[The Peanut]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rob_MCS (original)

Thanks for the info, Humph.

After considering everyone's advise, I've ordered a set of 215/45/17s. And I'll see how that affects my ride. As Batou said, changing shocks a week in, is a little OTT!

Meeerrk and/or The Peanut - if you still want those tyres, let me know. I'll do 90 for the pair, seeing as I'm going for a set of non runflats for about 300 all in.

Done Deal. pm sent.

[Mike Clarke]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIMANIAUK (original)

You could also replace the 17 inch wheels with smaller 16 or 15 inch wheels that would allow higher sidewalls on the tyres and improve comfort- that used to be the norm on Jags etc until the modern trend for ever larger wheels which I dont fully understand!

Quote: Originally Posted by Rob_MCS (original)

The 17s fill the arches perfectly, though. I don't think I could bring myself to change that proportion.

If you change to 16" wheels then the extra height of the tyre sidewalls will still ensure that the overall diameter remains the same and the arches will still be filled to the same extent.
The ride will be better, handling will be better and tyres will be cheaper.

[batou]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rob_MCS (original)

Ignore that one, Batou - I just checked out the speedometer widget on this site that gives the reading differences when you change tyres. I'm gonna go for 215/45/17s

If someone could just answer my question about whether the tyre pressure sensors continues to work or not, that's me done! (I could do without my wife asking why our brand new car has a light stuck on!)

Thanks
This site's ace!

I assume it does but then mine have never dropped pressure so I don't know, I just keep checking them regularly anyway. I have a Compressor that runs off the ciggy lighter and two cans of holts tyre weld for absolute get me home emergencies otherwise (as usually recommended I'll call out the AA ).

I have 215/40's but for more comfort I'd recommend 215/45's, also don't listen to tyre fitters opinions most of them talk ********. Yes the mini came with runflats standard but it doesn't mean the rims are run flat specific. They just want you to spend 150 per corner as apposed to 80 lol

[Perm]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rob_MCS (original)

Thanks for the answers.

It's a second hand car. I drove a mate's MCS for about an hour, but thought I'd get used to it. You know what it's like being a boy - I just wanted a Cooper S!!

What about the tyre pressure sensors, can someone tell me categorically whether the sensors will still work normally? Ie, the light wont be on all the time? Has anyone here switched to non runflats?

I just rang a tyre fitter, who refused to fit non-runflats on a runflat setup - he didn't want to get sued if I crashed!

Rob,
Please report back on the difference the new tyres make....... I am considering doing the same.

Thanks

Perm

[Rob_MCS]

I had four new tyres fitted Friday morning. I went for 215/45/17s Falken Ziex ZE-512.

Even though I've only done 60 miles since, the ride is much improved - smoother, and left crashy over small bumps.

I took it out the night before on the old runflats, so I could compare. Only owning the car 8 days clearly means I'm no expert, but I also believe: turn-in is still sharp - maybe even a bit sharper; it's doesn't tramline as much; and tyre noise has improved.

Put simply, it's much better and I'm glad I did it.

Thanks, everyone, for the advise.

[minisoopercooper]

Where did you get them done Rob?

[Rob_MCS]

At BM Motoring in Staple Hill

[minisoopercooper]

any good? Haven't heard of them before - tend to use ProTyre in Bristol

[Rob_MCS]

I've not had any problems over the years, and they seem to be competitive. Pretty standard services - nothing outstanding

[MINI-Morgan]

Sounds like you have got the setup you wanted

Your tyres are wide so will feel like much more grip especially in summer! Mine sticks like glue with 215s.

I'd love to have a smoother ride on mine but dont really want to stress the gearbox more using bigger tyres. If only I could get them to relay the roads I use for my route to work

[Rob_MCS]

The general consensus on here didn't seem to think the gearbox would notice.

Everything else is stock on mine. I'm now putting any extra power through the box and I don't drive that aggressively, so I'm confident the increase in stress is small/insignificant.

You said yours sticks like glue with 215s - are you running them now? Or have you in the past?

[MINI-Morgan]

I dont think you will have a problem with you gearbox.... I was referencing me. I take mine on the track and 0-60, 30-70 and 1/4 mile test mine so it has a bit more punishment.

Yep still running them and have been for about 14months now. Mine are the Nankang NS-2s 215/40 R17s which are pretty much Yokohamas. Really really sticky in the dry but in the wet a little slippery but you get useto it. The thing I like about them is that they are prodictable and easy to control on the edge. They dont just suddenly break but give you controllable slide.

At the end of the day its how you drive and what you do with them that dictates what you buy. sounds like you have the setup you wanted without dropping to 15s or 16s.

[Rob_MCS]

Thanks for that. Few, I panicked then - I thought you were saying 215s would damage my gearbox. I've only had the car 8 days, and could do without that sort of news! Ha!

I couldn't face 15 or 16s - 17s fit the car perfectly, in my view.

What sort of times do you get?

[MINI-Morgan]

Off the top of my head..... think it was:

0-60 6.5secs (traction is always an issue)
30-70 5.77secs (read all about the challenge here >> http://www.mini2.com/forum/engine-dr...ear-times.html)
1/4mile is around 15secs