[Restyle]

Apologies if I havn`t got this right, but am I right in thinking that the new R56 MINI`s are fitted as standard with a so called 2nd generation type of Runflat Tyre, which is supposed to give better ride & handling characteristics over the former 1st Generation Runflats ?

For now I`ll assume the above is true for the purpose of the next questions

If I was to ask either my dealer or local tyre depot to fit new runflats, would I automatically be given the 2nd generation Tyre, or are the 2 types co-existing for other reasons ?
Or must an R53 only be fitted with a 1st generation for technical reasons ?

How does one tell the difference between the 2 types, - is there a certain marking or is it down to Manufacturer Branding ..
eg .. If Pirelli Euphoria`s are a 1st Gen Tyre, would Pirelli have a different brand name for any 2nd generation tyre ?

Is there much of a price differential between 1st & 2nd generation tyres ?

[rec]

no, runflats are runflats. i believe it's the suspension that's set up for runflats on the R56, whereas runflats were a last minute thing on the R50/52/53.

someone might be able to correct me tho !?

[Martin F]

My R56 MCS is on 17" Dunlop SP Sport 01's. I assume they are what are called second generation runflats.

I asked my local tyre dealer about buying one as a spare to keep at home on a spare rim and was told that they are not obtainable and I could not get a price. I have looked on the internet and at present Black Circles etc do not have them although Dunlop list them on their website.

Hopefully I won't get a puncture just yet, as apparently all the production is going to the factory at present. But I would feel happier if I knew I was driving on tyres that are easily replaced.

If you can get them I think they will fit an R53.

[cct1]

Quote: Originally Posted by rec (original)

no, runflats are runflats. i believe it's the suspension that's set up for runflats on the R56, whereas runflats were a last minute thing on the R50/52/53.

someone might be able to correct me tho !?

According to what I've read, the new runflats are improved over the older runflats with regard to both grip and ride comfort. You are correct that the runflats were a last second thing on the first generation (which is why I went to nonrunflats immediately for summer driving). But the newer generation runflats are supposedly better than the previous generation runflats (and this has been demonstrated on cars other than the MINI as well). Not sure of the difference in the tires, but a less stiff sidewall would certainly help the ride.

It stands to reason that the new runflats would be an improvement--there are significant differences between the different brands of 1st generation runflats, so to say runflats are all the same is an oversimplification.

It'll be interesting to hear from someone who switches from the old runflats to new runflats on a first gen MINI, and also to hear any comparison between the 2nd generation runflats and nonrunflats on either generation car.

[Restyle]

I`ve been doing a little digging ..

Taking Martin F`s informative lead, I looked at the company info on the Dunlop SP Sport 01 but all it tells you is about its advanced assymmetric tread with High Grip & low roling resistance. They call their runflat system "Dunlop Self-Supporting Technology- DSST, which further Googling finally confirmed that the 2 technologies do come together, in the Dunlop SP Sport DSST. The tyre was introduced in July 2002
It seems going by this, that many of their current models of tyres are available with or without the DSST system incorporated, the choice being decided by the Customer.

So is the Dunlop SP Sport DSST what you would call a 2nd Generation Runflat ? ... I dont know for sure , but certainly seems better on paper than the earlier Dunlop Runflats issued to some MINIs


It seems that one Company that has announced A 2nd Generation of Runflat is Goodyear with their RunOnFlat Tyre introduced in March 2005. {BTW .. Goodyear owns Dunlop}
An interesting quote from their press release:-
"..the Goodyear RunOnFlat technology has undergone significant improvements in performance, handling and comfort levels. Drivers of RunOnFlat tires won't feel any difference to traditional tires......In the past runflat tires did not fully meet the expectations of all drivers, particularly in performance cars and challenging driving conditions"

The only references I`ve found so far from MINI confirming 2nd Generation Runflats are fitted, are from MINI South Africa & from MINI2 News :-
"This time around, using 2nd generation run flat tyre technology, the MINI suspension has been tuned to work well with run flats from the outset. "

So does this confirm that 2nd generation Runflats are being fitted to the R56 ?
I`d say so !!




Incidentally, while looking into this I came across this tyre site that lets you put in your UK registration number & it tells you what car you`ve got .. & what tyres it`ll take

[rec]

mate, you're dedicated ! good on ya

[Neil_]

I have a 2004 facelifted Cooper fitted with the JCW suspension and 16" wheels. I've just switched from Goodyear Eagle runflats to Goodyear Excellence Runonflats (the 2nd generation runflat as fitted as OE to the new Mini in the UK).

I've only covered around 100 miles, mostly on wet roads, but the improvements are noticable. The biggest difference is an improvement in ride, particularly over poor and broken surfaces at speed. Another appreciable difference is the tyres resistence to understeer (especially in the wet) and slightly improved steering feel and feedback. The final difference I have seen is a significant reduction in tyre noise whatever the speed and surface.

All in all, I believe it's well worth spending the extra £10 per tyre and going for the latest versions.

[Restyle]

Quote: Originally Posted by Neil_

.... I've just switched from Goodyear Eagle runflats to Goodyear Excellence Runonflats (the 2nd generation runflat as fitted as OE to the new Mini in the UK)...

They sound a Great Improvement
You refer to them as fitted as Original Equipment to the R56. Is this a quote you`ve seen from MINI or have you actually seen them fitted ?
I wonder if its the same situation as when the Original Cooper S was launched in 2002, where BMW fitted runflats from a variety of manufacturers & it was basically pot-luck what brand you ended up with.

Can I ask what made you choose that particular Tyre?, Was it a personal recommendation, or article, or were you looking particularly for a 2nd generation runflat ?

....Oh, & how much were they ?
Thanks

[Damo]

Dunlop Sport SP 01's come with the JCW wheels in 205/40 R18 guise. I found them terrible in the wet.

Still can't beat normal tyres for handling and grip though

[Neil_]

Restyle - I've seen them fitted to a few of the new Cooper's on 16" wheels, but like you say, I guess it’s a bit of a lottery.

I went for the Excellence's after reading some positive reviews of the runflat versions by German mags, having been disappointed with the 1st generation tyres. Granted I'm only about 150miles in, but I'm very happy so far with the improvements. Not many tyre dealers seem to know about them yet (mine were ordered in especially), but they are freely available and they seem to retail for about £105, but I haggled it down to £95 at my local place.

[Restyle]

Quote: Originally Posted by Neil_

and they seem to retail for about £105, but I haggled it down to £95 at my local place.

Seems a very good price considering I haggled my last 1st Generation Runflats down to £130 - each

[cct1]

It looks like the runonflats are only in europe, at least for now. I'd take a serious look at these whem my F1's die, especially if they're in OEM sizes.

Does anyone know about availability of these in the U.S.?

[arcmet]

Quote: Originally Posted by Neil_ (original)

Restyle - I've seen them fitted to a few of the new Cooper's on 16" wheels, but like you say, I guess it’s a bit of a lottery.

I went for the Excellence's after reading some positive reviews of the runflat versions by German mags, having been disappointed with the 1st generation tyres. Granted I'm only about 150miles in, but I'm very happy so far with the improvements. Not many tyre dealers seem to know about them yet (mine were ordered in especially), but they are freely available and they seem to retail for about £105, but I haggled it down to £95 at my local place.

Thanks for the info Neil. I've also got a 2004 'JCW S' on 16" runflats and had wondered about changing over to the 'second generation' RF's. Can you keep us updated on their performance?

Reason that I'm asking, is that the last time I tried non-RF's, it took a good 400-500 miles for them to really start perfoming to thier full potential - from previous (numerous & wallet bending!) tyre changes, I've found they usually need about 250 miles to 'run in', so I'd be very interested to know what they're like after a few more miles - in theory they should get even better Hope they do!

[Neil_]

Quote: Originally Posted by arcmet (original)

Thanks for the info Neil. I've also got a 2004 'JCW S' on 16" runflats and had wondered about changing over to the 'second generation' RF's. Can you keep us updated on their performance?

Reason that I'm asking, is that the last time I tried non-RF's, it took a good 400-500 miles for them to really start perfoming to thier full potential - from previous (numerous & wallet bending!) tyre changes, I've found they usually need about 250 miles to 'run in', so I'd be very interested to know what they're like after a few more miles - in theory they should get even better Hope they do!

Very happy to provide an update once the tyres have bedded down, which should be in a couple of weeks once I've covered 500-odd miles.

[arcmet]

Quote: Originally Posted by Neil_ (original)

Very happy to provide an update once the tyres have bedded down, which should be in a couple of weeks once I've covered 500-odd miles.

Nice one, Cheers

[Restyle]

Some more 2nd Generation Runflat Articles

Goodyear receives Innovation in Fleet award for its Runonflat tyre technology

Goodyear Runonflat Ads on Youtube {where people suffer nasty accidents whilst changing tyres}

Michelin Launches the Zero Pressure -ZP- Tyre for BMWs & MINIs

[averil]

I have a new 56 mini cooper fitted with Dunlop SP Sport 01 17" Run Flat Tyres. The night before Christmas Eve I had a puncture. My husband endeavoured to get the tyre repaired, as when we phoned mini help line we were told these tyres were repairable. We have since found out this is not the case. The cheapest quote we have had for the tyre is £113 + VAT fitted. More bad news, however, is that the tyres are so new nobody can get hold of them. My lovely new mini has been sat on my drive for 2 weeks and looks like it will be some time yet before I will be able to use it.

[Olly.]

Quote: Originally Posted by averil (original)

I have a new 56 mini cooper fitted with Dunlop SP Sport 01 17" Run Flat Tyres. The night before Christmas Eve I had a puncture. My husband endeavoured to get the tyre repaired, as when we phoned mini help line we were told these tyres were repairable. We have since found out this is not the case. The cheapest quote we have had for the tyre is £113 + VAT fitted. More bad news, however, is that the tyres are so new nobody can get hold of them. My lovely new mini has been sat on my drive for 2 weeks and looks like it will be some time yet before I will be able to use it.

Can't see any reason why run flats can't be repaired? The run flats on the old model could be repaired

[Restyle]

Quote: Originally Posted by averil (original)

...the tyres are so new nobody can get hold of them. My lovely new mini has been sat on my drive for 2 weeks and looks like it will be some time yet before I will be able to use it.

Very sorry to hear this, & hard to believe that situations like this can still occur.
If you`ve tried all the local tyre retailers without success, then your only recourse would seem to be contacting MINI UK direct & putting your complaint to them.
Not wishing to put words into your mouth , but I would also tell them of your plans to take your story to the National papers if this situation isnt resolved within a couple of days, as this would make a very nice Shock / Horror story.

Welcome to MINI2

[Restyle]

Quote: Originally Posted by Olly. (original)

Can't see any reason why run flats can't be repaired? The run flats on the old model could be repaired

Theoretically, They can be repaired in certain circumstances where the puncture is a certain distance away from the sidewall .... But, many tyre depots will refuse to do it for Liability reasons as many manufacturers say any repair invalidates the speed rating.

I had one repaired by a few years ago by a small tyre depot who would only do it for cash with no receipt citing the above reasons.