A couple of misconception I've noticed in this thread.
1. The run flat tires that we are talking about (for the Mini) are no different then non run flat tires as far as mounting to rims. The RF (Mini OEM RF) does NOT require a special rim/alloy wheel. There is nothing special about the RF tire (Mini OEM RF) as it seals to the rim. I think there is some confusion to this issue because there are different run flat technologies out in the market such as PAX. PAX has a special rim and an inner ring to keep the tire from hitting the rim in case of a flat. You cannot fix a punctured PAX tire with a patch because you might not have enough clearance due to the inner ring in the rim.
2. The MINI RF OEM tires CAN be patched just like any other non run flat tire can as long as it is in area that can be patched (not near the sidewall). The manufacture will say the performance has been compromised but they will also say that of a non run flat. I know, I had my RF tire patched this weekend. PAX requires a special kit to fix a tire but for the most part you are screwed.
3. There is no sensor in the rim of the wheel to detect low tire pressure in the Mini (at least not in the 06 and back). Mini figures out if you have a flat by measuring the rotational speed of each wheel. A flat tire doesn't rotate at the same speed. This is why you don't see an indicator of which wheel is flat. In fact you can recalibrate the system with a flat on your car and the light will not go off after that. Once you fix the flat, the light will probably go on as it detected a difference in speed again...only this time it's the correct speed. You can also have it go off if you play with the tire pressures.
4. Mix tires from front to rear. The only thing that you should concern yourself about is the different grip levels this setup will cause. In cold snowy days a RF (at -9 f) freezes to the point that you can spin your wheel sup to 3rd gear on dry pavement (with little effort). I have 2 sets of RF tires (summer only/ winter only). My winter RF set is made of a softer compound and does not freeze at -9 f. So imagine having my winters on the front and my summers on the rear. You are asking for trouble here. The rear will want to swap ends on any hard braking scenarios on less than ideal surfaces.
Anyway, I enjoyed this thread and will be switching to non run flats as soon as my tires wear out.
I am new to runflats. I recently bought a Mini Clubman Cooper with 17" Alloys with runflats. Can one later ons replace the runflats with normal tubeless tyres? I have read one remark somewhere that you need to also replace the alloys as they are specifically made for the runflats. Is this true?
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