JCW 18" wheels advice plus tire alternatives

[lusomini]

I'm planning to change my current 17" S-Lites on my MCS to the new JCW 18" wheels.

They are bigger but still lighter than the S-lites and of course they look the part. I would like however to not have the runflats installed but on checking the faqs I see there's only tires in the 215 size for 18" wheels. Isn't there any 205 non-runflat tires for 18" (JCW) wheels? If so what do you recommend?

I figure I could save a few more pounds/kg per corner ending up with a sportier look and lower unsprung weight to boot!

[Smoked]

Quote: Originally Posted by lusomini

I'm planning to change my current 17" S-Lites on my MCS to the new JCW 18" wheels.

They are bigger but still lighter than the S-lites and of course they look the part. I would like however to not have the runflats installed but on checking the faqs I see there's only tires in the 215 size for 18" wheels. Isn't there any 205 non-runflat tires for 18" (JCW) wheels? If so what do you recommend?

I figure I could save a few more pounds/kg per corner ending up with a sportier look and lower unsprung weight to boot!

215/35/18's will fit on and give near enought the correct rolling radius

[Fizzle]

i've been lookin into this also. bmw were very helpful and said that they could only supply run-flat tyres but if i bought the tyres elsewhere they would be happy to fit them for me at the same time as the wheels.

i asked about 215/35/18 and 215/40/18 and they said both would be fine.

might vary from dealer to dealer so i'd check first.

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by lusomini

Isn't there any 205 non-runflat tires for 18" (JCW) wheels? If so what do you recommend?

205/40-18 Dunlop SP Sport 01 DSST is the standard fitment for the JCW wheel.

I doubt you'll find many tire choices in this size.

A Members List Advanced Search reveals two members running conventional tires in this size:

fab - Nitto Neo Gen
Zippster - Michelin Pilot Sport

I also found Toyo Proxes 4 in this size.

[lusomini]

I've sent an email to John Cooper about this issue, here's the reply:

"The 18inch Works only come with the run flat tyres the come already fitted with those tyres. These have been set up by BMW. There is no other tyre to go with this wheel at this time"

Apparently the only option, maybe there is safe issues if you go for a different tire(?)

[MINIAC]

All OEM wheels 16" or larger are fitted with run-flats, but you can put convential tires on them.

As I pointed out in my previous post, there aren't many tire choices in 205/40-18.

There are at least 3 members running 215 tires on their JCW wheels:

[kabulcooper]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC

All OEM wheels 16" or larger are fitted with run-flats, but you can put convential tires on them.

As I pointed out in my previous post, there aren't many tire choices in 205/40-18.

There are at least 3 members running 215 tires on their JCW wheels:

I followed this thread with some interest but all seems to have gone quiet. Maybe it's the Christmas effect. Does anybody have some new thoughts on the question of non-RFs on the JCW 18s? Anybody running 215/35-18 Toyo Proxes T1-R?

Cheers

Fraz

[TallAndy]

I'm seriously considering changing tyres, dont know if I can wait until the Dunlop RFs actually need replacing!

I have the JCW 18" and the roads are not the greatest where I live, someone must have the 215/35-18 Toyo Proxes T1-R on the JCW 18s? Should make the ride much more improved surely?

[RedUn]

in relation to the above 2 posts.........

as were running such a low profile anyway I can't really see non runflats making a huge difference to ride quality....

the only improvements maybe a bit more grip but in all fairness I find the dunlops very good in the dry and slightly cheaper to replace

(i'll send sum one yer way who's running falcons in 215/35 x 18)

[Damo]

Cheers Redun I have the 215/35 R18 Falkens 451's, and they're reinforced (where the Toyo's are not ) and the ride is 1000% better, and 1000% quieter then the RF's. The Tyre technician at MINI said although the tyres are not runflats the reinforcement helps if I say have to do a few miles on a flat. The tyre would be ruined but the rim should still be protected from all but the worst surfaces.

However the grip in the dry isn't quiet as good as the dunlops, but then again 5000 miles out of the dunlops is pathetic, Ive already done 10000 miles with these and expect another 7 or 8 k.

[TallAndy]

I find it easy to wheelspin and slide round roundabouts in the Dunlop RFs

Think 215/3 R18 Toyo's are what I fancy, I presume you waited until your RFs needed replacing before getting normal tyres?

[beatbox]

I too am thinking of replacing my 18" runflats,is it recomended to mix non runflat and runflat together,ie 215/35 non runflats on the front when my current dunlops are shot.

[Vron]

I replaced my Dunlops with 215 40 18 non runflats and 4000 miles later they are fine - as new infact which is more than I can say for the Dunlops. They are cheapo Wanli S1099 tyres I think they were about £70 each.

[TallAndy]

Ride would be interesting with normal tyres on the front and RFs on the back. Wonder if I can get any money for current RFs got 800 miles on them....

[RedUn]

Quote: Originally Posted by andeh

I find it easy to wheelspin and slide round roundabouts in the Dunlop RFs

Think 215/3 R18 Toyo's are what I fancy, I presume you waited until your RFs needed replacing before getting normal tyres?

in the wet or dry??