Has anyone done this? I need to get winter tires, not sure if I should just buy the rubbers and put them on, or buy a new set of 17 inch wheels.

I am afraid if I get new rubber that the shop will damage the black paint putting tires on and off.

 

in the long run, you are better off getting a second set of rims for your winter tires, otherwise its 2x a year dismounting/mounting and balancing your wheels/tires

also, if you look at tirerack.com, you will find the choices of winter tires are much greater in 15" and 16" sizes

myself, i went from 225/45-18 summer tires on mini 18x7.5 turbofan rims to 205/70-16 winter tires on mini 16x6.5 rims

the winter tires have much taller sidewalls, hopefully better able to withstand a pothole without damaging the rim

the narrower treadwidth gives better snow penetration

just my opinion

drop an email to Alex @ tirerack, he is very helpful and knows minis

Alex Mouroulis | Sales Specialist
Tire Rack
7101 Vorden Parkway
South Bend, IN 46628
O: 888 428 8355 ext. 4294
O: 574 287 2345 ext. 4294
F: 574 236 7707
Alex@tirerack.com


scott

 

I second getting a second set of wheels, save time and money in long run.

This is true but we need 17" wheels w/ JCW brakes

 

I reccomend a second set of wheels also. The fun part is thinking if you want to put snows on the black challenge wheels and get a different set of summer wheels? Some of that depends on how much you like the black challenge wheels, and the condition of your summer tires. Need an excuse to buy a set of 18's?

By having a second set of wheels (including TPMS), you can change the wheels yourself.

Have fun,
Mike

 

Well, Mine Are not the Mini Challenge Wheels, instead I have the Flame Spoke's in 17". I put on a set of winters on my OEM 17's, this way it looks good in the winter and I bought another set of Rotiform's for the summer.

 

I found a set of MINI Cooper 17" R104 Silver Crown Spoke Rim Wheel with Blizzak LM-60 RFTtires. 1000K on the set. Im gonna buy them. After some research they will clear JCW brakes.

Now to plastidip black or not!

 

Nice, Those will be a nice Winter Wheel. Just dont plasti-dip. Its not worth it.

 

Haha thanks, I will heed your advice. It would end up being a hassle once it chips, plus I can I have silver wheels for winter, black for summer

 

I have these on now and they look great and feel awesome. Cant wait for some snow to drive through.

Do I need TPMS sensors on these or is it okay if I drive without them for 4 months or so?

 

If you're ok with the tpms light being lit on your dash, then yea it's fine. I don't bother with TPMS on my winter wheels.

 

Without running TPMS you will likely not know if you have a flat. Because the runflats are so stiff, especially in a lower profile like on your 17's, you could have a flat and not know it. Most of the runflats are 'estimated' for 50 miles or so before the tire destroys itself.

Mike