New owner R53 - tyres & iPhone connection & general advice

[chandrew]

I've picked up a lovely-condition R53 Park Lane as a local run around, though with some of the Alps best passes on my doorstep including the Fluela, Bernina, Julier, Maloja and Stelvio 'local' does provide some decent driving.

Although it has good winter tyres (Conti Winter Contacts) the selling garage threw on some cheap new summer ones (as I expected he would). I'm planning on swapping them for something better, probably without even using them.

What is the current recommendation for summer tyres on a R53? It's come with two sets of 16" Bridge Spoke wheels.

The priority is for a nice balance between comfort and performance. I don't mind paying for a premium tyre. It'll never see a track and as soon as it gets cold the winter tyres will be on.

The car also has an old-style iPod cable in the glove box. Whilst I probably don't need the functionality - I picked up a PURE Highway 600 to give me DAB and bluetooth connection which will connect via the Aux-In - is it possible to change the old style Apple connection to a new lightning one and is there any benefit in doing so? The stereo is the Harman Kardon option.

Any other general advice on running one of these? The plan is to keep it looking totally original though I don't mind upgrading to better parts as the old ones need changing.

[E-bmw]

chandrew said:

I picked up a PURE Highway 600 to give me DAB and bluetooth connection which will connect via the Aux-In

I have used one of these an A Mazda 2 for the last few years, a good little gadget.

[E-bmw]

chandrew said:

What is the current recommendation for summer tyres on a R53? It's come with two sets of 16" Bridge Spoke wheels.

Your biggest issue will be availability in your size, what size are they?

[chandrew]

E-bmw said:

chandrew said:

What is the current recommendation for summer tyres on a R53? It's come with two sets of 16" Bridge Spoke wheels.

Your biggest issue will be availability in your size, what size are they?

From a quick google it looks like they are 195/55R16

[rednotdead]

We have the same wheels - used to have Falkens but now have Toyos. Always had 205/50s, far better than the runflats and generally last well enough. The Toyos are definitely quieter than the Falkens tho.

[CO2000]

RE Tyres, these would be good

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m62b0s460p185902/Uniroy...

[chandrew]

CO2000 said:

RE Tyres, these would be good

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m62b0s460p185902/Uniroy...

Thanks for the advice. We've had the first snow of the day today so I've parked my decision on summer tyres until the spring (well May / June).

[pasdemots]

Congratulations on your new to you R53.

I am in the same position, I am waiting to collect a new to me R53.

Excited to understand what I can do with it and enjoy my first Mini experience.