I'm having a hard time trying to figure out what winter tires to run on my JCW Clubman. On my R53 S I run a 15" wheel with 195/50/15 tires but on the JCW clubman nothing under a 17" wheel fits. So do I have to go for the OEM tire size of 205/45/17 which has a very limited tire selection or is there another size some of one of you may be running. We have severe winters up here in Montreal so I really need an aggressive setup.

thanks

Amit

 

You are pretty stuck with the 205/45/17 or may be able to go up to a 215/45/17 or 215/40/17

But you it will be very very hard to find a 16" Rim that will fit over the JCW Brakes.

I see on tire rack that there are 6 snow tires available in the 205/45/17 size
3 Bridgestone, 1 Michelin, and 2 Pirelli. I have read about all of these in the past and all have gotten good reviews.

Good Luck in your decision.

 

I went with Kosei K1-TS in 17" with 215/45/17 Dunlop Wintersport M3 tires. I had great luck with this combination on a Mazda RX-8 in the past. Great snow and ice performance and very good in the dry and wet also with excellent treadwear.

 

I'm running Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 RFTs in the OEM size on an OEM rim. Works great thru Calgary winters!

I believe Bridgestone has replaced this tire this year and now offers the updated LM-60. Tire Rack may still have some LM-25s left.

Good Luck!

 

Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 RFT is my choice.

 

Thanks for everyone's input. Talked to my local tire experts and they said that the only Blizzak now available is the LM-60 RFT and seem to be not as aggressive. So I'm going with the Michelin Primacy PA3. Mounting them on Friday so I'll post my thoughts.

cheers

Amit

 

For my Miata a couple of years ago, I went with a more aggressive tire from Majestic, (Cooper) and they worke very well and they are a 17" tire. Ask about them, as they are much less than Blizzaks.

 

I've had the Snow Sport RSCs on Rota rims for the last winter. Great traction and better than the POS stock Dunlops .

 

Try Nokian Hakkapeliita RSi (Studless Winter Tyres). I had a set on my Volvo XC70, and they are great winter tyres. http://www.nokiantires.com/product-group?group=1.01

 

I don't see how you can compare two specialty tires designed to operate in climates extremes separated by 6 months...

I 2nd the Nokian Hakkapeliita RSi. Got them for my C43, then also Nokians for my Jeep (tho, not the RSi of course). Best snows...

 

i'm running a 205/40-17 on my stock rims for winter setup and 215/45-17 for summers...

 

Been running Nokian Hakkapeliittas for the past four years and they are fantastic. Best winter tire I have ever used.

 

Anyone have experience with this line of tires?
http://www.greendiamondtire.com/

 

No affliliation with Nokian Tyre Co. IMO, they make the best winter tyres.

Nokian Hakkapeliita - Fastest On Ice (Video Clip)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MqWn...eature=related

 

Keep in mind that wider tires are worse in the winter. If you can find a 195/50/17 it will handle better in the snow than a 205 or 215.

 

I just bought a used JCW from a dealer and in the Mini accessories catalog it references a winter tire package that includes 185 50/17 tires. I can't find any reference to a winter tire in this size at Tire Rack or with a quick search on the web. Anyone know what might be available?

 

Blizzaks are good, but if you want to save some dollars try what I have: Majestick Glaciers. They have a more aggressive tread than Blizzaks and cost about 50% less. I've had mine on a Miata going on my third year and they are wearing just fine.https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...milies/nod.gif

Bill in Iowa

[Q UOTE=pappatho;2965496]I just bought a used JCW from a dealer and in the Mini accessories catalog it references a winter tire package that includes 185 50/17 tires. I can't find any reference to a winter tire in this size at Tire Rack or with a quick search on the web. Anyone know what might be available?[/QUOTE]