Do mini's have to use run flats?

[P3DRO]

My roomates dad has a mini works and wants more grip. He doesnt like the run flats and wants to get new tires but a BMW dealership told him he had to use runflats with stock rims. Is this true?

[Koopah]

False. Very False!

However, because there isn't a spare, he should carry a small repair kit and compressor. Then again, there's MINI Roadside Assistance and AAA!

As far tires go for the JCW, I use 215/45x17 Yoko ES100s on Kosei (7.5") rims with the stock suspension (except for a larger rear bar). Everything fits nicely and that combo is less weight that the stock S-Lites with run-flats.

I live in New England where cars routinely disappear into the many potholes found on our roads. Therefore, I kept the sidewall sizing no shorter than the 45mm ratio. If the roads where your friend's Dad drives are in excellent condition, he may was to consider a 40mm ratio for a bit quicker turn-in.

Theo

[P3DRO]

False. Very False!

However, because there isn't a spare, he should carry a small repair kit and compressor. Then again, there's MINI Roadside Assistance and AAA!

As far tires go for the JCW, I use 215/45x17 Yoko ES100s on Kosei (7.5") rims with the stock suspension (except for a larger rear bar). Everything fits nicely and that combo is less weight that the stock S-Lites with run-flats.

I live in New England where cars routinely disappear into the many potholes found on our roads. Therefore, I kept the sidewall sizing no shorter than the 45mm ratio. If the roads where your friend's Dad drives are in excellent condition, he may was to consider a 40mm ratio for a bit quicker turn-in.

Theo

Thanks man appreciate the info. I will let him know asap. How do you like your Yoko's?

[Koopah]

Thanks man appreciate the info. I will let him know asap. How do you like your Yoko's?

The Yokos are the only tire I've had on the MINI except for the run-flats, so I'm not a good judge of competing brands.

However, I've found them to be very sticky for a non-R compound tire during most of their wear, but with about 4/32nds on them, the adhesion isn't quite what it used to be. I used them at the track this summer and they were outstanding...owing a great deal of their performance to the (now) shallow tread and the heat of track driving.

I think their turn-in is quite good for a 45 ratio tire. However, I keep pressures about 2-3 psi higher than MINI's (adjusted) spec for the size. I also run slightly higher pressures in the rear. The combination of the larger rear bar and the slightly elevated rear pressures totally eliminate understeer and allow the car to be rotated in a predictable manner.

The tires DO tramline, so one needs to be prepared for that. Again, less of an issue where roads are well graded and in good condition.

On the street, the Yokos are fairly noisy as they wear down, and long high speed cruising can get a bit tiring on the ears. I found them to be exceptional in the rain...honestly, they are very surprising in their wet performance.

That cannot be said for their performance in cold weather, however. They need to be changed out when the temperatures start to average in the 40s and low 50s. Their compound performs best at higher temperatures; the higher the better! They are also an e-ticket to suicide in the ice and snow.

Were I living in an area with excellent roads, I probably would have opted for 215/40x17 size.

FWIW,

Theo

[gjhsu]

The ES100s are pretty good when they are new, and progressively get less grippy (I guess that's true of a lot of tires...), but when they get worn, they get unbearably loud. I liked mine when they were new (on my WRX), but wanted to chuck them out the nearest window 12,000 miles in.

I'm planning on getting Kumho SPTs or MXs next, on my MINI.

[Mitch]

I had es100s on my e36 for a large part of its life. They tramline pretty badly, get loud towards the end, and aren't the grippiest tire out there. They're a good tire for the price, but if you can afford a better tire, then get it.

[mbcoops]

Yes - ditch the runflats! I recommend the GY F1 GSD3 - awesome tire, wet and dry.

mb

[Paul K]

Run-flats are heavier than regular tires, FWIW.

[SSKALLDAY]

You'll be much happier with the performance when you get a good summer tire on there.

[Don@Minimania.c]

Not only will the performance be better but after the first time you have to replace a 'run flat' tire that can not be replaced, you will be quick to replace them all. If you are worried about a spare, you can find a 'Mobility Kit' at Minimania.com/

[alberto_mg]

I just replaced my factory run flats with some Kumho SPT in 205/50/16. Very nice tire but I think they will be discontinued soon. I have been running Kumho MX on my RX7 for street and track. Very satisfied with that tire which is why I got the SPTs for the Mini.

I never read anything all that great about the ES100s.

There is a pretty good selection of tires out there that will fit the Mini.

[P3DRO]

Thanks for the updates guys. I figured the dealer was just giving him crap so he would buy the tires through them. Thanks again.

[xhealey]

Have 30k on my Goodyear run-flats...are wearing well...but how do you rotate them? front to back or x-them?

[Koopah]

Have 30k on my Goodyear run-flats...are wearing well...but how do you rotate them? front to back or x-them?

Front to back only!

Theo

[catseye]

Here's what I think of run-flats:

http://catseyeweb.com/minicoop/images/no_rf.jpg
I am now running Bridgestone Potenza RE-01 R's. All I can say is....wow :thumbup:

[catseye]

...and here's me enjoying the Bridgestone Potenza RA-01's in their place....

http://www.catseyeweb.com/forum/virfull08_sm.jpg

[MINIJesse]

because there isn't a spare, he should carry a small repair kit and compressor. Then again, there's MINI Roadside Assistance and AAA!

Theo


does anyone know if these compressor repair kits actually work??

[MrBlah]

does anyone know if these compressor repair kits actually work??

you've never plugged a tire before? It's very easy

but if you have a bad blowout or large hole/tear, a plug & compressor is not going to help you

[catseye]

you've never plugged a tire before? It's very easy

but if you have a bad blowout or large hole/tear, a plug & compressor is not going to help you

That's when you pull this out:

http://www.aaakansas.com/i/membership/AAAPlusMembershipCard-sm.jpg

:thumbup:

[Brad5161]

The ES100s are pretty good when they are new, and progressively get less grippy (I guess that's true of a lot of tires...), but when they get worn, they get unbearably loud. I liked mine when they were new (on my WRX), but wanted to chuck them out the nearest window 12,000 miles in.

I'm planning on getting Kumho SPTs or MXs next, on my MINI.

Agree on the ES100's. Loved them when I first put them on my Miata, after about 15K miles they had gradually moved to a roar. Very annoying. The runflats on the Mini also got loud... but not as loud as the ES100's.

We put Kuhmo ASX 215/45/17 tires with 17x7 BSA wheels on (wheels and tires were ~$780 installed) and the car was transformed. Quiet, stuck to the road, felt great. One year later and that hasn't changed.