I had an 03 cooper that I put a set of 15' steel wheels and snow tires on seasonally. 15x5.5 steel wheels with 185/ 65TR15 tires.
I just got an 09 Cooper S, and I heard these wheels don't work on the 2nd Gen Coopers. Anyone have an answer? I'd love to use them again this winter.
Thanks.

 

You need minimum 16" wheels to clear the front brakes on the R56 S.

 

yr 09 S has JCW brakes that require inner clearance also. Plus there's the TPMS so there's extra bank to pay for those stems on top of snow tire wheels, should U go that route. Welcome to the neo-golden age of tire and wheel tecknology!

If U live where there's a lot of snow throw on 4 Blizzak 175-185/60-65/16s, and sell yr 15" snows and wheels to someone in the 1st gen forum. no problem there!

And watch the lip under the lower bonnet scoop. I dont think it would clear 6"+ of snow. Good luck

 

I highly recommend Alex at Tire Rack for new snow tires and wheels.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-tirerack.html

 

r56s also have 14mm lug bolts. I think the 1st gens had 12mm. usually doesnt matter however...just have to make the holes bigger sometimes

 

Since you have the wheels and the car, the definitive answer would come from you just trying it.

But, chances are the wheels will not clear the brakes on the front of the car. The rear wheels will fit fine, but the front will not. At least that's what happened when I tried this exact thing with my old 15" steel wheels on my 2007 Cooper S.

 

blizzak's are great BUT wear very fast due to their extra soft compound, IMHO michelin alpin are great all around in snow and rain also dry and dont melt like icecream if they are on in a little warmer weather