Dynamic MiNi Collective

I'm at the point where I need new tires - so I figured I might as well take the jump and get new rims while I'm at it.

Anyone have any suggestions as to where I can look. I've checked out TireRack and DiscountTire.

I would love to get some custom colored rims, but not able to find much information on that.

hey there, been a while

try these
www.xxrwheel.com

www.axiswheels.com

www.tswalloywheels.com

www.lensowheel.com/Brand.aspx

Let me throw this out there - what does everyone suggest:

New Rims + 4 New Run flats

or

New Rims + 4 new tires + Ordering a MINI spare

???

sugar wrote:Let me throw this out there - what does everyone suggest:

New Rims + 4 New Run flats

or

New Rims + 4 new tires + Ordering a MINI spare

???

Option #3:
New Rims + 4 new tires + Roadside assistance

I have two roadside assistances - but they only do spare tire work for flat tires - so i'm stuck if I get a flat and don't have a spare.

I ditched my run flats, but kept one, bought an extra stock rim from a fellow club member, and mounted the run flat on it. When I go on long trips, I throw it in the boot, just in case I have a blow out far from civilization...wouldn't drive on it long, just enough to get me somewhere safe, and then call roadside service.

I'm still looking around - I'm looking at: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Kumho&tireModel=Ecsta+SPT+XRP&partnum=045VR7KU31XRP&i1_Qty=4&autoMake=Mini&autoModel=Cooper%20S%20Clubman&autoYear=2009&autoModClar=&vehicleSearch=true

Anyone have any experience witht he Kumhos?

So I'm ordering from Discount Tire this afternoon, I'm going with:



with some Kumho run flats.

I'll post pics when I get them on.

Sweet!

So, why are people so against the run-flats? Besides the fact that it's a little bit of a rougher ride that is.

IanAZ wrote:So, why are people so against the run-flats? Besides the fact that it's a little bit of a rougher ride that is.

Cost was definitely an issue for us on the 05 MCS, especially if you put a lot of miles on your Mini and want to run a decent performance tire. The first generation run flats were brutally rough, in comparison to a non-runflat on the same 05 MCS. Considering we averaged 30k miles a year, putting a set of runflats at then, more than double the price, just wasn't realistic or cost effective. The OEM Dunlops it came with are still $300 each, they are insane.

I'm also convinced the stiffness of the early generation runflats contribute to the shock tower mushrooming on the R50s/R53s, they certainly don't help.

I have to say though, our 09 R56 with the Continental RunFlats is night and day to the 05, so they've definitely improved them a lot. I'd have no problem keeping runflats on our 09, especially since i have a second set of track wheels now.

Today though, Kumho and Yokohama both have less expensive runflats, for under $200 each, and I think as you see more cars come with them, volume will go up and the price will keep coming down.

Run flats = more weight = reduced gas mileage
(even if it is minimal, when gas is nearly $3/gallon, every bit counts)

...among other things, such as cost, rough ride, noisy, inconvenience, etc.

Got one more question - since I'm going from 16s to 17s do I need to have anything done to make sure my speed is displayed correctly? Is there anything the dealership needs to do?

Even though you are getting bigger wheels, you need to get tires that are close to the same size on the outside diameter. Stock 16" tire is 195/55 is 24.4 " diameter. Stock 17" is 205/45 is 24.2" diameter. I run 215/45-17 that is 24.9", a little taller but close enough, and wider and more brands are availible in that size.

I believe i got 215/45/17 - but what you said makes sense. Thanks!