Hello everyone I am new to the Forums here along with my (new to me) 2003 Mini Cooper S. Right now I am stuck with (bad condition) stock wheels and (mostly bald) All-Seasons. For this winter I am planning on running either some new all-season or potentially new snowies. My commute is really only to my highschool and back (about 4mi round trip). I know that ground clearance is an issue and if we get more than a few inches of snow I will find another way to school. I want to stay true to the 205/45-17's that it has on it. I just want opinions on what I should do for the tires. Thanks in advance and if you have any more questions feel free to ask!

 

Just get a package from Tire Rack or somewhere like it. I have 205/45/17 Blizzak runflats for winter on some Enkei wheels, and have had zero issues.

 

If you can swing the cost by wheels & tires. Go with a nice narrow 185-60-15 Blizzak. Narrow is better on winter roads. The tires & wheels will be much cheaper than having an accident. Check out Tire Rack for tires & wheels.

 

While what you both said is great information I forgot to mention that this needs to be done in the next week. Thats why the winter tires might not be happening.

 

I'm not sure I understand. I ordered my tires and wheels online and they were there well inside a week as far as I remember. You can put them on yourself with simple tools, or get a local shop to fit them for a few bucks.

 

It stills gets up to 70 here during the day, far to warm to run winter tires. I think I am going with a sparco drift with sumitomo a/s p01

 

You say “bad condition” stock wheels. Is it an appearance issue or a structural issue? If it is appearance I would suggest just cleaning them up and put on snow tires (or all-seasons with an above average snow rating) now. 70’s is not “far to warm” unless you are being a very aggressive driver. Then, take your time over the next several months and get yourself a better set of wheels and tires for when the snow melts. Maybe you will get lucky and find a good deal here in this forum’s Marketplace section or craigslist or a nearby MINI club.

 

You have an 03 MCS that will accept 15", 16" or 17" wheels over the front brake calipers so you have many options.

A dedicated winter set of wheels and tires is best for deep snow no matter how far you drive. You know your local road conditions in the winter and whether everyone drives on snow tires or not.

A set of good All Season tires that can handle snow and cold will also work the rest of the year or when you don't have snow tires on. This is a good option for those that don't have space for extra winter wheels/tires or don't care to swap winter wheels with change of seasons.

Sparco Drift (Black painted finish) comes in-
15x6.5" et 37mm for $104 each which will fit and is fine.
Choices of tire sizes include (for best all year round or in winter use):
175/65-15
185/65-15
185/60-15
195/60-15

Wider sizes will fit the wheel but aren't as good for snow. Narrow tires are best for deep snow and taller sidewalls give you more ground clearance and more ride comfort.

Sumitomo HTR A/S P01 is a High Performance All Season tire
195/60-15 for $54 is a bargain but is not as good in wet or in any snow.
see
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey....jsp?type=HPAS
Tirerack test result for A/S P01-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=179

An alternative good performing value All Season tire that will fit is-

General AltiMAX RT43 Grand Touring All Season 600 treadwear
175/65-15 $74 each, 15 lbs, H speed rated which can be used for MCS or MC
185/65-15 $65 each, 17 lbs, slightly tall but OK at 24.5"
195/60-15 $67 each, 18 lbs, good value and fitment, best compromise.
see
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey....jsp?type=GTAS
RT 43 is #7 on list.

in general Grand Touring All Season tires can be used when more ride comfort and longer treadwear are priorities over crisp handling and higher levels of grip in dry or wet. These tires are a better match for commuters and work in light snow, just adjust for bad driving conditions.

Good luck with your shopping. Tirerack will mount and balance the tires on the wheels for you. Talk to Alex@tirerack.com for more info.