Hello everyone - My name is Cort and I just bought a 2005 MINI Cooper on Friday 3/21/2014. I am sure that I will have several questions but before anything else, I need to get rid of these buck board hard worn out run flat tires (tyres). I currently have the 5 spoke 16" rims and first need to know if you can mount regular tires on a rim originally designated for a run flat tire? Second, what tire size would you recommend to replace the original 195/55R16 tire. I have seen everything from 175 cross section to 215 cross section on various rim sizes and was wondering if there was a sweet spot tire size wise to shoot for. My first criteria would be for handling with a second for comfort realizing that this is a firm suspension to begin with. Next, does the chrome on all of the (manual) shift knobs peel slicing your hand up? I really like the style of the original knob but the replacement price is a bit to dear for me considering the way it wears (torn up leather too). Can anyone offer suggestions for a round replacement knob that fits and locks down on this shift stick.
Hey Cort - Glad to have a new member. I know that this information is in other parts of this forum but I thought that over 200 reads I would help someone new by responding. First of all, although some people have opted to use standard tires on run flat rims the official word from MINI is that these are special rims and need special tires. Second, some people have used 205/50R16 tires but it is a matter of personal choice. Finally, several people have had the chrome peel up on the knobs but all of the parts stores have a round knob that will fit and work in a pinch until other options are found.
Many people go for 205/50/16 or 205/55/16 for a better choice in tires than 195/55/16,
and slightly better performance.
205/50/16 is very slightly shorter than stock and 205/55/16 a bit taller than stock but ok if not lowered a lot.
My Local BMW fitted my 17" rims with standard tyres after removing my runflat tyres and actually advised this change to improve the ride and boy it has transformed the cars ride and driving pleasure.
Dude i suggest to you that eBay is one of the best choice for buying the tire because all varieties are there and you can buy any types of tires with different varieties i was also buy the tire from eBay and at yet its in good position...
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