Not Stag related but it’s made me very happy!

[mike@thenook]

So my Cooper S (2009 model) needed some new tyres and, while I love the car as it goes like a rocket, uses no fuel to speak of and parks in a tiny space, it has one big problem - it has had as original equipment, Dunlop run- flat tyres!
Now if anyone on here has a modern car, particularly a BMW related one, it probably has these awful things fitted and, in the case of the Mini, makes it so uncomfortable on most English roads and would quite horrifyingly literally jump across the road if it hit an across the road bump!
So I did some research with other “s” owners and decided to opt for normal Avon tyres but with a 215 section as opposed to the 205’s - the difference is staggering, it’s a completely different car and now very much more comfortable but more chuckable because it just sticks with little or no jumping.
Theres another point to this in that the Dunlop runflats were around £35 a tyre more expensive plus if you’re unfortunate enough to get a puncture and run one flat, they are not allowed to repair them and you have to buy another - a total con if you ask me and I would never have them on a car again.
So if you have runflats fitted, look at the options when you need to replace them, don’t be fooled!


Cheers

[Phil S]

nasty things..a mini (even a bmw mini) should drive like an upholstered roller skate.
Phil

[mike@thenook]

You’re just too Staaaagggg Phil

[72BLUE]

Mike, Should you inform your insurance company?

Keith

[IanBosher]

I've got an X1 which had runflats when I bought it. They wore out and are £160 each to replace. The last two sets I've used normal budget tyres at £50 each fitted and they transformed the ride quality. I really don't think an insurance company would consider this an alteration or modification although I'm sure they would happily take £20 off you to 'amend your policy' if you tell them!

[rwdstag]

I have a 2007 cooper s and I agree the ride is very hard
what size tyres did you go for and is the Avon the one every one on the recommend
are you on a cooper foram if so which one
Rich

[KOY 23]

I bought a Z4 with mixture of conventional and runflats, it was evil, tram-lining all the time. Changed to conventional Michelin PS4’s which totally transformed the ride and handling.

[mike@thenook]

I have a 2007 cooper s and I agree the ride is very hard
what size tyres did you go for and is the Avon the one every one on the recommend
are you on a cooper foram if so which one
Rich

Hi Rich,

the tyres are Avon ZV7 215/45 x 17 - I chose fhem primarily as I know Avon to be good tyres (they also own Cooper tyres now which ironically share a very similar tread pattern but are around £15 a tyre more) and out of all of the known brands they were about the cheapest.

im not on a cooper forum but just visited quite a few cooper related articles on the matter and the general consensus was 215 is the way to go. Also, the 205 being a slightly smaller diameter overall too made the Speedo under read which is solved with the 215.

Take a look at this and it gives the general idea on profile difference

https://tiresize.com/calculator/

I will inform insurers too but it won’t be a problem..

[rwdstag]

Fab thank you
it’s a proper little roller skate which I am beginning to like
no where near as much as the stag but great fun
i will change the tyres ASAP as the fronts are getting a bit tiered
pardon the pun
Rich