Replacing Runflat tyres

[Daibhidh]

I've just bought a Cooper S 2007 and would like to change the run flats for conventional rubber but I've read so many conflicting views.
Would really appreciate some feedback from owners as to the best solution and best rubber for general all year use , comfort, noise etc

[softtop]

I have a 2007 Cooper S and changed to Toyo, have been happy with them. Recently went to Khumo. You will love the difference it makes to handling.

[Daibhidh]

Thanks for that - any particular version of tyre?

[mon the fish]

You'll not really go wrong with any premium tyre - they will all be miles better than RFTs - grip, comfort, noise etc.

Go to camskill, put in the size you're after (205/45/17?), sort by price, then have a look at the more expensive ones.

Also google the evo tyre review, either last year or the year before they tested tyres in a similar size to the Mini on a FWD car

[CarsOrBikes]

I put 215/45r17w on my r53, in Federal rsr595 which are great, except no spare! Not a wet weather tyre, but care sorts that, made up for in spades in the dry.

[Maracus]

I swapped all 4 RFTs on our 2010 Cooper S for Michelin PS3s in May. They were on offer at Kwikfit - with a summer pack of useful stuff, and were cheaper than anywhere else at the time.

They replaced the Bridgstones that were getting down to 2mm and becoming noisy.

The ride is better and the road noise has dropped markedly.

[gaz132]

Just last week I replaced all 4 tyres on my '08 JCW with Hankook Ventus V12 Evo K110 (BMW) 205/45 R17 V (84).

Made a huge difference to the ride in that it doesn't trim line, but does loose a tiny bit of that positive turn in. Well worth the change thou.

[Daibhidh]

Thanks to everyone for advice - its great to have a useful forum especially for a newbie!

My next question is how to connect my phone - for some reason it won't pair using the bluetooth menu
Is there something I need to do to get it connected? its a 2007 mini and an iPhone 6

I'm also having difficulty locating the aux socket - any suggestions?

[Maracus]

Daibhidh said:

Thanks to everyone for advice - its great to have a useful forum especially for a newbie!

My next question is how to connect my phone - for some reason it won't pair using the bluetooth menu
Is there something I need to do to get it connected? its a 2007 mini and an iPhone 6

I'm also having difficulty locating the aux socket - any suggestions?

Have a look on YouTube for the BT connection. It's very simple - once you've done it

The Aux socket is pretty rudimentary, it does the job. Just switch to Aux on the menu.

[Daibhidh]

Where do I find the aux connection?

[gaz132]

Daibhidh said:

Where do I find the aux connection?

It's tucked right under a small cubby hole near the cup holders.

[gaz132]

gaz132 said:

Daibhidh said:

Where do I find the aux connection?

It's tucked right under a small cubby hole near the cup holders.

Ah, you mean in the menu? Not sure off the top of my head.

[Daibhidh]

Cant find this connector for the life of me!!
Could it be somewhere else?

[softtop]

Daibhidh said:

Cant find this connector for the life of me!!
Could it be somewhere else?

Open the glove box and have a look around

[gaz132]

Daibhidh said:

Cant find this connector for the life of me!!
Could it be somewhere else?

Here. Could it have been an option?

[Daibhidh]

My one is definitely not there!

I'm guessing I don't have one

Thanks for all replies

[mike9009]

Hi

Just to give an alternative view. I have had a R55 Clubman S for five years. (and previously owned a R53 Cooper S)

I have swapped back and forth between RFTs and non RFTs. New tyres always feel better, so judgement can be tricky and subjective. However, I prefer RFTs. I have recently changed back to RFT (P-zeros).

I fell they give more feedback and greater driver involvement. Undoubtedly, the non-RFTs give a slightly more comfortable ride and greater grip. I commute 30 minutes on A and B roads and do not find the RFTs an issue.


On the AUX-in - have a good look down there. Mine did not have a USB-in but has an unlabelled AUX in, so is not that visible. I have installed a parrot kit (which was quite tiresome) but I now have full Bluetooth, ipod in and a USB charge outlet. The sound quality has also improved as AUX in is analogue and the std MINI stereo is severely compromised in the sound quality department.

Mike

[Lohen]

Daibhidh said:

I've just bought a Cooper S 2007 and would like to change the run flats for conventional rubber but I've read so many conflicting views.
Would really appreciate some feedback from owners as to the best solution and best rubber for general all year use , comfort, noise etc

At Lohen we'd tend to recommend Kymho KU39's as great all rounders - go 205/45R17 for MINI original sizing or 215/40R17 for a slightly wider, lower profile tyre.

Virtually without exception (I can't think of anyone off the top of my head!) nobody has ever regretted going from Runflat to a standard tyre - the ride quality is improved and handling is much better.