Got to drive our new 04 Cooper home from the delivery terminal week of Feb 9. The problem is we need to get snow tires and wheels locally to mount on the car for crossing a mountain pass.

MINI specs a 175/65/15 Dunlop for 15 x 5.5" steel rims. I found Tirerack showing the same deal as their only choice. Locally, the closest sizing I found is a steel 15 x 6" rim with 185/60/15 Blizzak tires. I've read the wheel should have a minimum 37mm offset.

Would the local choice work? The concerns are the 15 x 6 rims are .5" wider and they have a 35mm offset vs. 37. The 185/60/15 tires are unknown if they'll rub. Some tire dealers suggest a more common 195/60/15 size on a 15 x 6" rim.

The car ships with 16" star wheels. Speedometer calibration, caliper clearance or rub issues would not good, are the cars tolerances that tight?