Sorry if there's a separate thread on this already (I did search first) but I need to start shopping for snow tire + wheels package from Tire Rack and I wanted to get some recommendations. I have the MCS with the 17 inch wheels so I'm thinking of getting the 16 inch for the snow pkg.

Any recommendations would be appreciated!

 

Funny you should mention that as these arrived for me yesterday:

Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 Runflats 195/55R-16
MSW Type 25 silver wheels
Tirerack.com storage bags (if you're gonna do it, do it right)

This will be my first winter with snow tires so I can't offer any opinions on performance.

I have the black cosmos spokes as my standard wheels, I figure the silver would change up the look a bit and hide the salt.

 

Here's the package I have ordered:

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...ed&showRear=no

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....CEXL&tab=Sizes in the 205/55 R16 size.

I'm having the Pirelli's studded as I'm very much located in the mountains, and my F56S is my only vehicle.

Together with the TPMS, this is one expensive order, but you only go around once!

 

Very nice! I might just copy you. Love the storage bags, didn't even know they had such thing. So it looks like all four wheels will fit in the back with seats down?

 

Wow BBS for snows? Nice!!!

 

Yeah, it's pretty cozy but there's still room for a couple 6-packs.

 

let's see pics of both!
shame neither of these come in 17"....

 

I'd just go for something with steel wheels + cheap winter tires.. but that's just me. Actually, Portland OR area doesn't get that cold so, I'm just sticking with all-season. lol.

I read when temp is below 7 C (=45 F) winter tires become advantageous so I thought about it. I understand it's purely for safety, but are there any economical benefits to it besides avoiding an accident? How many miles does winter tires typically last?

 

Tire Rack actually didn't offer steelies for the F56. The wheels I purchased were only $99 per.

Also, it's not so much the cold as the goddamn snow (I love Chicago but sometimes I hate it).

 

We have "MINI" Tire Totes right here: In stock.



http://www.ecstuning.com/News/MINI_Wheel_Storage_Bags_ALL_JCW_S_Cooper_Wheels_Ti res_Winter_Spring_Summer_Fall_Protection_Models_Ma kes/






Thanks

 

When do you put them on - like December?

 

I put my snow tires on when the temps get down to close to freezing. This means November for me.

 

I didn't know TPMS was mandatory since 2008. That's really stupid. I'd rather have backup camera to be mandatory.
I tried configuring a cheapest winter tire set, it costs over $1000 for a wimpy 15" with the sensors, and the sensors have a 5-7 year battery life... I was thinking of getting winter tires since I'm leasing, but now I'll have to reconsider. Won't even consider winter tires on my financed Mazda CX-5 now.

 

I am putting together a 16 inch winter wheel/tire package from tire rack.Knowing how to read a tire gauge and wanting to save $360,I want to delete TPMS sensors.I called tire rack ,they will mount/balance and ship without sensors. I will have to sign off on any liability issues and state i will mount my own sensors.(yup ok).My big concern is what kind of warning lights, bells and whistles,alarms will be present at each startup and while driving.On previous Mazdas a small piece of black electrical tape over the offending light worked fine.Called my mini service dept.and asked exactly what will appear and for how long.After speaking to 2 techs and being offered a package for $1700 all they could tell me is a warning light will come on... no s--- sherlock.Has anyone gone this route or have any input? I have the fully loaded ,nav. etc pkg.

 

We usually get our first dusting of snow around 10/31. Most of my trick-or-treating as a child involved covering up my costume with a winter coat. I'll probably switch tires come early November.

I didn't get tire sensors installed; f@!k that noise. From my understanding based on the R56, you'll only get a warning message and TPMS light. It's not a $350 annoyance to me. I can read a tire pressure gauge.

 

I thought about doing that myself because I consider the EPA a major pimple-on-the-butt agency that's foisted on the consumer a very expensive mandatory system because some folks were too lazy to occasionally check their tire pressures.

In the end, though, I opted to buy the very expensive new sensors because my state is one of the ones that require the tire pressure monitoring system to be in working order for state inspection (only if the vehicle was originally so equipped).

 

I would just swap wheels before inspection...

 

$350 for a sensor? Didn't see that coming :-(

 

I see that some places sell the sensors for cheaper for $285.

I found out Mazda's implementation on TPMS is much better (cheaper). My CX-5 uses ABS brake sensors to calculate the tire circumference, and when that drops certain amount, it warns the users about low air pressure. There's nothing special on the tires themselves. If I change tire pressure or change tires, I can reset the TPMS by holding the TPMS button for 3 seconds. I wish MINI had done something like this instead of relying on battery powered TPMS sensors that costs so much, and once the battery dies, you have to buy new sensors.

So nobody knows for sure for F56, if we can keep driving with TPMS warning light on? Whether that will light up check engine light after a while?

 

sensors for the F56 are $360 for set 0f four from tire rack. I will be ordering winter pkg. without, just wondering if anyone is actually running wheels without sensors now.Post 14 describes my concerns.Thanks and happy motoring...

 

So, then if I have this right, you cannot replace ANY tires without the TPMS? I have 2 sets of wheels that do not have the sensors in, so I need to have them installed before I purchase non-run flat tires??? Thanks..

 

Each individual wheel you have needs 1 sensor our cars need 4 wheels hence 4 sensors
Does not matter run flat or non run flat

If you don't put in a sensor the TPM light will illuminate continuously on your dash

It will not set a check engine light It will not warn you if you have a flat or slow leak

In some states you will not pass your yearly inspection

Hope that helps.

Sent from my iPad using NAMotoring

 

Thanks.....This is the exact info I needed.

 

Your welcome

Sent from my iPad using NAMotoring

 

Is anyone aware of a speedometer calibration setting on the car? My VW's had a "Winter Tire" setting which would adjust the speedometer based on a different diameter wheel.