[Boro Boy]

Quote: Originally Posted by bob corbishley (original)

Fitting Dunlop winter tyres next week, cost me £200 less than the ROF versions, splashed out £60 on the Mini Mobility Kit instead (compressor and bottle of goo in a nice case).

f it were such a no no fitting std tyres then why do Mini make the Mobility kit???

Bob,

I'm thinking of ditching the runflats and getting standard tyres fitted, as I too am getting weary of the noise and throw from bumps and potholes in our tremendously well kept British roads. I would like the reassurance of at least having a repair kit (a space-saver spare wheel would be better, but I don't think the well in the boot is deep enough). How big is the Mobility Kit? Can it be stored under the flap in the boot?

Cheers.

[Barny]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dainewb (original)

I had T1Rs on my R50 Cooper and found them to be really bad! Poor grip and not progressive at all when grip started to go! If you drive in a spirited way I would be wary of them!

I'm quite surprised at this. What size wheels do you have ?
I have T1 R's on my 17's on my R50 Cooper, having replaced the runflats for them.

They're cheaper than runflats, and I find the grip brilliant. You can feel the tyre walls loading up much easier so they are less likely to suddenly snap and put you in a field.

I've also now put a Cusco Front Strut Brace on and I couldn't ask for any more front end grip !

[Lawrothegreat]

Quote: Originally Posted by PGN-1 (original)

Only driven less than 100km with my Cooper so far, but I think my 16" non-runflats seem quite close to the 15" runflats on the ONE and Cooper I test drove last fall.

The 15" wheels don't come fitted with runflats, only the 16" and 17" wheel options - at least in the UK market anyway.

Quote: Originally Posted by JeffCoop (original)

Tate Mini Service in Annapolis, Maryland USA did not want to quote me a price on a spare because he said it is dangerous to replace runflats with other tires because the entire car (dsc, brakes, etc) is tuned to work with runflats. If I replace them, he said no one will take liability if the event of an accident because the machine is not at spec. Any one else heard this? Is this just the BMW corporate opinion because they have a deal with tire manufacturers?
Thanks JeffCoop

A dealer once told me that if I replaced my runflats with normal tyres it could cause errors with the ABS sensors if the tyres go flat, causing the ECU to malfunction - and that wouldn't be covered under warranty!

However I would let your insurance company know, because they can void your insurance if anything is incorrect.

[*Jason*]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lawrothegreat (original)

The 15" wheels don't come fitted with runflats, only the 16" and 17" wheel options - at least in the UK market anyway.



A dealer once told me that if I replaced my runflats with normal tyres it could cause errors with the ABS sensors if the tyres go flat, causing the ECU to malfunction - and that wouldn't be covered under warranty!

However I would let your insurance company know, because they can void your insurance if anything is incorrect.

Absolute ********. CYA time from the dealer I'm afraid. Realistically, if you have a puncture of any kind then you shouldn't be driving the car in a fashion likely to trigger the ABS and quite how that impinges on the ECU negatively I can hardly fathom.

Simply put, if the RFTs are replaced by standard tyres then the unsprung mass is reduced leading to better handling, less bumpsteer and in all likelihood improved tyre wear.

If RFTs are the be all and end all, why does the M Division not fit them on their vehicles? My Z4M is the only Z4 model not fitted with them so that had to tell you something.

They're rubbish. End of.

[Boro Boy]

Quote: Originally Posted by *Jason* (original)

Absolute ********. CYA time from the dealer I'm afraid. Realistically, if you have a puncture of any kind then you shouldn't be driving the car in a fashion likely to trigger the ABS and quite how that impinges on the ECU negatively I can hardly fathom.

Simply put, if the RFTs are replaced by standard tyres then the unsprung mass is reduced leading to better handling, less bumpsteer and in all likelihood improved tyre wear.

If RFTs are the be all and end all, why does the M Division not fit them on their vehicles? My Z4M is the only Z4 model not fitted with them so that had to tell you something.

They're rubbish. End of.

I have just had my RFTs replaced with conventionals, and I must say grip and comfort has improved. Of course, the major plus-point for the RFTs is that in the event of a blow-out at high speed, you are (reportedly) less likely to lose control of the car. With my conventionals I must now accept that I drive at increased risk!

[feenaldo]

I will always maintain that fitting non-run flat tyres to my 04 MCS was the single best mod £ for £ that I have done to date.

If you can afford to I would say, like many others, that the Goodyear eagle F1 GDS3'S are the best pick for a good all round tyre, and Toyo T1R seem to be a popular choice, although I think they aren't nearly as good wear wise or in the wet as the Goodyear.

When it comes down to runflats I found that the Pirelli Euphoria's were by far the worst run flats and when I had the Dunlop SP sports I enjoyed those much better!

Anybody changing them just remember to buy some tyre weld from Halfords in case you get stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tyre... it is also worth remembering that most Kwick Fit type places will not go near your MINI because apparently its some kind of saftey requirement that all cars with RF indicator must have RF tyres.

[Boro Boy]

Quote: Originally Posted by feenaldo (original)

I will always maintain that fitting non-run flat tyres to my 04 MCS was the single best mod £ for £ that I have done to date.

If you can afford to I would say, like many others, that the Goodyear eagle F1 GDS3'S are the best pick for a good all round tyre, and Toyo T1R seem to be a popular choice, although I think they aren't nearly as good wear wise or in the wet as the Goodyear.

When it comes down to runflats I found that the Pirelli Euphoria's were by far the worst run flats and when I had the Dunlop SP sports I enjoyed those much better!

Anybody changing them just remember to buy some tyre weld from Halfords in case you get stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tyre... it is also worth remembering that most Kwick Fit type places will not go near your MINI because apparently its some kind of saftey requirement that all cars with RF indicator must have RF tyres.

Thanks Feenaldo, I am awaiting delivery of a Mini Mobility kit to go in the boot. KwikFit Whetstone were happy to fit conventionals to mine, as long as it was noted that it was by customer request.

[Dainewb]

Quote: Originally Posted by Boro Boy (original)

Thanks Feenaldo, I am awaiting delivery of a Mini Mobility kit to go in the boot. KwikFit Whetstone were happy to fit conventionals to mine, as long as it was noted that it was by customer request.

I found kwikfit a nightmare. they repaired a flat runflat once for me but then wouldn't do it another time claiming they are not allowed to repair runflats (and i had not driven on it very flat 20 psi minimum for a couple of miles).

They have also said they are not allowed to put non runflats on minis. even though the 15 inch wheels come with them!! They said some dodgy back street garage might do it.

I think what they meant was that an honest independant garage offering resonable prices and good customer service might do it!

Kwikfit are arrogant idiots (and their staff are some of the stupidest people i have ever met!)

[feenaldo]

I agree that Kwick Fit is a little like the as forest Gump would say, " a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get!" So some are good and some are like the coffee creams i.e waste of space!

Because Run Flats have such a tough sidewall on them, they are not easy to fit, certainly not as easy as a standard tyre, thus sometimes they avoid it knowing it will be a pain to change purley to avoid any hassle.

If Kwick Fit refuse to do anything with your tyres, take it as a compliment because what they are actually doing is saying that you look too intelligent to rip off so they are going to send you elsewhere

I hope you all get on well with your tyre changes, let me know what you got and what you thought of it! Enjoy your new handling but be extra careful for the first 100 miles or so because they need to scrub in and may take you by suprise as you hurtle round your favorite back roads

[mab01uk]

Quote: Originally Posted by Boro Boy (original)

I would like the reassurance of at least having a repair kit (a space-saver spare wheel would be better, but I don't think the well in the boot is deep enough). How big is the Mobility Kit? Can it be stored under the flap in the boot?.

If you have a Cooper or One you can fit a space-saver spare wheel..........but not the MCS due to exhaust and battery box.
Link here to all he parts needed to fit a spare wheel under the boot floor. I fitted a spare to my MINI last month when I changed to normal Goodyesr 215 /40 x 17 F1 tyres :-

http://www.mini2.com/forum/wheels-ty...t-numbers.html

[*Jason*]

Quote: Originally Posted by Boro Boy (original)

I have just had my RFTs replaced with conventionals, and I must say grip and comfort has improved. Of course, the major plus-point for the RFTs is that in the event of a blow-out at high speed, you are (reportedly) less likely to lose control of the car. With my conventionals I must now accept that I drive at increased risk!

Fair point but realistically how many blow outs have you had in your driving career? Touch wood, I've driven around 500,000 miles in my life and have yet to suffer from one.

[Boro Boy]

Thanks all, will let you know how I get on. Tyres are 205/55-16 Bridgestone Turanza ER30.

[captint]

I had runflats on mine when I first got it (Sept 07), and had a blow out on the way to GTT (150 mile drive). It was quite amazing how far I could get before pulling over 10 miles +. The inside wall of the tyre had totally disintigrated. However I changed the fronts that day to Falkens, as they were cheap and even though they are not a premium tyre, the handling and ride was noticibly better. How moving to Toyos all round

[P1 MINI]

I'm new to this forum and was reading with interest the comments on Runflats V's Non runflats.

I am the proud owner of 2 Minis, a New 57 plate Auto with 17" Cooper S Works alloys with Non Run Flats and a 56 plate Manual with the R90 Cross Spokes which I changed to Non Run Flats a few days ago and to date I'm trying to come up with a reason why anyone would stick to Runflats.

If you're thinking of changing - Do It.......

Sorry about refering to the Minis by age, I'm not sure of the manufacturer codes !

[Mini_me]

Quote: Originally Posted by P1 MINI (original)

I'm new to this forum and was reading with interest the comments on Runflats V's Non runflats.

I am the proud owner of 2 Minis, a New 57 plate Auto with 17" Cooper S Works alloys with Non Run Flats and a 56 plate Manual with the R90 Cross Spokes which I changed to Non Run Flats a few days ago and to date I'm trying to come up with a reason why anyone would stick to Runflats.

If you're thinking of changing - Do It.......

Sorry about refering to the Minis by age, I'm not sure of the manufacturer codes !

By age? Spare a thought for the none Brits (or those who left Blighty some years back) . 56 a late 2006 and 57 a late 2007?

[jlove]

Being essentially lazy and with most of my motoring motorway cruising, I've stuck with RoF tyres, despite the general voting for 'normal' rubber.

My experience is that the Pirelli is dreadful, with tramlining at around 50% wear, the Dunlop is OK but I've now just put on my 3rd pair of Goodyears and they are more compliant and predictable than either. It also helps that their price seems to have dropped - that pair last week were £203.61 including all the 'extras' that get added in.

[any5at32]

r50 cooper,front tyres need replacing costing £200. priced out toyo p1rs, £288 for 4 with blackcircles & local garage to fit. before purchasing phoned the garage & they said no way would they change runflats to non runflats, a rim issue & unsafe. feeling a bit stuck here, is it OK to put these tyres on my mini 5 spoke alloys or is there an issue. anybody feel free

[OJM]

I changed my front two runflats to Hankook Ventus S1 Evo's (£220 all in), due to wear on the factory fits. Seem a little better - the ride isn't AS harsh, but still a bit harsh (MCS with SS+ though) as expected.

Hankook Ventus S1 EVO K107 Tires - Tire Size & Price Details - 1010tires.com

I was thinking of non-runflats at the time, but didn't want to replace all 4 tyres - money and all that.

[Hyper Active]

Quote: Originally Posted by any5at32 (original)

r50 cooper,front tyres need replacing costing £200. priced out toyo p1rs, £288 for 4 with blackcircles & local garage to fit. before purchasing phoned the garage & they said no way would they change runflats to non runflats, a rim issue & unsafe. feeling a bit stuck here, is it OK to put these tyres on my mini 5 spoke alloys or is there an issue. anybody feel free

There are lots of people on here running non runflats on MINI rims, with no issues at all. Just find a tyre fitter that will is all.

[slim_boy_fat]

Quote: Originally Posted by any5at32 (original)

r50 cooper,front tyres need replacing costing £200. priced out toyo p1rs, £288 for 4 with blackcircles & local garage to fit. before purchasing phoned the garage & they said no way would they change runflats to non runflats, a rim issue & unsafe. feeling a bit stuck here, is it OK to put these tyres on my mini 5 spoke alloys or is there an issue. anybody feel free

Oh i had beet be careful with the wording just incase i upset a sensitive soul!!!


I would suggest the garage who are not fitting the tyres must be called Richard Head, they talk with forked tongue and actually dont know what they are talking about. I would suggest you don’t even ask them to put air in your tyres let alone fit a new set.


Is that ok for everyone, post acceptable?????????????????

Can i use the words merchant banker too.