Most liked posts in thread: Question about Tire Choice

MINI has a 17" optional choice for years. In fact, I'd think you would find that most S's do have 17's from the factory.

 

For various reasons, I have 17" wheels for the summer and 15" for the winter (snowtires).

The 17" wheels definitely give me better grip and sharp handling. I also drive with a lot more spirit in the summer and the more responsive handling is much appreciated.

The 15" wheels and higher profile tires in the winter are lighter and I feel it in the handling. However, quick changes in direction are spongey feeling, and force me to slow down a bit. But that's what you want to do when the roads are wet, icey or covered in slow.

I would think 16" are a good compromise for all season-type tires. If, like most people, you don't get anywhere near the limits of your car's abilities, and you want a slightly more comfortable ride, then 16" wheels are fine.

Motor on and enjoy your ride.

 

Ditch the run flats. It will drive like a different (and much better) car!

 

Yup the PSS is not an All Season tire. It's a Summer only tire.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Pilot+Super+Sport

 

Learn something everyday. I was sure the GP was the only way to get 18 inch rims from the factory.

 

But all those 18" wheels came with the OEM Run Rocks installed. Ugh!

You can get better grip and loose weight with real tires. (Non-Run Rocks)

 

I am running blizzard tires right now. I was thinking of changing back to summer tires prior to MOTD trip. Any opinions.

 

What is you opinion on Michelin PSS. That is what one Mini is getting for summer wear. The other is Continental CSC. All are run flat. We have never had others on Mini. How much of a difference is there in handling, road vibration, and noise.

 

Is the Michelin Pilot Sport different from the PSS?

 

Being this was buried in a thread that was over 3 years old I moved it to make it more visible and relevant.

 

I had the same set up on my previous MINI. I had 16X7 Koenig Holes with 215/50-16's. No problems at all. Will probably do the same with my current car as soon as the 17" runflats wear out.

 

If you were willing to go up to a 17in rim you have a much better tire selection available. You can still get 14-16lb rims in that size if you are hung-up on un-sprung weight. If not you can get some nice 17-18 lb rims for a good price to offset the increase in tire price.

 

If you really want a softer riding MINI go with 15 inch wheels & tires.

 

Breyton GTS-R Mini 17"

Vehicle Fitments | Breyton Wheels

yokohama parada spec-2 225/45/17

 

I have Yokohama S Drives on my Miata. I like them a lot. So much so that I bought another set of wheels ASA JH6 for my MINI with a set of Yokohama S Drives on them, 205/50/16.

Thanks Jeff!

 

Didn't the original GP come with 18" wheels? I know they're available from MINI in the JCW options too.

 

I think you are correct. 18 inch wheels on the R53 GP. I think only 16 or 17 inch were the choices for a non-GP R53. At least when I ordered mine in the fall

 

The R53 JCW was available with 18" wheels.

 

I picked up some SSR Comp's in 16 x 7 and put on a set of Dunlop Direzza's 205/50/16's on my GP. Possibly because of the lack of sound dedening in the GP but they were WAY to loud for me for a street ride. I returned them and put on a set of Continential DW's 205/50/16's. I am much happier with this tire for my use. After playing with tire pressures and sway bar settings I don't feel like I lost much in the way of steering imput. I also got the benefit of losing close to fifty pounds of unsprung weight over the 18" GP wheels and Michlin pilot sport tires. My gear ratio was also slightly reduced due to the diameter.
Before you make your selection check the weight of the tires. The Continential's were 19 lbs vs the Dunlops 22lbs for the same size. That three lbs per tire may be more of a benefit to you than slightly better turn in.
I think in the end it will all depend in your intended use. For me the DW's were a much better choice and I am enjoying the quiet and better ride with a tire that still has high rankings in overall grip.
Steve