prices are more expensive than tire rack, americas tires and discount tire direct (these are the places I've been looking at)

I've spoken to another MINI owner and have been told she's had Continental ExtremeContact DWS and Continental Extreme Contact and she liked them

Thanks for your help in advance.

 

I just bought a set of Michelin Pilot Sport AS 3 and have it installed with my oem wheels. Superb grip and less road noise.

 

I too just bought Michelin Pilot Sport AS 3 tires and just love the way the car rides now. Much smoother ride, great handling, and no loss of that "go cart feel". An added benefit- my rattle that has been bugging me off and on for a year has gone away!

 

Just to clarify-

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 comes in two models that are different-
Both are 500 treadwear, with same 5 rib tread design except where noted below, same tread depth and weights.

Ultra High Performance All Season (W or Y speed rated)
205/55-16 $127 each, Y speed rated
205/45-17 $136, W speed rated
215/45-17 $153, W speed rated, XL load rated
205/40-18 $145, W speed rated, XL load rated
215/40-18 $146, Y speed rated

W and Y speed rated tires can handle more heat under load so they are slightly more capable when pushed hard. These work fine for Cooper S models but will work on any MINI.


High Performance All Season (H or V speed rated)
175/65-15 $85 each, H speed rated, 4 rib design
195/55-16 $122, V speed rated, 4 rib design
205/50-16 $133, V speed rated
205/55-16 $119, V speed rated, $118 for H speed rated
205/40-17 $125, V speed rated, XL load
205/45-17 $133, V speed rated
215/45-17 $117, V speed rated

H and V speed rated tires are fine for street use whether base cooper or Cooper S, there is a better selection of sizes to fit the MINI including 15" and 16".
Prices slightly lower for same sized tire vs UHP AS tire listed above.