In reading this thread and speaking with Mini owners,,, the overall opinion is that the factory run flats stink (is that being too kind).

Since I never have to worry about snow (I am in Houston), but do have to worry about rain that comes down in buckets,,, one of the tires that has intrigued me is the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3.

If I keep the factory S-Lites, the tire size options that appear to be close to the factory 205-45-17's are

215/45-17's
215/40-17's
205/50-17's

Does anyone have experience with these sizes to know if I would have issues?

My preference is for a bit more sidewall on 17 rims to avoid rim rubs.

I had thought getting new wheels and was considering 15x7 rims, but it appears while great for autocross and a 205/55-15 would give a nice sidewall, it will impede going to larger brakes at some point so I thinking 16 inch would be the minimum and a 205/50-16, 205/55-16 or 215/55-16 are options,,, any thoughts on these.

Thanks for all your help..

This a very cool forum for a new Mini owner.

 

[quote=MiniTX]In reading this thread and speaking with Mini owners,,, the overall opinion is that the factory run flats stink (is that being too kind).

Since I never have to worry about snow (I am in Houston), but do have to worry about rain that comes down in buckets,,, one of the tires that has intrigued me is the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3.

If I keep the factory S-Lites, the tire size options that appear to be close to the factory 205-45-17's are

215/45-17's
215/40-17's
205/50-17's

Does anyone have experience with these sizes to know if I would have issues?

My preference is for a bit more sidewall on 17 rims to avoid rim rubs.

I had thought getting new wheels and was considering 15x7 rims, but it appears while great for autocross and a 205/55-15 would give a nice sidewall, it will impede going to larger brakes at some point so I thinking 16 inch would be the minimum and a 205/50-16, 205/55-16 or 215/55-16 are options,,, any thoughts on these.

quote]

If you are keeping the S-lyte rims (very heavy at 25.1 pounds each) then you can mount Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 in 215/45-17 with good results for your use. Should work in your area even with some rain.

If you use 15" rims they are also good but really limit your selection of larger sized brakes. Unless you are trying to build a show car or going on the track alot most MINIs don't "Need" larger brakes. Plus they cost alot and you have to think about upgrading both the front and rear brakes ( to balance brake bias) for best results.

If you use 16" rims you still are limited with which big brake kits you can use, you have some added choices over the 15" rims but it's still not as good as with the larger 17" or even 18" rims. The larger the rim the more it can weigh and cost and the lower the sidewall on the tire in order to fit a MINI.

For a 16" rim the 205/50-16 makes the most sense, it's the closest to stock tire outer diameter with 24.1".

205/55-16 has outer tire diameter of 24.8" slightly over stock size but can be used and would be more comfortable for street use.

215/55-16 is too large at 25.5" outer tire diameter.

215/45-16 has been used on a MINI for performance applications- track/autocross/ driving school but tire selection is rather limited.

 

215/40/17s nice, if you are more comfort oriented get the 215/45/17, and if you are going to drop the car a lot 205/45/17s to sum it up.

 

Thanks for your input,,,

I went ahead and ordered the Goodyear FIGS-D3 215/45-17's from Tire Rack - Smoking Deal at $95.00 each.

While I was going nuts, I went ahead and ordered Centerline Storm 17x7 rims from Jegs (159.99 each with free shipping)..

Should be able to pick-up the car and have the new rims and tires ready to mount on its first day.

 

...205/40/17. Nice gearing advantage...

 

MiniTX,

I mounted Goodyear F1 GS D3s in 215/45-17 config. on my S-Lites about 1,000 miles ago. What a difference! Fantastic grip in both wet and dry, quieter running, softer/less pounding compared with the runflats. Together with my suspension mods, 22mm rear sway bar and coilovers, my car's handling is now neutral to slight oversteering when pushed. As far as issues of rubbing, none on the street and I have yet to auto-x with the news rubber.

You'll be glad you went with the F1s, great tire.

 

Thanks MGC for your impressions,, the tires sound like a very good one for the MCS...

I was going to put them on the S-Lites, but decided to just go nuts and get Centerline's and just either put the new S-Lites and run flats in a corner or sell them to another Mini owner.

 

I use 215/45/17 for both my summer (on BBS RX) and winter tires (on S-Lites) and have zero issues/problems on a stock suspension. I like a little more cushioning (and I like 17s) so I opted for the 215/45/17. I have photos of what this size looks like in my BBS RX gallery.

 

Thanks,, a picture is worth a 1000 words,,, the 215/45-17 fills out the wheel well nicely.

I should have my rim/tires mounted and on the car in another week or so and will post pictures here.

 

I just ordered my Mini last Saturday, and won't get it until mid June. I plan on putting the Centerline Storms on my car too. In searches, it doesn't seem like that is a popular wheel with MINI owners, though it is light, and I think the polished finish is an advantage over painted finishes. That is a great price for the Goodyears. As I am in PA and we do get snow, I am going with Falken Ziex ZE512 tires. If it snows a lot, I'll drive my Subaru that week.

 

Since the Mini uses the same bolt pattern as the Honda's and Miata's,,, there are tons of aftermarket wheels out there,,kinda of an overload of choices.

I have always used Centerline's on my project cars and the polished aluminum is easy to clean brake dust off.

I looked at the other wheel choices and ended up going with the name I know and the sharp clean style of the storm.

 

So the MINI uses the same bolt pattern as the Honda's and Miata's! Hmm . . . I've been wondering what to do about my runflats . . . maybe I could loan them to my son when he gets his license in July. That should be a bit of revenge against the RFs! Hot DAMN! I wish I could describe the wheels . . . R85? . . . but they sure would look good on a 87 Honda!