I have a 2009 MCS Hard top with 17" run flats and TPMS sensors. Pretty standard fare so far.

In my garage i have a set of almost new 16" nordman 2 snow tires 205-55 r 16 that i am guessing are never going to fit on my MCS

So IN looking for a new set of tires and wheels at Tirerack i see a warning and price telling me that i must spend $900ish for new wheels and tires....PLUS $200ish for new TPMS sensors....

Is this true???? Do i really need to run TPMS sensors or can i just disable that for the winter? I wanted to disable it this mornign when it told me i had low tire pressure this morning when it suddenly got to about 20 degrees here...

HELP!!!!!!!!

 

I am running 205 55 16 on my 04 MCS No Issues at all

 

Tirerack says i need 205 50 16...mine is a 2009.

 

Check the specs on each tire size, I am guessing you will be with in 3% of spec and will be fine with a 205 55 16 I am sure other are running this size also with no problem

 

I'm running 205/55-16 Pirelli P-Zero Nero M&S (all season) tires on one set of wheels. Haven't had any problems with them. However, I don't need all season tires on the California coast. So, I was thinking of selling them.

The stock tire O.D. is anywhere from 24.1" to 24.5". My MCS came with 24.5" tires. The smaller dia. usually come with 15" wheels on an MC.

The usual O.D. for 205/55-16 is 24.9" while the usual O.D. for 205/50-16 is 24.1". If your tires are listed at TireRack.com you can look up the specs and see the O.D. If it is 24.9 or less, you shouldn't have a problem using them.

 

Here is a great tire size calculator:
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
plug in the size you have now and the size you are looking at and see the difference. Since I don't know the specifics of you 17" tires I can't say how they compare to the 205-55 r 16 you are looking at.

 

You can run 16" inch rims on your 09, and the profile of the tires in your garage are AOK for your applicaton. Tire Rack tends to err on the side of caution because tires cannot be returned if you actually "drive" on them and find them rubbing on your fender liners.

Rim offset is an issue however regarding steel rims. Steel rims run around 48mm offset - so you will be required to purchase 5mm spacers to obtain the minimum spacing for your calipers of 3mm.

Howerver, if you buy rims with an offset from 35mm to 40mm, you will not require the use of spacers for your set up.

As far as TPMS senosors go. The dash light being on all winter may drive you bonkers. Either pick up a used set here, or buck up and just start out with a set of rims/tires/sensors from Alex at Tire Rack Ext. 294. Alex is our MINI TPMS Sensor and Tire Guru in NAM and is always available for questions. MINI TMPS sensors will fit in every rim on the market out there due to rim design so he should be able to guide you.

 

Just put 4 205/55/16s on my 09 for winter. Work great. Left out the TPMS and yea there is a light on at all times, and it comes up on the display momentarily when you start the car but it doesnt bother me the least. Car is also lowered BTW. Rims from the Classifieds on here too.

 

Let's stay on topic, folks.

 

this is all good news...and yeah i am ok putting a piece of black tape over the sensor for this winter...

i would much rather try running the tires i have in the garage with some oem 16's and then if it does not work i will upgrade if needed.

I have an email into alex and i will hear him out as well....

 

4 days and no word from alex....

 

Email me again, I didn't recieve it.

Alex

 

Sensors are not reqired, the light will stay on, but its not a must have. 205/55/16 works for some owners, some have had rubbing. Sorry I never got your email.

ALex

 

no worries it happens...i called TR today and ordered a set of 16" wheels....i will try the tires i have and if they rub i will have to order some new tires.

They suggested the 16x6.5 Rial Milano Silver and since i liked the looks of that compared to the "sport edition" package i went for it.

Thanks for checking in...i used the email link in your profile..somtimes comcast email addresses get blocked...whihc is what mine is.



Thanks!!

Tim

 

I was considering just the same Rial Milano wheel and 205/55-16 tire combination that you were about to try. Like you, I've heard differing opinions about the likelyhood of tire rubbing. What has been your experience so far?

Thanks,
Rory