[pictsidhe]

What are the stock tyres on the SE? Exact models please. I can only find rough info. I don't know if the SE I have on order will come with winter or summer tyres, so I'd like to know what MINI fits. I'd like to keep the great handling without trashing the mileage.
If anyone has feedback on non-OEM models, that would be good, too.

 

[MichaelC]

MINI fits high-performance summer tires on the SE--very specific models which have the best fuel economy rating (lowest rolling resistance) in order to maximize the SE's range.

Mine (with 17" Roulette Spoke wheels) came equipped with 205/45 R17 88W XL Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 tires. Other people have reported getting:

• Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3
• Pirelli Cintaurato P7 (there are actually a few different models, but I haven't seen anyone specify which)

I also bought some 16" Electric Revolite wheels from eBay to use as my winter wheels, and they were fitted with 195/55 R16 87W Hankook Ventus Prime 3 tires.

When researching for replacement tires, I recommend searching for the EU Tyre Labels for the make & model you're considering. Those labels have ratings for fuel economy, wet performance, and road noise--all of which are critical factors in choosing the right tire for an EV. I have also learned that the EU Tyre Label ratings can vary across sizes, speed ratings, and load ratings for the same model of tire (and run-flats are almost always the worst for economy). To find these labels, I go to:

1. The manufacturer's European web site (or UK web site).
2. https://whattyre.com
3. https://www.tyrereviews.com

The winter tires I bought for those 16" wheels are Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 in 195/55 R16 91R XL. Their EU Tyre Label rating for fuel economy is B, whereas all the other winter tires I was considering were rated at C or worse (versus the summer tire's A rating). The Nokians' noise rating is also a bit worse (72dB) versus the stock summer tires (67dB). Overall, I was quite satisfied with them, and their real-world performance seemed to align with the relative EU Tyre Label ratings.

 

[pictsidhe]

MINI fits high-performance summer tires on the SE--very specific models which have the best fuel economy rating (lowest rolling resistance) in order to maximize the SE's range.

Mine (with 17" Roulette Spoke wheels) came equipped with 205/45 R17 88W XL Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 tires. Other people have reported getting:

• Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3
• Pirelli Cintaurato P7 (there are actually a few different models, but I haven't seen anyone specify which)

I also bought some 16" Electric Revolite wheels from eBay to use as my winter wheels, and they were fitted with 195/55 R16 87W Hankook Ventus Prime 3 tires.

When researching for replacement tires, I recommend searching for the EU Tyre Labels for the make & model you're considering. Those labels have ratings for fuel economy, wet performance, and road noise--all of which are critical factors in choosing the right tire for an EV. I have also learned that the EU Tyre Label ratings can vary across sizes, speed ratings, and load ratings for the same model of tire (and run-flats are almost always the worst for economy). To find these labels, I go to:

1. The manufacturer's European web site (or UK web site).
2. https://whattyre.com
3. https://www.tyrereviews.com

The winter tires I bought for those 16" wheels are Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 in 195/55 R16 91R XL. Their EU Tyre Label rating for fuel economy is B, whereas all the other winter tires I was considering were rated at C or worse (versus the summer tire's A rating). The Nokians' noise rating is also a bit worse (72dB) versus the stock summer tires (67dB). Overall, I was quite satisfied with them, and their real-world performance seemed to align with the relative EU Tyre Label ratings.

Thanks for some good information. I'll look up both Hankooks. I'm a little surprised at the Goodyear eagles. The last set, admittedly some years back, seemed to be as slick as treacle.
I'm British, so EU tyre labels are something I check, though I'm in the USA.
For winters, I'm very tempted to go with Nokian WR-G4. I'm in occasional snow country, so full winters are overkill and not ideal for most of my not-summer season. These are US market tyres, so no EU label. Anecdotally, I find them to give a few more mpg and seem easier rolling than the C rated summers on my R53. If not the Nokians, then another of the very few 'all-weather' tyres.
Im getting 16s on the car. Depending how it feels I may go 15, 16 or 17 on my other set. I love 15s on my R53, but it's smaller...

 

[MichaelC]

Since you already know about EU Tyre Labels, you're already ahead of the curve.

"Eagle" to Goodyear is like "Cooper" to MINI. You need all the other parts of the name to actually know what it is.

I don't think you can fit 15" wheels over F56 S brakes; 16" is probably the smallest you'll be able to use.

 

[pictsidhe]

I believe the SE uses the 280mm Justa brakes. I have 15s and 294mm JCW brakes on my R53. Same diameter as F56 S, but looks like a different caliper design. Yes, it's really, really tight. Not all 15s will fit.

 

[pictsidhe]

They were Eagle GS-D2s. They get the prize for highest rolling resistance I've ever come across. They stuck like glue on corners, though.

 

[notbatman]

What are the stock tyres on the SE? Exact models please. I can only find rough info. I don't know if the SE I have on order will come with winter or summer tyres, so I'd like to know what MINI fits. I'd like to keep the great handling without trashing the mileage.
If anyone has feedback on non-OEM models, that would be good, too.

I got the base package that came with Hankook Ventus Prime 195/55R-16 Mini Star summer tires. So I bought Continental Pure Contact All Seasons before delivery. Handles like a dream. The Hankooks are in bags in the basement. The Conti Pure Contacts are made for EVs, so no mileage penalty.

 

[pictsidhe]

If you want to sell your Hankooks, I like mine...
Conti pure contacts are great tyres. I put a set on my ex's Vibe. But be careful of the sidewalls, they are a bit fragile.
I have had my SE for 2 months now. It's a drop in fun level from my R53, which should mean less tickets...
I tried a 15 from my R53. No they won't bolt up! They clear the front brakes, but not the electric back brakes. Oh well, 16's it is, I don't want to mess with the brakes. Might paint them yellow, though.

 

[notbatman]

If you want to sell your Hankooks, I like mine...
Conti pure contacts are great tyres. I put a set on my ex's Vibe. But be careful of the sidewalls, they are a bit fragile.
I have had my SE for 2 months now. It's a drop in fun level from my R53, which should mean less tickets...
I tried a 15 from my R53. No they won't bolt up! They clear the front brakes, but not the electric back brakes. Oh well, 16's it is, I don't want to mess with the brakes. Might paint them yellow, though.

Yellow brakes would look great. My main reason for not using the Hancooks is that I'd rather not swap tires twice a year and really should have an extra set of wheels if I did do so. Never driven them but will keep them on hand in case I change my mind. Enjoy!