I will need to replace my tires soon, question is should I replace them with run flats or just regular tires? Any particular brand I should get and what are some cheaper places to get tires from? I will be buy tires for 3 of my cars and dont want to spend that much.

 

Definitely go for non-run flats imo. I changed for Michelin Pilots A/S 3 and am very happy I did. The car rides and handles much better.

 

TireRack.com is the best source of online information I have found and a discount supplier of tires shipped to an installer near you. You'll have to make your own decision about run flats or not. If not, the already recommended A/S 3 is a very good tire for the money. If you decide to remain on runflats, the Bridgestone DriveGuard or 960AS appear to be good value. See tire tests (video or text with graphs) at TireRack. Alex@TireRack.com is very familiar with MINIs and can tailor more specific suggestions to your circumstances. Model, wheel size, local weather and road conditions, preferences beyond price, etc.

Car enthusiasts can be like lawyers. Ask five for their opinions and you'll get 17 different replies.

 

Where do you live?
Are you looking for more sporty or comfort oriented tires?

 

+1 recommending upgrade to better handling, high traction, lower priced non-runflats.

We don't know where you live or what type of a tire you are shopping for (summer performance on winter), but do explore www.tirerack.com for tire reviews and tests.
There are far too many tire brands and models to make a definitive recommendation for you. Personally, I always buy the BEST tire money can buy for my need, as those 4 rubber patches are the only thing that connects your car to the road.

More here:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...run-flats.html

HTH,
a

 

Given your 2006-07 R50 (base cooper) with OEM 16" wheels and OEM suspension.

You can certainly replace your runflats with non runflats and do fine.

You can first check your local sources, check yellow pages or yelp search.
Some shops only carry certain brands. Budget tires tend to be very basic but do the job.

Tirerack is a good option, they have shops in your area that work with them to mount and balance your tires.

Amazon.com also offers tires with free shipping.

No one brand is better than another, it depends on your individual needs and budget but name brands like Michelin will tend to cost more.

You need to determine your budget (or at least a ballpark including cost of tires, mounting and balancing).

You are not limited to OEM 195/55-16 tire size, alternate sizes are 205/50-16 or 205/55-16 which fit OEM wheels and suspension fine and give a good ride for street use.

If you have cold weather or need the tires to last a little longer and be more comfortable for communting then the following budget tires are worth considering:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....el=G-MAX+AS-03
General G-Max AS-03 Ultra High Perf All Season tire, 480 treadwear
195/55-16 $90 each
205/50-16 $83 each
205/55-16 $81 each

Or
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Speed+Rated%29
General AltiMax RT43 Grand Touring All Season tire, 600 treadwear
195/55-16 $93 each
205/50-16 $90 each
205/55-16 $84 each

No budget tire is perfect, it's all about compromise given your price point.
These examples provide decent performance for their cost.

For comparison, a decent modern runflat option is-
Bridgestone DriveGuard Grand Touring All Season runflat, 500 treadwear, weighs about 6 lbs more than non runflat of same size.
195/55-16 $107 each
205/55-16 $115 each
Tirerack test result-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=186
It's not as comfortable for daily driving, but you get the safety of not having to stop to change a flat tire in the middle of the night, in bad weather or on a busy road or highway.

 

Michelin AS 3's !!!

On sale at Costco with lifetime everything!