16 replies to this topic

[Tompeachey1]

Hi,
I have recently got a 56 reg cooper s r56.
I need some new tyres in about 1 months time but want to change from the standard wheels and run flat tyres. Does the car have a fit if you fit non run flats and aftermarket wheels?

Thanks Tom

[Carlos W]

Edit, need to learn to read

[samsfern]

I'd've thought it would throw a tyre pressure monitoring warning light/message up on the dashboard, but you should be able to get it plugged in and disable the tyre pressure monitoring system.

Edited by samsfern, 09 February 2014 - 10:08 PM.

[HarrysMini]

I'm not really sure what you're asking here, but I'll try my best.

 

Non run flat tyres can be fitted to wheels that originally had run flats on and it shouldn't mess with any monitoring system (at least it didn't when I did the conversion on my R53).

 

If you want to fit aftermarket wheels to your MINI, there are lots of options available, however I don't know what the fitting is.

[mab01uk]

The MINI runflat warning light is activated by the ABS wheel sensor when a tyre reduces in diameter and turns faster (more revs) because it is loosing air pressure. It will work regardless of whether the tyres are runflat or normal type. The runflat button below the handbrake should be reset whenever new tyres are fitted or pressures adjusted to reset the warning light - see handbook for info.

 

Normal tyres fit runflat rims no problem, they just have an extra lip to stop a flat tyre bead moving into the central recess in the rim. Ride will be improved over the stiff runflat sidewalls and normal tyres are much cheaper......a spacesaver spare can be retro-fitted under the boot floor on all MINI's except the Cooper S which has a rear mounted battery and twin box centre exhaust in the way.

Retro-Fitting Spacesaver tyre to MINI:

http://www.mini2.com...pare-wheel.html

 

http://forum.minicoo...v-runflat-tyres

Edited by mab01uk, 09 February 2014 - 10:49 PM.

[Cooperman]

Just changed from 225/45 x 17 run flats to normal tyres the same size on my wife's BMW 325i. It has transformed the car completely. Now the ride & handling are superb, steering is improved and the car just 'feels better' overall.

[HarrysMini]

Just changed from 225/45 x 17 run flats to normal tyres the same size on my wife's BMW 325i. It has transformed the car completely. Now the ride & handling are superb, steering is improved and the car just 'feels better' overall.

I completely agree with that. I changed the 195/45 17 run flats to 205/45 17 non run flat tyres and even though they were of a cheaper brand, the car is completely transformed. I will probably use 40 profile tyres next time as the 45s rub slightly as they are a bit taller than the run flats.

[mab01uk]

 

Just changed from 225/45 x 17 run flats to normal tyres the same size on my wife's BMW 325i. It has transformed the car completely. Now the ride & handling are superb, steering is improved and the car just 'feels better' overall.

I completely agree with that. I changed the 195/45 17 run flats to 205/45 17 non run flat tyres and even though they were of a cheaper brand, the car is completely transformed. I will probably use 40 profile tyres next time as the 45s rub slightly as they are a bit taller than the run flats.

 

 

Replaced all the 205/45/17 Pirelli Runflat tyres on my MINI with Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 215/40/17 non runflats (slightly wider but lower profile to give same overall diameter).

Pros: cheaper, much smoother ride and far better grip and handling than the runflats with stiff sidewalls.
Cons: You need to fit a space-saver spare kit on One or Cooper (or to carry a can of puncture repair from Halfords for a Cooper S due to rear battery and twin exhaust box).

[Cooperman]

I managed to get an unused BMW space-saver from my local friendly scrappie for £15. I've put it in a bag in the boot as the BMW 325 doesn't have a space for a spare now.

Strange, but my 7-series which is a year newer has a full-sized spare in its own spare wheel well and doesn't have run-flats.

[HarrysMini]

 

 

Just changed from 225/45 x 17 run flats to normal tyres the same size on my wife's BMW 325i. It has transformed the car completely. Now the ride & handling are superb, steering is improved and the car just 'feels better' overall.

I completely agree with that. I changed the 195/45 17 run flats to 205/45 17 non run flat tyres and even though they were of a cheaper brand, the car is completely transformed. I will probably use 40 profile tyres next time as the 45s rub slightly as they are a bit taller than the run flats.

 

 

Replaced all the 205/45/17 Pirelli Runflat tyres on my MINI with Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 215/40/17 non runflats (slightly wider but lower profile to give same overall diameter).

Pros: cheaper, much smoother ride and far better grip and handling than the runflats with stiff sidewalls.
Cons: You need to fit a space-saver spare kit on One or Cooper (or to carry a can of puncture repair from Halfords for a Cooper S due to rear battery and twin exhaust box).

 

I have a feeling it was actually 215/45 17s. 

 

That's the problem we have, as it's an S, there's no space for a spare wheel so a can of tyre weld and an air compressor will have to suffice. 

[Spaceibiza]

I have found on mine that different make run flat tyres can also make a difference. My cooper s came factory fitted with 17 inch Bridgestone's and they were absolutely horrendous! I've never felt a car tramline so much as with those tyres on. Every slight change in the road surface and it was all over the place. I got the swapped for some Avon zz3 run flats and the difference was night and day! I had so much more confidence in the car with the avons fitted. I just have them every time now and I'm happy with the handling of the car and the obvious benefits of having run flats! On my previous r 53 cooper s, I had 18 inch jcw wheels with non runflats fitted and had no problems with the tyre warning light. Just re set it if it comes on anyway!

[sonikk4]

My mate Paul has just changed from run flats on his JCW to Yoko's and what a difference even as a passenger. Same alloys and no issues, a much more comfortable and compliant ride.

[mab01uk]

I managed to get an unused BMW space-saver from my local friendly scrappie for £15. I've put it in a bag in the boot as the BMW 325 doesn't have a space for a spare now.

Strange, but my 7-series which is a year newer has a full-sized spare in its own spare wheel well and doesn't have run-flats.

 

I have done the same on my E90 BMW 320D seems wrong not to have a well for even a spacesaver size spare under the boot floor. I am told spare wheels will soon be gone for good on all cars just like the 'starting handle'..........

Edited by mab01uk, 10 February 2014 - 11:49 PM.

[Alex_B]

My mum also changed from run flats and it also has had the same effect on ride and handling, her S is still hard and bouncy but no where near as back braking as it used to be! 

[Gr4h4m]

Do you have to tell the insurance?