Hey all,

I have found out that the tires which came on GP1292 are NOT GOOD in the snow. I would like to get some snow tires but my dealer and Discount Tire says there are none available??? What do you fellow owners know? I really don't want to invest in new rims and tires!

Thanks!!

 

Man, I know if I had a GP, it would NEVER see snow.

 

They're summer performance tires... what possibly made you think they would ever be suitable for snow?

I think you'll have a hard time finding appropriate 18" tires for snow use on your GP wheels.

In my opinion, your precious GP investment is worth the additional expense of a second set of wheels for the winter. That way your very rare original GP wheels will also be sheltered from the harsher elements, especially salt and potholes, both of which are a much bigger problem in the winter.

ANY of the OEM 17" wheels will fit the JCW brakes, and 17" wheels will greatly increase your options for snow tires. Since you're used to lightweight wheels (19.8 lbs each), you need to keep the weight of winter wheels in mind too. On one side, the lighter the better, so you get the kind of unsprung weight performance you're used to. On the other side, heavier wheels are more likely to withstand potholes better.

On the OEM front, the lightest 17" wheels are the R91 5-spoke bullet (link to picture) at 20.6 lbs each, and the heaviest 17" wheels are the R85 S-spoke (aka S-Lite - link to picture) at 25.1 lbs each.

Of course, there are plenty of aftermarket options too.

On the snow tire front, I'm sure that Tire Rack will list the options for you, but if you want runflat snow tires (hey, some people like them, I do), then your only real choices are the Pirelli 240 SnowSport Runflats and the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 Runflats. Which one is better depends on where you life. The Blizzaks are better in the snow, but worse on dry pavement (and they wear out a LOT faster on dry pavement). I use the Pirellis, because here in DC, we just don't get enough snow for Blizzaks.

 

You may find that it would be way cheaper in the long run to purchase a winter set of rims and tires. The runflat tire is a bear to get off. If you go to a good reliable sorce to have your wheels changed that has proper equiptment so as not to scratch your wheels your gonna pay dearly. Ask me how I know! Then in the spring you'll want to switch back. By that time you could have bought rims and tires. Just my thoughts, Steve

P.S. Or you could get a winter rat and put your GP up on stands like mine

 

I understand what you are saying but it's the daily driver (not far) and once you got one in your garage it's hard to leave it behind!!!

The same MINI person who told me it had a different sound system than it actually came with (and so said the window sticker)!!

As little salt that is used here and as often I wash her I'll be fine but you are right...it's worth the investment!

I love my GP and miss my 2003 Velvet Red MC. It was in TRUE EXCELLANT CONDITION and loaded and had ONLY 22k when I traded it in for GP1292. BTW I got 18K traded on her which ought to tell you how well I care for my cars. I expect this GP will be in as good shape should I decide again to try something else (that will be a while). We get 330 days of sunshine here and just keep em' clean.

Got it and thanks for the explaination and information! I do appreciate it!!

 

You should definitely pick up a full set of snows and winter wheels. Even with good tires 17's and 18's are too low profile for city winters...It is very easy to destroy a wheel in the snow with the 17s by finding a curb ...So I would recomend that you get some 15's......I m sure someone here knows what 15" wheels will fit over the jcw calipers.

 

Thanks for another option!

 

You're welcome! 15s are not really a viable option with the JCW front calipers. SOME 16s might fit, but you have to be careful with clearance and proper airflow for cooling.

17s are just the safest bet... but that's why I recommend buying wheels you don't care too much about. The best example I can think of are the S-Lites, because they are heavy-duty... although the performance will suffer too. It's a trade-off. I run S-Lites with Pirelli runflat snow tires during the winter, and I have R95 JCW wheels with runflat summer performance tires (same tires that come with the GP) for the rest of the year.

 

Wow, you guys have different winters than we do up here (Boston)!

I run 15's year round due to the road conditions in MA... We STILL have the worst roads in the nation!

I'd recommend a seat of Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2's... they are pretty cheap, and very tough. They offer them in 17X7 and 15X7 (outmotoring.com)... but if you are not picky, tirerack has some ASA JH3's for 119.00/each. Which is pretty cheap.

Anyway, best of luck. And DAMN you for driving a GP in the snow! (not really, but c'mon, REALLY?, Hondas are cheap?, maybe a nice Fiat? Anything but a GP!)

RM2k5

 

RallyMINI2005, do you have JCW brakes?

If not, then you have to understand that the 15-inch wheels are not really a viable option for those who do, like myself... and every GP owner too.

 

MAN!!! I really opened Pandora's Box here didn't I?

Nothing is ever easy!

 

You've motivated me to get some. Alex at the tirerack totally set me up. See link below:
http://www.tirerack.com/upgrade_gara...After+May+2006

I put on Blizzak WS-50 and 100% guaranteed to fit.

Can't beat the service or the prices... don't wait!

Cheers,
GP0220