Runflat (r)evolution for 2nd generation MINI?

[Felty]

I've noticed that over the last year or two, BMW are finally beginning to understand how to design a car optimally with runflat tyres after a rather iffy beginning:

2001/02: MINI introduced, but criticised for the jiggly ride runflats provide.
2003: New 5-series introduced, also criticised for ride on runflats; consensus was to stick to standard 16" rubber.

2004: New 1-series introduced, still some critics not happy with the firmness of the ride with runflats, although Autocar suggest that the 205/55/16 Michelin runflats are the best they've tested on a BMW so far.

2005: New 3-series introduced; Autocar this week suggest BMW have made massive improvements in the ride of the new 320dSE, arguing it to be the best in class for ride/handling.

So I wonder where this leaves the development of the next gen MINI due around early 2007? Do people think that BMW will finally have cracked this huge bug-bear for a lot of current owners?

[snuffy]

well, with the news that the Cooper S battery will be in the engine bay (I'm sure I read this somewhere) and that the boot space is being made slightly larger, here's hoping that 15" and 16" tyres will be normal non-run flats and possibly the 17" and 18" wheel offerings will be run flats...Anyway...I hate them wish i could find a viable way out of using them

[wildchild jules]

Was told that apparently the reason why the new 3 series runs so well on run flats is that they desigend the suspension etc. around the fact the car would have run flat and thus managed to make it a better ride rather than just sticking run flats on the car instead of "normal" tyres. So hopefully this technology will be incorporate into the next generation Mini and as such make the run flats a better ride.

[The Peanut]

Quote: Originally Posted by snuffy

well, with the news that the Cooper S battery will be in the engine bay (I'm sure I read this somewhere) and that the boot space is being made slightly larger, here's hoping that 15" and 16" tyres will be normal non-run flats and possibly the 17" and 18" wheel offerings will be run flats...Anyway...I hate them wish i could find a viable way out of using them

I think I heard that all BMWs have runflats when new- I'm prepared to be corrected. If so I doubt they will be willing to change that for Minis

[SteveM3]

If you read the autocar report carefully you'll see to compensate for the runflats they have
installed soft springs that allow the car to bottom out easily. I'd rather have non-runflats
and higher rate springs. Who knows how good the new 3 series would have been if it had
been developed with normal tyres? Even so when they make the coupe version of the E90
with the 3 litre turbo-diesel I may be tempted enough to test drive.