Regular tires vs. run-flat tires…..what a heated discussion this has been in the past few years and one of the ongoing topics here at BMWBLOG. Clearly after 70 comments left, majority of you favor the regular tires with the ol’ good spare sitting in the trunk.
Or…attached to the trunk?
Our friend Kamil over at CarGuyDad spotted recently an….let’s just say for now, interesting MINI Cooper. Nothing out of ordinary until now, right? Wait, we’re not there yet. What really makes this MINI so special in the spare tire attached to its trunk. YES, you read it right, no typo this time.
Before we will give some a speech on the advantages of a run-flat tire and of course, the cons, let’s see what CarGuyDad had to say about this.
Another issue on many new cars, such as the Mini Cooper, is simply the lack of proper space for a spare-tire. That however clearly did not stop the owner of the above Mini Cooper S. Looking closely you will notice that the spare tire tilts down on a Jeep Wrangler-like-carrier/contraption to allow access to the tailgate. Problem solved! And in a classy way might I add, as the exterior spare tires gives Mini an even more retro look which is that of a car from 1920’s to the 1950’s. Bravo, Real [Short] Man of Genius from Massachusetts! Today We Salute You, Mr. “I have Nothing to Overcompensate for!”
Quite ingenious, huh? Or was it a simple protest to the lack of a spare tire as a standard feature?
Here are some disadvantages of using run-flat tires, cons that turn into pros of using a regular tire:
- The run-flat tires (RFT) can usually not be repaired in the case of a puncture, so instead of a simple puncture costing $20, you’ve got to replace the whole tire.
- RFTs can malfunction, defeating their intended purpose to begin with, or be damaged in such a way that getting the typical 150mi@50mph is no longer possible.
- Run-flats are more expensive to buy, more expensive to install and offer poorer performance.
- Lifespan is half of that of normal (even with regular monitor of pressures).
- Costs 50% more than normal tires on average.
- The ride is more uncomfortable, especially if you have 17″ upwards.
- Increase the running costs of ownership. Normally a tire lasts you a good average of 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
- Not all tire shops have RFT
- Unpleasant ownership as you always have to worry about getting a puncture and always hoping that the warning does not appear.
Reasons to use run-flat tires
- It is dangerous to stop on any road to change a tyre, especially on a motorway or at night.
- There is no need to have to wait for a breakdown service to arrive.
- Safety and security of the driver and passenger(s) is maintained.
- Alloy wheels are difficult to detach from steel hubs.
- On most cars the spare is under the contents of the boot, and uses boot space.
- It can be tricky to line up the wheel bolt holes with the hub screw holes and match the thread.
- The dirty punctured tyre needs to be removed and stored in the boot.
- Another puncture before the punctured tyre is mended means one is stranded.
- A driver can continue for 150 miles at 50mph with a punctured Run-flat tyre.
22 Responses to “MINI Cooper owner finds the solution for run-flat tire problem”
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1 
9
How can i find one of these rear tire carriers! PLEASE!
Me too!!! Anyone know??
I’m 61 and my previously owned 2004 Mini Cooper s is my first sports car ever. The car is a lot of fun, yes, but in my ignorance, I was not aware that there is no spare in the car. The runflats are due for replacement, and I hate the ride they give, so like so many of us I am faced with mounting conventional tires and hoping I never have a blowout. My solution is to buy one replacement air pressure sensor (approx. $90) and stow a can of Fix-Flat in the car. Anybody got a better solution?
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25 
0
How do they open the trunk with the tire mounted on the rear??
I guess the tyre hangs down and the trunk opens downwards.
Hi,
I knew nothing about the RFT until I bought my mini (second hand) and the BMW dealer told me over the phone after my car’s 1st service (55000kms) that all 4 tyres needed replacing. So in love with my car and not knowing anything about tyres, I did exactly what he told me and agreed to 4 new run flat tyres……. When I paid the invoice and nearly had a heart attack plus maxing out my credit card all at the same time (just over AUD$2500 for just the tyres and AUD$1500 for service), I managed to get the breath I needed to ask why the tyres cost so much, he told me they were needed for this vehicle as they are specialist tyres blah blah blah….. Since then the dealers price is no cheaper and I have shopped around to find that RFT can cost as low as $189ea this includes the balancing, fitting and tubeless valves. This is AUD$756 for all 4 RF tyres.
I have made great use of my RFT as I have unfortunately had to drive around for the past 7 months with a puncture in one of the rear tyres, couldn’t afford to replace it until now as I have just found the above prices. So apart from the annoyance of having to check the pressure 1 or 2 times a week (when the warning sensor goes off) I really think the RFT are a good thing for small car and Mini owners where a spare is not available in your time of need, or you are unable to afford new tyres right away or not in a position to change the spare for a little while. For what I drive RFT are suitable and easier, there is nothing wrong with regular tyres at all, I think it depends on the situation of your vehicle.
Oh I should add that I have just had my 2nd service for the Mini and again the dealer advised I needed new tyres for AUD$2400. Ha hahaha. I told him I’d look into it and let him know…
I own a 2006 Mini S . The ride is uncomfortable on NYC bad streets and it is time to change them. Can I change the tires without having to change the wheels? Any recommendations for regular tires?
Hot debate. What do you think?
16 
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Based on my experience,run flat tyres can be an emergency help to still drive at a lower speed,enough to go home or nearest shop to fix your problem.On the other hand,it may seriously damage your tyres which cost more.
Everybody has a different opinion on changing to regular tires. The messages I left at my dealership ( MINI of Manhattan ) were ignored and unanswered , not even the courtesy of returning the call after buying a 30K car from them . I am TIRED of the rough ride on the RFT’s . any tire expert can recommend a brand and model number to change for my 16”’s? thank you .
This whole discussion is somewhat absurd for several reasons. First of all, let’s consider the likelihood of a blowout using either one of the tires mentioned (run flat vs regular radials). I’ve had steel belted radial tires on every single vehicle/sports car that I’ve owned since 1972, starting with a 1965 Austin Healey 3000. Never have I experienced a blowout. Leaking air pressure is another thing, largely due to alloy rims which are notorious for this. The Mini was outfitted with RF’s only because there is no room for a spare. The Mini S also has very low profile tires…45’s. Add the alloy rims and the chance of damaging the tires or the rims from contact with curbs is much higher. What’s truly insulting is the cost of replacing either of these things. I would recommend going to standard radials of a slightly larger size…55’s, to achieve a much better ride and then buy a AAA membership. Chances are pretty good that you won’t have to use it and you’ve saved what looks like a substantial amount of money.
Jim is exactly correct. Blowouts are very rare, regardless, even if YOU DO have run-flat tires, if you don’t find a tire dealer who can match YOUR tires within 50 miles after a run-flat puncture, you’re still out of luck anyway. My experience has been that run-flats are special order. My solution was to buy a smooth riding tire, 215/40R17XL Capital Sport, and keep a can of Fix-A-Flat in the trunk. My rims don’t have low pressure sensors, so there’s no harm done if I have to use it and, unless the damage is a total blow out, I’m good. I have AAA road service, so I think I’m pretty well covered. All that being said, my ‘04 “S” is for sale.
Some run-flat tires have a 20% higher rolling resistance, in part due to their added structural material and mass.Sometimes it helps especially if the repair shop was a bit far.Just to go there and have your tires fix,run flat tyres can be an initial resolution.
Hi
I have a mini cooper s. When I was driving on the motorway yesterday the yellow tyre pressure symbol came on. so i pulled in to the services to check pressure and filled up accordingly. However the light is still flashing what can i do to reset it.
Your advice would be much appreciated.
thanks
Shaz it must be the full moon, the exact same thing happened to me on the same day. Also need response on how to re=set.
You can follow the instructions in the manual. If it doesn’t work, take it to the dealer like I had to do. It was a defect , and the button was stuck.
Hi Miss Cooper
I found the answer. If you have the mini cooper 04 plate or similar look under your handbrake. There is a button with the same tyre pressure symbol on it that comes on on the dash board. Make sure your tyres are at the right pressure then turn your ignition key to the 2nd position not fully that the engine comes on then hold the button under the handbrake for about 1 min until the tyre pressure light on the dashboard stops flashing and is just lit. Once this happens turn off your ignition and start it again and miraculously the light will have gone off. Hope it works for you.
Shaz
Hi All,
I have a 2008 Mini Cooper S and have been debating what to do with this runflat issue. I finally decided that its just not worth the money to me to purchase new runflats. However when I took the car to a tire place to have them replaced, for some reason my tire pressure light is still on. I know above Shaz explained the trick for and 04. But does anyone know the trick for an 08′?
Thanks!
Katie
What are the best prices for runflats in Melbourne that people have found. I am being quoted $379 each for Pirelli’s. The sensor on the front failed to go off and I now have to replace my tyre on each side at the front. Can i run runflats on the back and non-runflats on the front. Does anyone have any suggestions for good non-runflats to run on the mini ?
1. Start the engine but do not start driving.
2. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator lever repeatedly until “SET/INFO” is displayed.
3. Press and hold the button until the display changes.
4. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the corresponding symbol and “RESET” are displayed.
5. Press and hold the button until the display changes.
6. Start driving.
Good discussion here. What about these aftermarket spares? Are they hard to mount underneath. Will they fit on a convertible? I’m not putting more runflats on this MINI. They are noisy, ride rough, lower gas mileage, way too expensive, and questionably better.