Tyre choices (apart from runflats)

[SaltireCooperS]

Guys

Sorry if this duplicates a thread that already exists (as I'm sure I read one somewhere, but b*ggered if I can find it!) but what's the latest reco on tyres available in Australia to replace runflats on 17" wheels? I have Pirellis on the back in 225/45/17 but they rub the front guards. Any thoughts?

[Minipnut]

Eagle F1 GDS3's are fantastic for a road tyre, i replaced my runflats with them and they made sooo much differance. u could get something abit more stickier but then u'd be looking at semi slicks.

[Quickbrick]

I can recommend the Falken RT615s (now called 625s I think). You will only get 15000ks out of them (if that), but you will struggle to find a road tyre with more grip in the dry. Cost $400 each.

If you don't want to spend that much and want better milage from them I have had a couple of sets of Fulder tyres before on my last MINI (R53) and they were awesome - especially good in the wet. Cost was $230ish each. You can get them from Steve at Bob Jane Toombul.

[Quickbrick]

oops, just spotted you are in Sydney.

...I guess you won't be getting your Fulders from Toombul then

Forgot to mention, the Fulders are a German tyre - I had never heard of them before, but was surprised when they shaped up to be bloody good value for money.

[SaltireCooperS]

Thanks for the tips guys - I like the idea of the Falken but as the Mini is my daily driver, I need to get more than 1500km from a set of them! I have a pair of Pirelli P Zero Rosso's on the back, in 225 45 17, which rub if I put them on the front (to be honest, they rub over bumps when they are on the back too!) so I will try the same tyre but in 205 50 17 on the front and see what that's like - and I'll let you know the outcome....

Thanks again

[works8]

fwiw, I run Pirelli P-Zero Nero 215/40R18 with wheel ET52+ lowered 1.5", no issues whatsoever. Good luck on your search.

[swgn]

I'm running 215/45 R17 Kumho KU31's, nice tyres.

Lots of local tyre into here

[pw4]

I bought my Just-a-Cooper with 15" wheels and put aftermarket 17s on - so I can comment on 17s but not specifically on run-flat replacements. First up I had Michelins (their usual alphabet soup of letters for the tyre model) which were quite good. After an argument with a pothole (actually, more like a chasm) which broke a wheel and destroyed a tyre, I put Pirelli P Zero Neros 205/45s on the front. They grip at least as hard, but surprisingly make for lighter steering with better road feel. They were standard equipment on the XR4 I had a while back and they were brilliant on that, and I'll be sticking with them on the MINI too. All FWIW

[minigolf]

Quote: Originally Posted by SaltireCooperS (original)

Thanks for the tips guys - I like the idea of the Falken but as the Mini is my daily driver, I need to get more than 1500km from a set of them! I have a pair of Pirelli P Zero Rosso's on the back, in 225 45 17, which rub if I put them on the front (to be honest, they rub over bumps when they are on the back too!) so I will try the same tyre but in 205 50 17 on the front and see what that's like - and I'll let you know the outcome....

Thanks again

Is there any reason you're not running the OEM sizing of 205/45/17?

Are you running OEM wheels/suspension, or aftermarket stuff?

If you're running all OEM stuff, then 205/45/17 sized tyres should never rub.

[Babes]

I run 205/40/17 Pirelli Dragons, fantastic tyre - last about 18 mths of very hard driving. Lowered on Eibachs and no rubbing on AMG blitz rims.

[SaltireCooperS]

Quote: Originally Posted by minigolf (original)

Is there any reason you're not running the OEM sizing of 205/45/17?

Are you running OEM wheels/suspension, or aftermarket stuff?

If you're running all OEM stuff, then 205/45/17 sized tyres should never rub.

I can't recall why I went for the oversized rears - I'm on OEM running gear - but have now had the 205/45/17 Pirelli P Zero Rossi's fitted to the front, and can happily report success - they are even quite good for dirt-road rallying - just back from a week in Kangaroo Valley!

[pw4]

Quote: Originally Posted by SaltireCooperS (original)

I can't recall why I went for the oversized rears - I'm on OEM running gear - but have now had the 205/45/17 Pirelli P Zero Rossi's fitted to the front, and can happily report success - they are even quite good for dirt-road rallying - just back from a week in Kangaroo Valley!

Hmmm... rallying ... tyres rubbing on guards ... why do I think there might be a connection?

I'm surprised you can still find dirt roads in Kangaroo Valley - it's been years since I was there and there weren't many even then. (But I can imagine the road over the hills to Berry would be fabulous in a MINI )

[SaltireCooperS]

Quote: Originally Posted by pw4 (original)

Hmmm... rallying ... tyres rubbing on guards ... why do I think there might be a connection?

I'm surprised you can still find dirt roads in Kangaroo Valley - it's been years since I was there and there weren't many even then. (But I can imagine the road over the hills to Berry would be fabulous in a MINI )

Ah, er, I think you might have me rumbled

The place we stay is out towards Beehive Point, but you are right, the dirt is gradually disappearing; but the run over to Berry is lots of fun - worth it too for the visit to the sourdough bakery

[Mini_Gal]

Well I will be looking at replacing mine soon. 20,000kms and they are nearly down to the wear indicator and I have checked the pressures regularly. Not happy, they give terrible ride and don't get nearly hot enough to have fun on the twisties on the way home. Interesting choices of replacements on here.

[fakesnake]

I'm not surprised 225/45/17's rub at the rear. I have 215/45/17's (Falkens) & I was surprised at the minimal clearance they offered. Very pleased with the tyres otherwise.