I got my 2009 S last November, and I've scrubbed off all the tread on my factory Dunlops, and need new skins now. OMG!!! I'm looking at $1,200 to replace the factory run flats. This brings me to my question. How does the factory donut tire mount under the car? When I peek under there, I can't help bun notice an exhaust system in the way. Has anyone switched to standard tires, and come up with a solution for carrying a spare?

 

I carry a Plug kit , an Air compressor , a bottle of tire sealant , and a AAA Card ...
If I can't fix it roadside , call AAA for a tow

 

Less than a year and no tread left? It sounds like your mighty MINI will have a hard, and maybe short life. Anyway, I would go with Bad Venge's advice. The "S" has no place to stow a spare, save for behind the rear seat (goodbye clean storage space). I'm sure when my tires need replacing I'll go with standard tires and a fix-it kit. Most flats are easily fixed roadside with a plug kit and an portable air compressor (a la Porsche).

Of course, I can't even remember the last time I had a flat.

Don't kick your car's *ss too hard. I wonder about the durability of MINI's. They're great cars, but flogging them is a sure way of guaranteeing high costs down the road.

 

I had the run flats on my 07 but as soon as I could afford to loose them I did. The were OK, a little rough, but my mini has a spare and I prefer normal tires, people have been using them for years. Oh, I also bought the new ones from firestone and get free flat repairs, rotation, and balancing anytime. I was also able to change the size to a little wider.

Even with the run flats on, I had over 10 flats, where I had to continually get them fixed. Yes, they stayed afloat but it was only a temporary solution. SoCal highways are notorious for screws, nails, and trucks carrying rocks!

 

I replaced the run flats with regular tires. Much cheaper. I carry a small air compressor and a tire repair kit. You could pay for several roadside repairs with the difference in money for the tires.

 

I'm on my 2nd MCS and want again to go away from run flats. I am running the stock 205/45/17's and want to change to a 215 or 225. Has anyone done this and been successful ? On my first 2002 MCS I changed to 205's traditionals and liked the change - bought the air compressor and tire repair can.

 

I'm running 215/50/17's they fill the wheel wells nicely

 

Thanks for the feedback ! So I assume no rubbing when cornering. I want to use the Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport can you tell me what you went with?
THANKS
Rob

 

I'm running toyo proxes summer tires and toyo observe 2s for winter

 

I had the same problem. I had my MINI for about a year and destroyed the treads on the run-flats on the great little roads outside of Boulder. The run-flats MINI offers on their cars are a joke. Replace them with some regular tires and get a can of fix-a-flat. The ride will be better (you won't feel like your about to skip across the highway when it rains). Well worth it. I picked-up some Bridgestone Potenzas for less than $500 and I love them. Good luck!