PSI for non-run flat tires?

[thedynamix]

Hi all,

Anyone know what the recommended PSI is for non-run flat tires on my Mini Cooper 2002 Auto is?

Thanks,

TD

[The Nun]

Mine runs size 205x45x17 run flats and the pressure for those is 2.6 bar, 37.7psi

[minitec22]

Its 35psi I believe.

[thedynamix]

For non run flats?

[harvey94]

Tyre pressure is not calculated on the actual tyre , its done on the weight of the vehicle.

You will see that the nun has a psi of 37.7 on a tyre 205x45x17 , i have roughly the same tyre except a different side wall height , 205x40x17 and my psi all round is 30 , different car then different psi , just follow what it says in the manual.

[Angib]

Quote: Originally Posted by The Nun (original)

Mine runs size 205x45x17 run flats and the pressure for those is 2.6 bar, 37.7psi

On the same size non-runflats, mine says 2.8 bar, 41 psi.

I don't think the advice to look in the manual is much help as both my 2nd Gen cars' manuals haven't given tyre pressures - instead the manual says to look at the door jamb sticker.

Mine says 2.8 bar for 15s and 17s, and 2.6 bar for 16s - a curious mix.

[Garreth]

Quote: Originally Posted by thedynamix (original)

Hi all,

Anyone know what the recommended PSI is for non-run flat tires on my Mini Cooper 2002 Auto is?

Thanks,

TD

Max air pressure minus 2 pounds, then adjust as you see wear patterns.

[bmwr606]

if you have a buddy that does track days, he/she may have a tire pyrometer

pick a pressure and drive the car, them measure the temp of the tires across the tread, you are looking for even temps across the tire

if the center is higher temp, drop the pressure and try again

if the center is lower, raise the pressure and try again

my cms all4 calls for 32 psi all around, i am running 42 frt/36 rear using the above method

at 5k miles i rotated the tires and measured the tread depth, 7/32 left on all 4 tires, all the way across the tread

the pressures you find this way will only apply to the particular brand/model/size of tire, if you change the tire to different brand or model or size you need to start over

scott

[Ian Kuah]

Quote: Originally Posted by thedynamix (original)

Hi all,

Anyone know what the recommended PSI is for non-run flat tires on my Mini Cooper 2002 Auto is?

Thanks,

TD

The MINI is a front-wheel-drive car with a forward weight bias, therefore the front tyre pressures should be higher to minimise understeer and improve steering feel and turn-in.

If the rear pressures are too high, the car will be skittish under hard braking and when you lift off in a bend, especially in slippery conditions.

I have 16-inch non-runflats set at 30psi front and 24psi rear on my 2001 Cooper, and the car is very neutral and progressive on the limit. It is also perfectly stable at top speed on the German autobahn with these pressures.

I am a professional road tester by the way, and contributor to BMW Car and MINI World magazines.

[langdang]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ian Kuah (original)

If the rear pressures are too high, the car will be skittish under hard braking and when you lift off in a bend, especially in slippery conditions.

I have 16-inch non-runflats set at 30psi front and 24psi rear on my 2001 Cooper, and the car is very neutral and progressive on the limit. It is also perfectly stable at top speed on the German autobahn with these pressures.

I am a professional road tester by the way, and contributor to BMW Car and MINI World magazines.

I'm gonna agree with this in general. The UK/Ireland recommended pressures for the R50 are 32/32 psi IIRC
Good for fuel economy, not optimal for enthusiastic driving.
30 and 26,27ish are what I've been using in my wife's R50 (15inch non runflats). That's for 2 front seat occupants and negligible luggage load. We both agree that this makes the car much more stable/predictable in the twisty bumpy stuff. I do bring them back up to 32/32 for extended motorway runs or urban commuting.

[Derepente]

I have non run flats. I use 39psi on all four. If i use anything less, seems like i have to top off the air more frequently. On the door frame you can reference recommended psi levels.

[Macguyvic]

It's listed on the door jam of your car with pressure listed based on the original equipment tires.

[mcallim7]

Hi

I have been running a 2002 mini on non run flat tyres for 6 years now at 2.1bar or 31/32 psi
after comming out the bmw dealer last year they set my tyrs to 37psi and nearly killed me as i went round a corner and almot ended up in the hedge
i run on dunlop sp9000 205/45/17

hope this helps
this info is also on the inside of your filler cap