Run Flat to Non Run Flat - Straight swap or size change?

[xkrsupercharged]

Looking to get my 17" run flats to non un flats. Been recommended Falken
ZE914s but is it a straight swap (205/45/17) or do non run flats need a different size?

[MX-5 Lazza]

Size stays the same. For 17s I'd recommend Hankook V12 Evos. Wife has them in 17s on her MCS and they are very good. I would have had them on my Cooper but they don't do them in the correct 16" size so I have the Falkens which are good but more of a general all-rounder.

[The Aardvark]

MX-5 Lazza said:

Size stays the same. For 17s I'd recommend Hankook V12 Evos. Wife has them in 17s on her MCS and they are very good. I would have had them on my Cooper but they don't do them in the correct 16" size so I have the Falkens which are good but more of a general all-rounder.

+1. Also swapped to the Hankook V12 Evos in Feb this year. Initial impression very good, and all 4 changed for about £360.

[nickfrog]

V12s are OK (especially compared to RFTS) but Conti SC3 are quite a lot better, but a bit pricier. Like the V12s they even come in a * BMW/MINI approved version, which is nice.

Evo test of 205 45 17:

[xkrsupercharged]

Thanks chaps. I'm a big Falken fan. Had them on my 6 series BMs and also on my Jaguar XKR so when I was told these were available in the size I want I had pretty much made my mind up.

Had them fitted after work today and OMFG what a massive difference in ride quality!!!!!! Seriously so fking impressed it hurts! I just can't understand why the heck BMW fit run flats as without them the Mini is a totally different animal!

Probably one of the best £310 ever spent

Id advise anyone to ditch the run flats asap!

[MX-5 Lazza]

Welcome to the light side

[Zippee]

I ditched the runflats on mine the other week and the difference was massive. Went for Conti S/Contact 3s as they kept the OE 84V speed/load rating. A little more expensive than yours at £120 a corner but the difference is definitely worth it!

[andrew]

xkrsupercharged said:

Thanks chaps. I'm a big Falken fan. Had them on my 6 series BMs and also on my Jaguar XKR so when I was told these were available in the size I want I had pretty much made my mind up.

Had them fitted after work today and OMFG what a massive difference in ride quality!!!!!! Seriously so fking impressed it hurts! I just can't understand why the heck BMW fit run flats as without them the Mini is a totally different animal!

Probably one of the best £310 ever spent

Id advise anyone to ditch the run flats asap!

do you find that the steering has lost some of its immediacy ?

[Wigeon Incognito]

Just to add to this topic I had the old Dunlop run flats changed for Yokohama S Drive non-run flats on my other half's R53 S today and cannot believe the difference. It truly is night and day and certainly for the better - handling, grip, and ride is so much better now!

[xkrsupercharged]

andrew said:

do you find that the steering has lost some of its immediacy ?

No not at all - it's just worlds apart from what it was initially!

On another note - would anyone know what tyre pressures we should be using? Would it be the same as for the run flats or does the PSI need to be different for non run flats? Would be interesting to know what you are all using for the 17" set up?