I haven't made the purchase yet, but I have a couple pertinent questions:

1. What's the best Winter/Snow tire to fit my extra 215/45x17 Kosei wheels? Nokian are heavily endorsed for snow and ice. It seems that snow and ice tires are all very pricey. Please share your thoughts.

2. What do you recommend for an onboard tire jack since the winter tires will not be runflats? I think MINI dealers sell a MINI jack. Please share your thoughts.

3. The JCW steering wheel retrofit. At $500 + is it worth the big bucks?

Thank you all.
HD

 

1. "Snow"? What's "Snow"?
2. Buy a used Honda scissors jack off eBay for $10 or so, then bolt a rectangular piece of hardwood to the saddle that will fit into the jacking pocket. The scissors jack will clear the rear rocker panel easily and it will fit into one of the the hidden pockets under the trapdoor.
3. No

 

For winter tires you can find at tirerack.com to fit a 17x7" wheel-

Both in 205/45-17 which is better size than 215/45-17 for snow tire


Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 RFT (Performance Winter / Snow)
Runflat $181 each


Pirelli Winter Sottozero Serie II (Performance Winter / Snow)
Non runflat $163 each

If you have runflats then no jack is needed.
Put the $500 into the tires.

 

1. minihune seems to have already answered your question. I also recommend Blizzaks as I've been running them since 2007 and they grip like no other in snow. I live in Boston and we get some heavy snow storms.

2. I recommend a slime kit over a jack. To have a jack in your car implies that you will also be carrying a spare tire. I also own a GP and with the luggar bar in the back, it's tuck away that snow tire.

3. If you are talking about the JCW steering wheel with Alcantara and red stitching. Yes, it's worth it. I have one in my GP and I love driving with it every day. The wheel is a bit fatter so it's great to grip it. The wheel is something you touch the most often in your car so to me, it's well worth it. I don't think it's $500 though since your stock airbag will fit.

 

What kind of wheels are you Blizzaks mounted on?

The wheel seems like a worthwhile expenditure since, as you state, is something you use daily and will add to driving pleasure.

If I switch out the run-flats for regular tires I will need a jack. I read Slime is detrimental to tires and alloy wheels.

Thanks,
HD

 

I have them mounted to some cheapo 17x7 wheels.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...oby-101-a.html

 

I will be mounting Blizzacs on a set of 17" Kosei from Tire Rack.

 

FYI putting on the JCW steering wheel won't cost you $500, we have them cheaper
http://www.waymotorworks.com/jcw-alc...ing-wheel.html

 

Thanks for the vendor information. $350 is a lot better price, but still relatively pricey. I think it's worth it nevertheless.