Did you replace with Runflats or Non-runflats?

[russyellocoops]

kumho's are very harsh when compared to the dunlops!

swapped to dunlops and didn't feel every cats eye like i did with the kuhmo's!

[S33BBY]

I just replaced my (terrible) Pirelli Eufori@ runflats with Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 non-runflats. The difference is astonishing!

[johnmdanskin]

I did one track event on runflats, took them off and threw them away with 90% tread left.

With runflats, I hated my mini GP. With michelin PS2s, I love it.
The difference is night and day.

Get a tire repair kit (slime or plug), and think about how many times in your life you have actually had a flat and how many of those flats could have been repaired with a plug. I'm 46 and I've only had one flat that couldn't have been repaired with a plug. In comparison, I've had various cars flatbedded for a number of reasons: exploded radiators (2), exploded power steering (1), failed coils (1), failed alternator (1), failed power steering hose (3), failed rod bearing (1). I don't think this is all. I've had more flats than any other single problem, but flats are in the minority, and flats that I couldn't have fixed with a plug kit or slime are less than 1/10th.

Run flats are loud, uncomfortable, expensive, dangerous hockey pucks. I can't imagine why a sane thinking person would use them. IMHO Of course.

[Cooper Man]

My R53 has completed 120,000 miles; 95,000 of which have been on Nankang 205/45 R17 tyres - at £70 per corner, you can't go wrong!

[ZafGsi]

Quote: Originally Posted by johnmdanskin (original)

I did one track event on runflats, took them off and threw them away with 90% tread left.

With runflats, I hated my mini GP. With michelin PS2s, I love it.
The difference is night and day.

Get a tire repair kit (slime or plug), and think about how many times in your life you have actually had a flat and how many of those flats could have been repaired with a plug. I'm 46 and I've only had one flat that couldn't have been repaired with a plug. In comparison, I've had various cars flatbedded for a number of reasons: exploded radiators (2), exploded power steering (1), failed coils (1), failed alternator (1), failed power steering hose (3), failed rod bearing (1). I don't think this is all. I've had more flats than any other single problem, but flats are in the minority, and flats that I couldn't have fixed with a plug kit or slime are less than 1/10th.

Run flats are loud, uncomfortable, expensive, dangerous hockey pucks. I can't imagine why a sane thinking person would use them. IMHO Of course.

Could not agree more.

I have had my Cooper S for nearly 2 years now. They came with the Dunlop sp9000 fitted. At the time, as I had no other tyre to compare them to I thought they were OK. Yes they were hard and the grip in the wet wasn't the best but I thought the ride quality etc was more to do with the suspension set up than the actual tyres.

How wrong was I. Changed the tyres last month to 4 Vredstein Ultracs and I cannot believe I have waited nearly 2 years before I got rid of the runflats. What a load of **** in comparison. Not just the ride quality, which If any one says is not noticeable, they are lying. The whole experience is quieter, smoother and more relaxed. The car now grips like I always thought it should and I can even get the power down from a standing start without the drama I used to have from the dunlops.
I can only see ONE reason for keeping the runflats and thats the security they provide, but like the quote above says you are more likely to be stranded in your mini in the middle of nowhere with something else wrong.

There really is that much difference between the two and unless you have tried you will have no idea.

On a final point if anyone wants my 2 rear dunlops they are for sale. There is still 7 mm of tread on them as my car has only done 9000 miles. PM me if you are interested.

And on another point if anyone need a good fitter in the Lancashire area let me know.

Steve.

[Buz999]

Just changed from Goodyear runflats on 16" 5 spokes to non runflats on 17" S spokes and what a difference! I dont do track days so not interested in super grippy and more interested in general wear and price. After much ringing around and internet searches i went for 205/45/17 Federal SS 595, £225 full set fitted. They have a rim protector and directional tread and seem to me to be more than up for the job! No rumbling road noise, a lot softer enjoyable ride and a lot less prone to pulling badly to road camber, all in all, well chuffed!

[S33BBY]

When I was doing some research on tyres, Federal SS-595s seemed to be very highly rated, and are actually a very cheap tyre, so it's good to hear that you like them.