Coopers installed yesterday

[JAYSILVER04]

I had my Cooper RS3-A's installed yesterday afternoon at the local Ford dealer. Everything went well and they were able to get it within Carfixer's specs for the alignment. I think the car rides better than stock. The tires do feel a bit softer on the road, but they grip really well. I took it on my favorite back road on my way home from work and it felt pretty good. I don't know if it's a combination of the tires and the alignment, but the steering feels different at lower parking lot speeds. Seems easier to turn the wheel.

So far , pretty happy with the choice. They look pretty good too.

[Merc-O-matic]

Keep us posted on how they "ride"...thanks.

Gotta Love It!

[JAYSILVER04]

Keep us posted on how the "ride"...thanks.

Gotta Love It!

Will do. I'm not sure if the softer ride is a good thing or not yet. I've only put about 20 miles on them so far. Too early to tell.

[1stMerc]

I get my rears installed Tuesday.

Is yours a daily driver including snow?

[JAYSILVER04]

I get my rears installed Tuesday.

Is yours a daily driver including snow?

Yes it is. I was just telling my wife I'm glad I had them put on before the first snow of the year. If it snows bad, either someone from work comes and gets me, or I take the wife's Avalon.

[FastMerc]

Yes keep us posted on the tires.I am thinking of a set next spring.

[MENINBLK]

What sizes of the Cooper S3-A did you have installed ???

I am looking for an All-Season Peformance alternative to the BFGs
that are only lasting +20k miles.
These things are ridiculous for the mileage and the price......

Pirelli is an option because their Passenger Truck tires will fit our rear
with the correct height but the tread pattern is different from the front.

I could get just about any size tire, but to size them smaller
and keep the F:R ratio would bring the overall height down
and I would lose ground clearance.
It would give me some highway performance and maybe
save some gas mileage but that would be the most.

I just can't see throwing good money into tires that don't get
more than 40k miles...... :(

[JAYSILVER04]

I got the factory size Rs3-a
They are softer than the BFG's. I like them though. The car rides smoother for sure.
I paid $676 shipped to my door from discount tire direct. I'm very happy with them. I think they are a good alternative and they have a better tread wear rating.

[1stMerc]

I went with 245/55 18 from the Nitto 255/55 18 on the rear. Fronts are still stock BFG's from just before Kentucky run.
Had them mounted today. Probably should have went taller since they don't fill the wheel well as much as the Nittos did. Since not having as tall a side wall, they feel better in the corners (less squishy) , , but not as firm (planted) as the Bfg rears. They do have a better snow rating than the stockers. We'll see come first big snow here.

Cooper RS3-A 245/55 18
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG10038.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:;)

Nitto 420s 255/55 18 rear....stock front
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_02591.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:;)

Nittos still have good tread, but just not that crazy about them in snow.
Kept them for later.

Get better pics of new ones this weekend after i shine them up.

[1stMerc]

I got the factory size Rs3-a
They are softer than the BFG's. I like them though. The car rides smoother for sure.
I paid $676 shipped to my door from discount tire direct. I'm very happy with them. I think they are a good alternative and they have a better tread wear rating.

Ditto, definately an alternative, and i believe more readily available and cheaper than stockers. Price may start changing, as more people discover them.
Got mine from TreadDepot.com

[MENINBLK]

You paid $676 for 2 rear tires shipped ???
or does that include mounting and balancing ?

[JAYSILVER04]

You paid $676 for 2 rear tires shipped ???
or does that include mounting and balancing ?

No. I paid that for two fronts and two rears. I had them mounted and balanced and the alignment with Carfixer's specs for another $179. $855 total for all four tires installed and alignment.

[MENINBLK]

No. I paid that for two fronts and two rears. I had them mounted and balanced and the alignment with Carfixer's specs for another $179. $855 total for all four tires installed and alignment.

That's an excellent deal !!!
Mavis Discount Tire is in my neighborhood and they are looking at $800+ for just 4 tires...

[JAYSILVER04]

That's an excellent deal !!!
Mavis Discount Tire is in my neighborhood and they are looking at $800+ for just 4 tires...


This is where I ordered mine. Free shipping to me in Delaware www.discounttiredirect.com (http://www.discounttiredirect.com)

[DOOM]

Any pics of them on the car?

[JAYSILVER04]

Any pics of them on the car?


Yup. Started another thread already.

[clmrt]

I just ordered a set...