Run Flats to Standard Tyres

Jokaty82

All that u have just described is exactly how my car drives!!!!! :beer:

neilmcl

Can you still use the TPMS without the run flats?

AdrianHi

neilmcl wrote: »

Can you still use the TPMS without the run flats?

I'm not quite sure how the TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system) works on the Mini. On the 3 series it works throught the ABS system detecting a change in relative rolling speed of the wheels. A puncture means smaller rolling radius meaning that wheel suddenly turns faster. According to my correspondance with BMW it takes about a 30% drop in pressure to trigger so it's only any good as puncture detection, not really pressure monitoring.
So long as you follow the reset TPMS procedure when new tyres are fitted it does not make any difference what tyres or wheels you have fitted.

In the USA you legally have to have full pressure monitoring which works by a wireless sensor in the valve - again doesn't matter what tyre or wheel. So USA spec. BMWs have this sensor instead.
Mini's might use this type of TPMS.

vikingaero

The MINI uses the same system as the BMW - ABS sensors/rotational speed. They work with both runflats and normal tyres.

mark5

My Mini feels better to drive now on non runflats. TPMS should still work mines only ever come on once for a drop of about 5 psi when I was running runflats.

AdrianHi

mark5 wrote: »

My Mini feels better to drive now on non runflats. TPMS should still work mines only ever come on once for a drop of about 5 psi when I was running runflats.

Odd isn't it, BMW say 30% drop/difference to trigger yet mine has triggered just because one morning the sun was shining on one wheel heating up that one tyre a fair bit probably increasing it's pressure by around 5 psi (typical increase going from cold to normal running temperature).

neilmcl

The only time it was triggered on my 3 series was because of a puncture and it came on after a drop of around 10psi on the front, so 30% sounds about right at the time. I was doing 70mph (honest ) at the tiime with no noticeably effect and the runflats did get me home over 50 miles away.

flyingscotno1

Could you theoretically retro-fit a spare wheel to a Mini? I'm sure it was an option for new cars wasn't it?

mark5

There is a space under the passenger side of the boot however I think you need a wrench and handle in your jack kit to access this area. My Mini never come with a spare wheel due to Runflats so the wrench and handle are missing.

vikingaero

flyingscotno1 wrote: »

Could you theoretically retro-fit a spare wheel to a Mini? I'm sure it was an option for new cars wasn't it?

Only the original MINI One from around launch in 2001 to around 2003 came with a space saver spare. It was an underslung spare underneath the rear boot. The boot interior underneath the boot mat is only big enough for the compressor, a few tools and the gunk. The space saver spare was specific for MINIs with 15 inch wheels and not suitable for 16/17/18"s alloys. I can't imagine it was easy accessing the space saver and then there was the problem of where to place the punctured alloy wheel.