Unfamiliar with run-flats, I was assuming I'd need to change out the wheels as well. We're going to go down to Phx. in a week or so and look at Minis. There are only two dealers in AZ I think. Maybe three. The one in north Snotsdale has a good sized inventory.

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You're a daisy if you do.
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84 Euro 240D 4spd. 220.5k sold
04 Honda Element AWD
1985 F150 XLT 4x4, 351W with 270k miles, hay hauler
1997 Suzuki Sidekick 4x4
1993 Toyota 4wd Pickup 226K and counting

You might be able to get regular tires as a part of the purchase deal if you negotiate for it.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Not all of them have run flats. Unless it has changed since my wife ordered hers, it was simply an option like any other. The runflats do not require a special wheel.

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2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

On the Mini website the S model is listed as having runflats standard. Presumably I could dicker with a dealer to "downgrade" an S to regular tires. Larry, what was your experience with them on your mini? Were they skateboard hard as described?

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You're a daisy if you do.
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84 Euro 240D 4spd. 220.5k sold
04 Honda Element AWD
1985 F150 XLT 4x4, 351W with 270k miles, hay hauler
1997 Suzuki Sidekick 4x4
1993 Toyota 4wd Pickup 226K and counting

does the S not come with a spare? what is the reason for the run flats? DId the regular have a spare?

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This post brought to you by Carl's Jr.

The S models do not include a spare tire, they utilize run-flats instead. The exhaust routing is different between the base and S models. On the S it is routed down the center of the car and exits in the center of the rear bumper. This routing takes the space otherwise used to store the spare.

The Clubman has room for a spare on both the base and S models, so storage is not the issue. However, there is another problem. The S includes larger brakes up front, and the 15" compact spare does not fit over the calipers. It is possible to store and use a spare on the Clubman S, but it fits only on the back of the car. To address a front flat you must swap a good rear wheel to the front, then install the spare on the rear.

It's common for Mini owners to buy non-runflat tires, as they are less expensive, ride smoother, are quieter, and last longer. The majority of owners just do without a spare. I suppose that would be a liveable compromise if the car was used only around town, where towing and repair is reasonably available.

Elchivito's wife needs an S like I need a hole in my head.

I don't know her exact age, but she's likely in her 50's.

The firm suspension on the S with the addition of run flat tires will ruin the ride quality of the car for her. It's firm to the point of being entirely unacceptable for a daily driver.

It's not like she's going to autocross the car.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

My wifes Mini was not an S. The runflats were rough, but with the standard suspension they were not terrible. I would hate to think of them on an S. There was a noticable difference when we replaced them with regular tires. I think the reason for the run flats on the S, is because there is no spare, but I don't remember for sure.

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2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

So Paul, are you saying that old folks can't enjoy fast cars? If that's the case, maybe I need to get the Boxster out of my head right now!

My wife was rip, rearin' and ready for a go fast ride, so I guess we're a couple of old people out of our place. She wasn't much younger when she roared around everywhere in her Mini and was wanting more power.

For Elchivito I will reiterate though, a standard S with a stiff rear sway bar, will give you a great handling car, but still very comfortably sprung. You don't have to get an S to have a super fun car.

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2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

Well, I think it just depends on the individual's perception after driving it or riding in it on the roads they'll mostly be running on. Although, I tend to agree. We older ppl may not take to the sport car feel which will vary from car to car model.

I had an adjustment time getting acclimated to the smaller wheelbase and shorter hood on my 99 E300 after coming out of an S-Class W126. Now, I'm completely comfortable with all aspects of the W210.

Just have to do some long test drives in many road conditions and speeds to see.

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'06 E320 CDI
'17 Corvette Stingray Vert

No experience other than I sat in a Clubman and liked it. I wish they offered a 4 door Clubman rather than that goofy looking Countryman.

One please! An Austin Mini Cooper is on my vehicular bucket list. Assuming I can squeeze myself into it.

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1980 300TD-China Blue/Blue MBTex-2nd Owner, 107K (Alt Blau) OBK #15
'06 Chevy Tahoe Z71 (for the wife & 4 kids, current mule) '03 Honda Odyssey (son #1's ride, reluctantly) '99 GMC Suburban (255K+ miles, semi-retired mule) 21' SeaRay Seville (summer escape pod)