MINI UK Switches to Non-Runflat Tires

Sections: R55 (Clubman) | R56 (Hatch) | R57 (Conv.) Jul 22nd, 2009 34 Comments

According to Switchback.com MINI UK will be eliminating runflat tires from all vehicles with 15″ wheels from the 2010 model year in the UK. Instead owners will get the MINI Mobility kit that has been a dealer accessory since the launch of the new MINI. For cars with 16″ and 17″ tires runflats will remain but only as a Â£75 option. There’s no word on 18″ MINI wheels but since those are bought from individual dealers, owners have always theoretically had a choice when it came to tires.

It’s also unclear if this is shift is specific to the UK market or will be mirrored worldwide. Since the launch of the MINI in 2001, owners have complained about the rough ride and the cost of replacement tires. We can only guess that it was the latter issue for BMW (combined with trying to improve customer satisfaction) that led to this change.

It’s also interesting to note that the R56 (and all the variants within its generation) had its suspension specifically engineered from the ground up to better accommodate runflats. However we have it from several sources that BMW has increasingly grown frustrated at the pace of tire company innovation in the area of runflat tires. When BMW agreed to equip most cars with the tires in the late ’90′s, the manufacturers promised that the new technology would perform and feel like normal tires within a few years. While they have indeed gotten better, clearly they are not at the level of a standard tire in terms of performance let alone cost.

We’ll have more on this change and how it may or may not affect other markets in the coming weeks.

Written By: Gabe

RJ

Wow…that’s huge.
Sideways Eh!

Up here in Canada 15″ tires always came equiped with the inflation kit in the boot. I don’t ever recall seeing the option for runflat teenie-weenie tires. However, standard equipment on Cooper and Cooper S has always been (at least for this current generation) 16″ runflat tires. Personally I dont see how one can find the 16″ a harsh ride. It is a small sports car…if someone is coming from a bed-on-wheels (like I did with my Olds) then naturally you are going to notice a difference. I shudder to think how these cars would handle if they had bouncy suspension and tires :X
eager2own

My R52 has had the non-RF option since the original tires wore out.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1046757782 Peter Braun

HA !
lavardera

and no spare in those MCS cars – I’m surprised they would do that. Here you go – pick runflats or a flat kit. That can’t go over well with the reviewers.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1087159099 Bob Hayhurst

…Well I suppose it’s like most business decisions; it comes down to cost. The fact is run-flat technology tires are off the chart expensive to replace. There are many other tires out there which offer far better handling, ride quality and longevity. I have considered using the OEM tires as replacements but when it has come time to do it, I’ve always balked. Now I buy great quality tires from discount tire and carry a $20.00 mobility kit from Walmart. I do however carry AAA plus for when the rubber comes off the rim…
RJ

I wonder if BMW intends to follow suit and eliminate run flats on the BMW-branded cars as well….
Rocketboy_x

No runflats on my MCS. After the first 18 months that is, you know, when they ALREADY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
CraigE

MINI does not use runflat tires on 15″ wheels in the USA. That distinction only applies to the 16″-18″ wheels. AFAIK this is the case going back to 2002. I’ve never seen runflat tires even available to purchase in the sizes appropriate for the MINI 15″ wheels. So this is essentially business as usual here.

Also IIRC the MINI mobility kit can no longer be used with the USA spec MINIs as of August ’07 production. This is due to the DOT mandated tire pressure monitoring system, which is mounted to the valve stem. The sealant apparently damages the sensors.
rkw

The Mobility Kit will likely foul up the TPMS stems that are used in the US (not used elsewhere).

MINI have always supplied only non-runflats on 15″ wheels. I don’t think anybody even manufactures a 15″ runflat.
D3MINI

FYI

According to SLIME they are fully compliant with TPMS

http://www.slime.com/index.php?p=faq&id=83#answer_83
K

Considering RunFlats are not standard worldwide, I can’t see this move being worldwide either. Having said that, even BMWs now have the option of non RFs and a mobility system. The 3 Series and the 1 Series have never even had the option of a spare wheel. The E70 X5 has RFs and a optional spare,and as yet no option to change for non RFs.

TBH, I can’t see BMW Group phasing out something they’ve been such an avatar of in the last 4 years or so. They’ll keep it as a priced option until people realise that it’s a good idea. Whether Joe Public thinks it’s good or not is besides the point – BMW thinks it is, so they’ll stick with it. All they have to do is work on tweaking other aspects of the car to reduce the “undesirable effects”. This they have already done to an extent with the R56/6/7 – on the R50/2/3 RF was an afterthought, with the consequent reduction in comfort and handling. Now the new gen MINI has a chassis designed knowing that RFs were to be fitted, with the consequent improvement in ride and handling.

I have an R55 with Sports Suspension and RFs, and only during really hard driving do I notice any reduction in bite, and comfort is in no way compromised. Potholes are not my favourite places whatever I’m driving. The advantages of RF speak for themselves, and for the time being I’m sticking with them….

Oh yeah, sorry for rambling :D
zm

i’d rather use non-RF’s and have to call road service than use RF tires. i’ve never had a flat in my 16-yrs of driving.
Evan

The tire pressure monitoring system uses the ABS sensors to detect variation between the rotating speed of the individual wheels. If one is no longer rotating at the same speed, it triggers the system.

When my MC was new in ’04, the system lit up before I had a full flat from a screw. Allowed me to stop and get all taken care of without a sudden loss.

It’d be nice to have runflats slip away- so costly to replace w/o any handling/ride benefits.
nervous

Just last week I had to replace my first set of 17″ run-flats (’06 MCS) – $1,100.00. Ouch. And, mind you these are all-seasons – no performance advantage. Personally, I wish there was some way to engineer the car to fit a spare – at least a donut.
glangford

One of the reasons I bought the R56 MC vs MCS, 15″ wheels NRF and a spare.
rkw

The tire pressure monitoring system uses the ABS sensors to detect variation between the rotating speed of the individual wheels. If one is no longer rotating at the same speed, it triggers the system

In US spec cars since mid 2007, MINI replaced that system with a direct pressure sensing system, to meet federal DOT requirements.
C4

Nothing to see here….. Move on folks.
Stitch

I have an ’05 MCS with 17″ S-Lites (misnomer) and runflats. HATE everything about the runflats from performance to comfort to replacement. I’m thinking the extra weight of them helped wear out the other front-end components (control arm bushings, etc.).
Aaron

Dude, C4, what kind of comment is that? Seriously…

I haven’t driven a MINI without runflats, so I don’t know what I’m missing on the ride factor. I wonder if this means something for the mid-cycle refresh for the S sold in the US.
Dr Obnxs

Not a thing… The base wheel for the S is a 16″. This is a 15″ only thing. Also, I think in the US you have to have runflats or a spare, and there’s no room for a spare in the S.

This really is UK only news. Not that it makes it any less significant, but if you’re looking for implications for the US, there are none to speak of other than the news that BMW/Mini isn’t too happy with the pricing of the run flat tires. Seeing what they charge for wheels though, I can’t see them loosing too much sleep over it.

Matt
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=550247827 Aaron Woolsey

I know the base tire sizes for the different models. I’m just wondering if this has further implications for the 2010 refresh and beyond in terms of design. Like will MINI begin to consider that the S needs a spare or a donut. When they moved the battery up front in the R56, I thought that would make room for a spare in the back. A concerted corporate move away from run-flat tires as default car equipment is the sort of thing that might lead to further developments in some design components (like finding spare for a spare in the S). I know it’s a different market. But if it leads to a design change (obviously not immediately but further off), that change will be across all markets.
Mike

The runflats wear out far too fast and cost far too much. With the MINI’s front wheels steering, doing most of the braking, and providing power, the runflats really are NOT the way to go, despite the space savings. I changed my ’05 Cooper S to standard radial tires after the runflats were toast, and the results were a better ride and improved handling at half the cost. I plan to do the same thing again when the tires wear out on the new JCW. BMW should learn and move on.
Aussom

I’ve recently found that the cost savings for replacing 16 inch runflats compared to 17 inch is substantial. Consequently I only use the 16 inch wheels now on my MCS – softer ride plus cheaper replacement run flats. Compare the prices for yourself.

Regarding lack of MCS spare wheel – I read somewhere a long time ime ago that a particular Mazda spare wheel could be compatible with the MINI? Not sure of the model nor of its impact upon MINI warranty, insurance, etc. Beware of possible implications of using non-BMW/MINI components.
K

Space saving is not the issue here, but safety. In the event of a blowout or puncture, there is no need to stop the car, and a high degree of control can be maintained. This also amounts to increased security – in countries where highway robberies are rife, a flat tyre can mean big trouble. Gangs even “half-puncture” a tyre, then follow you till it blows completely, then set upon you like hyenas. Think I’d rather have runflats. Also handy for getaways after bank jobs….

Regarding design changes, they’d have to have McLaren SLR front-side exhaust outlets to allow for a spare on the MCS. Even the Clubman S can’t have a spare (or a tow-hitch for that matter). The battery moving to the engine compartment allowed for the use of the Mobility System on the S, but no more than that.

Price-wise, as Aussom says, 16″ are considerably cheaper than 17″ in RFs.

All told, it’s something each of us has to weigh up for ourselves.
Lanier

My 2006 MC came with 15-inch Pirelli non-run flat tires. I currently get 24K miles before change out. I’ve spoken to other US MINI owners who have used Dunlop, Goodyear, Yokohama tires… They all got roughly 24k on those as well. I bought the MC for the doughnut tire provided. However, 15-inch tires are had to find, unless you go threw http://www.TireRack.com.
Roccorocket

Don’t use Slime!! It corrosive!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1198355200 Matthew Adams

Corrosive, and your tire shop will hate you.
Roccorocket

Dude, C4, what kind of comment is that? Seriouslyâ€¦ I havenâ€™t driven a MINI without runflats, so I donâ€™t know what Iâ€™m missing on the ride factor. I wonder if this means something for the mid-cycle refresh for the S sold in the US.

C4, I thought you were banned. Someone please turn him off?
that.guy

Wow. A decision from MINI management that actually makes sense.
James Irmiger

I’m happy they’re at least considering moving away from runflats all together. I recently switched from the stock 16″ performance runflats to the new Continental ExtremeContact DW tires and the differences were staggering! Not to completely bash on runflats, buuuut, the ride over expansion cracks has now smoothed out, they soak up the harshness of hitting manhole covers better, and yet they still have higher overall grip and longer tread life!

I’ve had my fair share of flats over the years. Some were small and easily fixed with a mobility kit, some were slow leaks that later needed plugging, and only two or three occasions in 20 years of driving ever required the changing over to a spare.

Note to BMW/MINI, I’ll take normal tires and the mobility kit any day of the week, thank you very much ;)
Owen

MINI Ireland and MINI UK have never supplied 15″ runflat tires. The runflat option was only available on wheels of 16″s and above. All cars with either 15″ steel wheels, or 15″ alloys got a MINI Mobility System, or the option of a Space Saver Spare Wheel.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=529305914 Haemish Edgerton

Some of us actually LIKE runflats, me included. Yes, I know I’m in the minority. :)

I’ll keep my 18″ summer RFs (and 17″ RF snow tires for winter), thank you very much. :P
Pingback: GP for sale? Advice please - MINI2 - MINI Forum

← New MINI Collection Celebrates “Brit chic” Revival The Secret History of the MINI R60 Crossover →

Sort by MINI model

Recent BimmerFile Stories

MINI Model Cheat Sheet

1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Hatch
R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
R53: MCS Hatch
2nd Gen MINI
R55: Clubman
R56: Hatch
R57: Convertible
R58: Coupe
R59: Roadster
R60: MINI Crossover
R61: MINI Crossover Coupe
3rd Gen MINI
F55: Clubman
F56: Hatch
F57: Convertible
F60: MINI Crossover
F62: Traveller

Advertise with MotoringFile

If you or your company are interested in advertising on the most influential MINI website in the world, please visit our Advertising section. If you have further questions about becoming a sponsor or would like to see our rate sheet please feel free to contact us directly.