I have an 08 Clubman S with sport suspension. I also have a set of mounted 15" snow tires from my 07 Cooper. I was told that these would not work because the wheels would not clear the calipers. My testing does not confirm this. The wheels (aftermarket) clear the calipers. Is there any reason not to use these?

 

The front brakes on the S model are too big for 15" wheels.

 

No. If they clear, use them.

For an example go here: http://www.tirerack.com/snow/WinterW...skipTires=true

Hope this helps...

 

Creeve,
My post clearly states that the wheels clear the calipers.

 

My bad, didn't even read your post just the title. If they fit there is no reason not to use them. What kind of wheels are they?

 

I would use them. No reason not too. Keep an eye on the lug nuts to make sure they do not loosen over time.

 

You clearly state the tires are from a Cooper. Your snows may not meet the load requirement of the Clubman S. In practice that will reduce the speed rating. Since snow tires usually have a lower speed rating, you may be finding yourself hanging back with the Smart cars. That would be stupid.

 

It does meet the load requirement. The load index for tires on the 2007 Mini Cooper is 84 which is the same as the MCS and Clubman S. A load index of 84 equates to 1102 lbs per tire.

The speed ratings on the 15" snows are R (up to 104 mph) and T (118 mph) but one should not go above 90 mph on snow tires in winter anyway.