[del115]

Hi

Got the wheels, now I need to choose the tyres.

My first choice was ContiSportContact3 but these seem to be as rare as RHS.
I am now looking at the other end of the price spectrum with Dunlop Sport sp9000.

In between are Bridgestone R040 and Toyo Proxes T1-R

Mainly this is for road use but I do do a number of track days so durability is a factor.
Has anyone tried sp9000.?

Regards

[bob corbishley]

Contis and Bridgestones are always highly rated. Toyos are a mixed bag.

SP9000s are a very good tyre but I've only used them on Audi A4s and a 530d

Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD5 are getting the best press just now.

Kumho Ecsta KU31 are also very good and very cheap (Good for Elises and my Camper van!)

[Pink Mink]

I posted this in another thread, but seems suitable for this one!


I was quoted £360 for a pair of Dunlop 205 / 45 / 17 runflats through BMW (I got 13,500 miles out of the first pair). Went to Kwik Fit this afternoon as I got a quote on their website for £278 with a discount. When I got there, the very kind man behind the counter suggested I went for Bridgestones at £202 for the pair as they are 'apparently' slightly harder wearing.

So I went for the Bridgestone's and they felt really good as I drove home.

[Tara&Paul]

I had a set of 17" Toyo T1 R's on a R50 Cooper and they were awesome, fantastic grip in both wet and dry conditions!

I now have a set of 18" run-flat Bridgestone Potenza's on a R56 MCS, they have fantastic grip in the dry but very poor grip in the wet.

P.

[Pink Mink]

It's supposed to be pretty icey where I live tomorrow morning, so it'll be interesting to see how the Bridgestones act in those conditions. If I'm not here to provide an update tomorrow, then you know they weren't very good!!!

[bob corbishley]

Well Goodyear excellence ROF wear pants in the packed frozen fog on tues am.

Just fitted some Dunlop Winter sport M3s yesterday... and now its going to warm up!

[jamesbeaumont]

Bear in mind no summer tyres are designed to be used on ice so they will all be equally rubbish. Get some eagle f1's or pilot sports 2's

[Overboost-Rich]

I am thinking about switching to non runflats on my R56 MCS and so asked my dealership service manager his opinion...his replay was:

"I don't know of any customers that have made the switch from standard run flats to non run flats and the handling would go wallowy on non runflats"!!

I am confused now, as I have read that many people on here sing the praises of non runflats!

[bob corbishley]

Well so far all I can say is that the handling and ride is not much different. The only real difference is when I pull into the works car park and drive over the less than perfect dropped kerbs. You hardly feel it any more on the non run flats. Wallowly my @rse.

[jamesbeaumont]

Quote: Originally Posted by Overboost-Rich (original)

I am thinking about switching to non runflats on my R56 MCS and so asked my dealership service manager his opinion...his replay was:

"I don't know of any customers that have made the switch from standard run flats to non run flats and the handling would go wallowy on non runflats"!!

I am confused now, as I have read that many people on here sing the praises of non runflats!

What a load of tripe! Ive found a massive difference, the ride is much smoother and composed, because the sidewalls arent as stiff the fronts dont bounce around and struggle for grip. In corners the run flats used to give up and slide all the time, the non runflats havent given up once yet!

[Overboost-Rich]

Thanks for your replies Bob & James. I am considering Kumho Ecsta Non Runflats now as they are a fantastic price. I have heard nothing but good comments about Kumho tyres particularly for the cost of them!

[NeuroBeaker]

Ok, I'm planning on fitting a 205/55/R15 tyre to a 7-hole 15" 5.5J-rim... I've finally made that decision at least!

On to tyres... I'm currently looking at 4 new tyres all round with the following contenders:

Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 (£385.60 inc VAT)
Toyo Proxes T1-R (£287.60 inc VAT)
Yokohama S.Drive (£296.00 inc VAT)

My priorities are (in this order):

1. Wet grip (critical in rainy Glasgow)
2. Dry grip
3. Durable
4. Value for money (worth the cost, not just minimum price)

I already have Koni FSDs on Standard Springs, so I reckon my ride quality is going to be just fine - although I hear the Michelins are comfortable.

Toyo Proxes T1-R and Yokohama S.Drives are a complete unknown quantity for me. Yokohama also make the A.Drive tyre (which I may put on a SmartCar and would also consider as a good value purchase for the MINI).

These tyres will soon be used in combination with all 4 GTT strut/chassis/boot braces - so need a tyre that will perform well in conjunction with them. I do however have a problem with the following tyre companies after some bad experiences with them:

• Dunlop
• Continental

And I won't be using any economy brand or unknown brand tyres - there's a family history of horrific injury associated with those.

Quote: Originally Posted by bob corbishley (original)

Toyos are a mixed bag.

Mixed bag - you mean their whole range? What about the T1-Rs specifically?

Quote: Originally Posted by Tara&Paul (original)

I had a set of 17" Toyo T1 R's on a R50 Cooper and they were awesome, fantastic grip in both wet and dry conditions!

I now have a set of 18" run-flat Bridgestone Potenza's on a R56 MCS, they have fantastic grip in the dry but very poor grip in the wet.

P.

OK, that puts Bridgestones out of the running for Glasgow weather!

Quote: Originally Posted by Pink Mink (original)

It's supposed to be pretty icey where I live tomorrow morning, so it'll be interesting to see how the Bridgestones act in those conditions. If I'm not here to provide an update tomorrow, then you know they weren't very good!!!

And is anyone else getting slightly concerned about us not yet hearing an update from Pink Mink yet?

Quote: Originally Posted by jamesbeaumont (original)

Bear in mind no summer tyres are designed to be used on ice so they will all be equally rubbish. Get some eagle f1's or pilot sports 2's

Eagle F1s in the GS-D3 design aren't made in 205/55/R15 - only the GS-D2, which I hear has a very rapid wear rate... so that's out for me.

Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 looks good, but is very expensive. Do they justify their price?

And I think that covers most of my questions. Sorry couldn't help with answering any of the above.

Thanks in advance,
Andrew.

[NeuroBeaker]

Quote: Originally Posted by Pink Mink (original)

It's supposed to be pretty icey where I live tomorrow morning, so it'll be interesting to see how the Bridgestones act in those conditions. If I'm not here to provide an update tomorrow, then you know they weren't very good!!!

It's now been approximately 13 days, 15 hours, and 22 minutes since Pink Mink last set out in icy conditions for her tyre review - understandably, we are now fearing the worst...

At this point, I'd like to call for volunteers to join the search parties. Those with basic medical training are preferred, but anyone who can wear a pair of wellies and hold a flashlight would be useful.

All the best,
Andrew.

[NeuroBeaker]

Hello everyone,

Just thought I'd bring you the update of this tyre situation and bring you some helpful advice I received in another thread.

My final decision is to fit Kumho ECSTA SPT KU31 in size 205/55/R15 88V to my 7-hole 15" 5.5J-rim MINI alloys, replacing a stock fitment of Pirelli P3000 Energy in size 175/65/R15 84H (I had the dealer put a higher speed rated tyre on for delivery, original was 84T I think).

For those of you who are interested in the discussion behind the tyre selection, please see quoted text below. I'll let you know how I get on with the new tyres when they're fitted sometime in the next fortnight or so.

All the best,
Andrew.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Quote: Originally Posted by ARCrawford (original)

So... on the topic of expensive things - I need new tyres.

I've finally made a decision to upgrade to the 205/55/R15 on my 7-hole 15" 5.5J-rim alloys. The tyres I'm looking at are:

1. Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 (£385.60 inc VAT)
2. Toyo Proxes T1-R (£287.60 inc VAT)
3. Yokohama S.Drive (£296.00 inc VAT)

I know the Michelins are an exceptional tyre, but they're also excruciatingly expensive. I know next to nothing about the Toyo and Yokohama tyres and am finding it difficult to locate good reviews of them (the manufacturer websites are obviously bias).

My priorities are (in this order):

1. Wet grip (critical in rainy Glasgow)
2. Dry grip (as I want a tyre still fun in summer and for long road trips in sunnier climates)
3. Durable
4. Value for money (worth the cost, not just minimum price)

Anyone have any thoughts?

All the best,
Andrew.

PS
I'm also thinking of fitting Yokohama A.Drives to the SmartCar, as this needs new tyres too - and they're one of the few alternatives to Continental EcoContacts (yuck!) to make sizes that fit the Smart. Particularly the front fitment on the Smart is problematic, requiring: 145/65/R15. The rear axle is a slightly more normal, but still hard to come by 175/55/R15. So any performance ideas on that front will be welcome - as I still want the fronts and rears to match.

Quote: Originally Posted by Hat (original)

my tuppen'th would be to look at goodyear eagle F1's which lots of mini owners have used, including myself. they're a great wet tyre with pretty good durability. the toyos would be a good alternative but don't last as long from what i've read

Quote: Originally Posted by mad brummie (original)

Andrew, look at Kumho Ecsta Sports, I have nothing but good things to say, great in the dry and wet and they are really hard wearing too

Quote: Originally Posted by ARCrawford (original)

Thanks Pat! I did like the look of the Goodyear Eagle F1 DS-G3, but for sizes that would physically fit my wheels, they're only available in the DS-G2 compound and tread pattern. I gather the older format for this tyre isn't far off in terms of performance, but wears extremely quickly when you take it on dry roads.

I've not really heard of Kumho before. I'll take a look - thanks Brum!

Quote: Originally Posted by mad brummie (original)

They are what i was running on the MINI, i never experienced F1's but the Kumho's were ace. I did all 4 16's for 200 quid plus a few quid's fitting. I'd put them on the Z happily but they don't do the size required.

Quote: Originally Posted by ButtonIt (original)

I've had Kumho Ecsta Sports on my mini for ages now. Good tread pattern, very good in the wet and dry, cheap, hard wearing.

I'd have them over Pzero's or Eagle F1's any day now, given the expense of the big namers (unless you can get a discount)

Quote: Originally Posted by ARCrawford (original)

Is this the tyre you're thinking of?

:: KUMHO TYRES :: - ECSTA SPT KU31

I've also found some reviews for it on Tiretest.com:

Kumho - ECSTA SPT KU31
And it's only £41.20 per tyre from mytyres.com!

I'm interested to see how it performs on a MINI in comparison to some of the other tyres, so how would you say it does against:

Toyo - PROXES T1-R
Which is £53.00 per tyre from mytyres.com

Yokohama - S.drive <-- not really enough reviewers online, but does exceptional in the wet?
Which is £72.40 per tyre from mytyres.com

Yokohama - AVS dB <-- beats Toyo and Kumho in the wet, but not dry. Wears better?
Which is £71.60 per tyre from mytyres.com

Michelin - PILOT EXALTO PE2 <-- Probably the best tyre
Which is £88.90 per tyre from mytyres.com <-- but also soooo expensive!

So, based on what looks like a good deal, and the reviews there. It seems as though anything I pick on the list will be an upgrade from the existing Pirelli P3000 Energy (£48 from mytyre.com), and it's between the Kumho and the Toyo, so in summary:

In the dry, it seems Kumho has a marginal advantage.
In the wet, favour swings marginally Toyo's way. <-- note, Glasgow's rain
For Comfort and Noise, Kumho has an edge.
But for wear, Toyo does slightly better. <-- Would this compensate for the slightly higher price?

In short, I still have no idea which tyre to buy. The Kumho seems to have a slightly faster wear rate on the survey than the Pirellis or Toyos, but then is a fair bit cheaper than both.

So, given the wear rates, and how you guys know tyres perform on the MINI - do you think the Toyos or the Kumhos would be the better buy?

Many thanks,
Andrew.

PS
I'm now leaning towards the Yokohama AVS db for the SmartCar - it seems the highest performance tyre available in the odd sizes for its odd little wheels.

Quote: Originally Posted by mad brummie (original)

Andrew, put it this way, i had RF's on the MINI and all 4 were gone in 17k miles, replaced with Kumho's and when i sold the car at 34k i hadn't rotated the fronts and they were still absolutely fine and i am 'enthusastic' with the driving style. I would go with the Kumho's, the price difference is big and the performance diff negliable if any. No brainer i reckon.

Quote: Originally Posted by ARCrawford (original)

Awesome. I'm off to the tyre place this next weekend then.

Thanks again, I'm off home for dinner!
Andrew.

[Pink Mink]

Quote: Originally Posted by ARCrawford (original)

It's now been approximately 13 days, 15 hours, and 22 minutes since Pink Mink last set out in icy conditions for her tyre review - understandably, we are now fearing the worst...

At this point, I'd like to call for volunteers to join the search parties. Those with basic medical training are preferred, but anyone who can wear a pair of wellies and hold a flashlight would be useful.

All the best,
Andrew.

I'm alive! Sorry to anyone who did go out searching any ditches for me!

Well, it's a month on since getting my Bridgestone's fitted, and I'm thoroughly delighted with them.

[cambiker71]

Quote: Originally Posted by ARCrawford (original)

Hello everyone,

Just thought I'd bring you the update of this tyre situation and bring you some helpful advice I received in another thread.

My final decision is to fit Kumho ECSTA SPT KU31 in size 205/55/R15 88V to my 7-hole 15" 5.5J-rim MINI alloys, replacing a stock fitment of Pirelli P3000 Energy in size 175/65/R15 84H (I had the dealer put a higher speed rated tyre on for delivery, original was 84T I think).

For those of you who are interested in the discussion behind the tyre selection, please see quoted text below. I'll let you know how I get on with the new tyres when they're fitted sometime in the next fortnight or so.

All the best,
Andrew.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Hi, hopefully you haven't bought these 205/55r15 tyres yet as they will be considerably taller in sidewall height compared to the 175 standard fitment, not only will this affect the appearance but the handling will suffer too and your speedo will read slower than your actual speed. The size which will work best on that rim would be 195/55 r15 in whatever speed rating you fancy (v is most common and therefore cheaper). Also the 5.5 inch rim will work better with a 195, as 205s are really recommended for a 6 inch rim in an ideal world.
The simple rule of thumb when changing tyres sizes is that if you go up a width then go down a profile to keep the same/similar rolling radius
e.g. 175/65r15 to 185/60r15 to 195/55r15 to 205/50r15
working out the sizes i'll estimate the 205/55 is approximately 20mm larger in overall diameter than the 175/65
I work in the tyre trade myself and hope this helps you (or anybody here) in there decision making.

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by cambiker71 (original)

Hi, hopefully you haven't bought these 205/55r15 tyres yet as they will be considerably taller in sidewall height compared to the 175 standard fitment, not only will this affect the appearance but the handling will suffer too and your speedo will read slower than your actual speed. The size which will work best on that rim would be 195/55 r15 in whatever speed rating you fancy (v is most common and therefore cheaper).

The simple rule of thumb when changing tyres sizes is that if you go up a width then go down a profile to keep the same/similar rolling radius
e.g. 175/65r15 to 185/60r15 to 195/55r15 to 205/50r15
working out the sizes i'll estimate the 205/55 is approximately 20mm larger in overall diameter than the 175/65

NOT TRUE ...

FAQ: What should be considered in choosing a wheel and tire package?