Member Since: 10 Dec 2005
Location: West Berkshire.
Posts: 717
Run flats versus ordinary tyres.
SWMBO's mini arrived, (finally) but contrary to expectation it has Continental Run Flats fitted. This is because the wheels were swapped at our request from one style to another. The wheels removed had normal Michelin tyres. Same size ratios etc. We have a choice to keep the run flats or change back to normal. There is of course no spare on the Cooper S and one cannot be fitted. I know that low profile run flats give a very hard ride. The fitted run flats do not seem that firm. Only noticed the RSC marking when checking size for pressure check.
Would like views please. Do we keep the 195/55 run flats or revert to 195/55 normal.? Please ignore the price differential in your opinions please.
24th Jan 2014 3:25 pm
Advanced Factors Site Sponsor
Member Since: 27 Nov 2012
Location: Southampton
Posts: 2648
No idea what the ride is like on the Mini but I bought a set of D4 armoured wheels with run flats and sold them a few months later - too hard for me.Paul Redding
+44 (0)23 8052 2774
Order Parts Online at www.advancedfactors.co.uk
I had run flats on a 07 Mini Cooper S. Didn't have a problem with ride or handling and was doing lots of motorway miles. I know I would rather have a run flat on at motorway speeds than a normal tyre and spare. Just budget for a complete new tyre if one ever let's go.
24th Jan 2014 4:01 pm
fakesnake
Member Since: 30 Mar 2006
Location: Leicestershire
Posts: 281
I still have a 2003 MCS and have had non runflats for 7 years. The original runflats were horrible and spoilt the ride IMHO.
I have had standard size non runflats and it is so much better. They are Falkens and I put an aerosol of tyre goo in the boot in the side pod together with a small electrical tyre inflater just incaseRichard
24th Jan 2014 4:04 pm
LT
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23568
I'd say that you really must drive a similar Mini with and without runflats and compare the two.
My only experience with runflats has been on 3 & 5 series BMW's and I think the new X5 I had for a couple days recently had them fitted as well. I don't like the ride with them, but potentially they could be a life saver, so it's a tough call.
24th Jan 2014 4:16 pm
THUB
Member Since: 10 Dec 2005
Location: West Berkshire.
Posts: 717
The new mini has all the bits i.e compressor, leads, sealant for inflating the tyres as supplied by BMW. The original tyres and wheels that were swapped are ordinary. A mistake (?) was made when swapping the wheels from one mini to another. The garage will swap or not swap as we decide. No cost implications. Hardly dare say that we did not have any sort of puncture on SWMBO's previous car in 13 years. So does a little more comfort equate to being able to drive 50 miles with a puncture.The new mini has 3 years breakdown cover etc.
24th Jan 2014 4:21 pm
Ken
Member Since: 20 Feb 2006
Location: Here
Posts: 10865
Be warned MES will take you to a dealer for a Puncture / Replacement
Trust me I know
Of Cooper S no longer has RSC tyres as standard they are a cost option
Me I'd a spare wheel for the Mini
24th Jan 2014 5:18 pm
AJS4X4
Member Since: 30 Mar 2008
Location: Surrey
Posts: 3224
Cars without a spare wheel are about as good as a chocolate tea pot.
Even with ROF tyres you still have problems, especially at 2am half way across France.
24th Jan 2014 5:27 pm
Brian_DL13
Member Since: 25 Aug 2013
Location: Teesdale
Posts: 1418
Had a BMW 320 with runflats. Hated them:
- hard ride
- tramlining
- v sensitive to tyre pressure
- if you get a puncture a) 50mph for 50 miles limit (same as for a spacesaver tyre in other words) b) you have to throw it away after running it like that, no repair possible
Avoid them like the plague is my advice
29th Jan 2014 7:01 pm
THUB
Member Since: 10 Dec 2005
Location: West Berkshire.
Posts: 717
Decision made right or wrong. Swopped the Continental Run Flats for Michelin ordinary (normal?) tyres. Took about 2 miles maybe less to confirm that had made right decision. Much calmer ride, thumps gone and car seems to straight line.
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