Hello,

I know there are some threads similar to this but after reading for a couple of days I'm still confused and not sure with what to go.
I have a 2008 Mini Cooper (regular) with 195/55R16 run on flat tires.
I'm looking for winter tires and wheels in 15" not run on flat. I was told buy two different shops that I need two different size wheels. One shop said 175/65R15 and one 195/60R15.

What would be the right size for me? Will they both work? I know one is narrower so will I feel the difference?

Would really appreciate your input!

thank you very much,
Sergei

 

Of the two choices you listed, the 195/60R15 would be closer in diameter to your stock tire, but 185/65R15 would be an even better choice if you can get tires in that size - the overall diameter is closer to your stock tire, plus the taller sidewall will make for a softer ride.

Check out this tire calculator and you can play around with different non-stock sizes.

 

Thank you very much, I will take these numbers to the tire shop and see what they will say
Sergei

 

You're welcome - looking into it a bit more, it appears that the stock 15" tires are 175/65R15. Considering that these will be your winter wheels/tires, the narrower tread might be a benefit.

 

If you can find the 175/65R15 these would be a great choice. When I was buying, four winters ago, this size could not be found, so I went with a 185/60R15 size. I have been happy with them (Toyo Observe G-02 plus), but this is also a rare size, as it seems all MINI tires are. The 195/60R15 size should be a last resort, narrower is better.

 

I did find 175/65R15.. just a little scared that they are much narrower. We don't really have lots of deep snow in the minter but I am scared of the icy conditions and packed snow. Not sure if the narrow tires would be better or worse :(

 

Narrow tires would be fine. Cuts through deeper snow better than wider tires.
Should be OK, just drive a little slower and carefully.

 

I see the advantages of the narrow tires but what are the disadvantages of the narrower tires? Anyone can tell me?

thank you,
Sergei

 

Disadvantage : less grip during spirited cornering on dry or wet roads during warm spells. Not usually a concern, as the relative "spongy" feeling of the winter tread compound does not promote spirited cornering anyway.

 

I'm usually a speed limit driving kind of guy so high speed driving during the winter usually doesn't bother me that much.. Any other disadvantages or reasons to go with a wider tire?

Thank you very much for all your help!!!
Sergei

 

If you drive the speed limit you should be fine with any width tire.

In the dry or wet the wider tire can be helpful for traction and handling.

In the winter you can do OK at slower speeds.

Some tires summer or all season only come in certain sizes- depends on which tires. Some tire companies limit sizes so tire selection can be a factor if you really want one brand over another or your local shop only carries certain brands.

 

Thank you very much for all the help!
I just purchased a set of winter wheels/tires . I went with Yokohama Ice Guard IG20. Size 175/65R15.

thank you,
Sergei

 

I tried to start new thread but wasn't allowed..

will these 17" off an 06 (on 03 now) fit my 08 S?? getting them for $300 which seems like a deal
thanks

 

Yes, they'll fit fine. The bolt hole diameter, centerbore size and bolt pattern haven't changed over the years.

 

Do you mean the bolt hole in those wheels, or lug bolt hole used by MINI? Sometime in 2006 MINI changed from 12mm lug bolts to 14mm lug bolts. Some older wheels have lug holes large enough for 14mm bolts, some don't.

 

The diameter of the MINI lug bolts changed in 2006, but I've *never* seen an OEM MINI wheel that wouldn't work with either size bolt. On all the MINI wheels I've measured (both pre- and post-switchover), the bolt holes are always right around 16 mm.

I can't swear that all of the older MINI wheels will work with the direct tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) found in the later cars, but there won't be a problem with the bolt holes.

 

thanks all