Newflash: Runflats are Harsh!

Sections: Uncategorized Aug 29th, 2003 21 Comments

Not that it hasn't been said a million times before (and even by me on several occasions) but… Runflats really make for a jarring ride. Soon after I got my Cooper in April of 02 I made the switch from 16″ OEM wheels and runflats to 17″ wheels and non-runflat tires. At the time I noticed a bit of difference but since I haven't had much of a chance to thoroughly drive a runflat equipped Cooper. With my current MINI loaner I have had an opportunity to further experience just what those non-runflats did to my ride.

The truly amazing thing is the larger 17″ wheels/tires combo are actually more comfortable than the 16″ runflat OEM setup that I replaced. Based on my experience I'd strongly urge any Cooper owner who feels their ride is a bit too harsh to try replacing their runflats with regular tires when the time comes. I believe it will be a revelation to most. Of course MCS owners will have to make sure they have a good mobility kit on hand if they want to go this route (or a good mobile phone).

Written By: MF Staff

http://www.gbmini.net Ian Cull

Clarify for me Gabe – you have 17″ non-runflats normally and the ride is better than 16″ runflats?

What wheels/tires did you get? Pictures? Prices?

Thanks.
http://www.chicagominiclub.com Matt

i guess i'm used to my 16″'s with run-flats, but i remember thinking shortly after getting my S that the ride was a bit on the harsh side.
http://bridger.us Gabriel Bridger

Ian – no the opposite. the ride is much more comfortable with the 17″ non-runflats as opposed to the 16″ runflats.
BobD

My wife and I just returned from Denver in our new S with 17″ run flats and did not find the ride nearly as harsh as we anticipated. This includes running back roads through central and southern Utah. We both thought the reason was in the firm sport seats. The bottom line is we emerged from hours of driving without stiffness in the back or joint aches. And we are both well beyond 50.

Granted ride and performance are sacrificed with the run flats, but we do not see this as a huge issue.

Bob D.
Vanwall
I put about 25,000 on my runflats, and noticed the ride was stiff, yes, but not too bad….at first. As I put more miles on 'em, the ride gradually became harsher, and as they got close to the wear indicators, the were VERY loud as well. I put on Yoko AVS ES100's and they are quieter, have more grip, and a MUCH better ride. My wife is real happy now! They tramline a little more than the runflats, but the cornering capabilities are awesome, and they aren't even super sticky like some brands! The first cloverleaf I took, at a good bit faster than on the runflats, immediately reminded me of the first corner I took in my '66 'S' with a brand new set of 10″ Yoko 008's 15 years ago – scared me silly, 'cause I was going faster and faster, and I was getting beyond my experience level real fast!
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        BCNU,
      Rob in Dago
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http://bridger.us/mini Gabe

Bob D – We also took our runflat equipped car across country and came away very pleased. The sport seats are really wonderful for longer trips. However it wasn't until I switched to non-runflats that I realized what a big part the tires played in the overall ride feel. The fact that the side walls simply have very little give in them makes a definitive difference.
Rich F.

Call me crazy, but recently I replaced my 17″ Pirelli Run-flats with 18″ not run-flats and I firmly beleive that the ride is much more comfortable!
Markus

I would add that the harsh ride of the runflats that many have commented on, but others have not experienced much, only becomes apparent on really bad roads (with expansion joints, potholes, etc..). On good roads, runflats would not be an issue. It is on our substandard roads in many states that runflats jarr your bones. Once my SP5000 RFs are consumed, I will be switching to non-RFs.
Robert Ballard

Does the people who have changed to non run flats now carry a spare? Or are you all just very adventurous souls? Is it illegal not to have a spare? What does TRAMLINE mean?
http://bridger.us/mini Gabe Bridger

I personally have a Cooper so I do actually have a spare that comes with the car as standard.
Vanwall
Tramlining is when your tires are following the seams and ridges in the road, making one constantly correct minutely while driving. Especially common on concrete surfaces that have been heavily grooved in a linear manner to control light rain run-off, while seeming “smoother” to the driver. More prevalent in short, wide chassis cars….like a MINI. ;-)
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       BCNU,
    Rob in Dago
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Jim Harrison

I am about to order an MCS and have been struggling with the run-flat issue. Hopefully, someone can answer my questions. Can you order an MCS without runflats (and without a spare)? Is the interior noise level impacted by the run-flats?
Bob D.

O.K. I'm convinced there is a better ride and better handling which I did not doubt with conventional over run flats. The queston not answered above is are people simply adventurous running conventionals without a spare? Are there compact flat tire kits (plus pump?)that would not solve but would mitigate the problem of a flat and no spare?
Kurt L

RunFlats provide a safety feature that no car should run without but there are options to the runflats. http://www.tyron.com
michael Boice

I tied to order my mini JCW without run-flats. I was told no; it is considered a liability for BMW/Mini.
Dr Ellis

Where can i purchase some reasonably priced 17 inch runflats I need 8?? I live in Scotland
ben

Gabe I have an mcs, and I live in mexico(the streets are a mess), do you still recomend the non runflat tires, and what exactlly do you mean by harsh
Lisa C

I have a 2002 MCS with 17″ run flats. Has anyone experienced excessive flats, as I have? I’m on my 4th flat due to picking up a nail, screw or hitting potholes. (Richmond, VA roads are awful). I had to replace a rim because the run flat blew all the way out and bent the rim when I hit one hole. Yeesh.

I’m looking into switching to regular 17″ tires to save money and replacement hassle. Is there any advice you have? Any issues with the systems in the car by switching out? Some particular type of tire that works best for this car? Thanks.
Casey M.

I have a 2005 Mini S which came equipped with run flats. I replaced my first set of run flats in 9 months (almost completely bald) a nice little nail initialized the change. It’s been 3 months since and I’m faced with a screw in one of my back tires and one of the front tires seems to be losing air pressure, I have been unable to locate the issue.

To answer your post Lisa, I seem to be picking up an unusual amount of flats (and hardware) myself, far more in the last few months than I have had in my driving history.

I’ve also been looking to change my run flats to regular tires, haven’t yet, found this message board in hopes that putting reg tires on my mini was possible and feasible.

Only thing i’m worried about is that the Mini S, isn’t equipped with a spare for lack of room and I live 3 hours from the closest mini dealer in my area, luckily I have AAA. I’m hoping that’s enough, i’m tired of changing tires.

Anyone have advice on tire brand and dealing with no spare?
Cory G

With almost 19000mi on my ’03′ I will need new tires soon(runflats don’t last) I have wrestled w/ the run-flat/standard tire issue for a while now and I think I have a plan. No need for a spare, not that you have anywhere to carry one unless you take a page from Rover and bolt it to your hood. myminiparts.com carries a mini fix a flat kit that is supposed to be superior to the run of the mill can of fix-a-flat. It has some kind of green goo and a 12v compressor for your flat tire woes. It is also supposed to fit behind the right side cover in the boot…. we’ll see. Hope this helps. It is on page three of the car care section under their products header.
Del

I’m in the same position about just over 18k on my JCWS I’m going to try in the next week or so Bridgestone Potenza RE050 205/45/17 have obtained a spacesaver from a VW for a tenner (ebay)tried in on car ok, fits in the boot,going to use for long journeys and fix a flat for short ok can’t get anything else in boot when carring spacesaver. Only problem i’ve come across from a very reliable source is that they will foul the inside front of the wheel arch under hard cornering anyone came across this problem when converting.

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