Hi guys,

I purchased a 2012 Mini Cooper S hardtop this year with sport package and have not seen a winter with it yet. Current summer tires are 205/45/17. I am reading a lot about winter wheel packages and not fully understanding it all. I am aiming to buy a 16 inch package for winter. I have a few concerns:

1: Are 'S' brakes really larger than non s models?

2: I want cheap steelies for winter - will standard 16inch steel wheels fit (and well)? Mini and BMW stealerships continue to claim that they don't put steel rims on because they don't fit properly and will cause issues. I want it done right, I don't want any shimmers, shakes etc. What size do I need to match a 195\55\16 or 205\50\16 ...... What is the largest I should/could go for the height (55,60 etc.... thinking ground clearance)

3: Due to steel wheel size concern is it much better to just go with a cheap alloy wheel instead?

4:For any Ontarians - Good tire place you could recommend in the greater Toronto area?? (tire rack shipping is too expensive to here!)

Thanks so much,
Nick

 

Yes, S brakes are larger. You will need 16 in or larger wheels to clear the front brakes.

In 2009, when I bought my Clubman S, I could not find any steel wheels that fit. So I bough used 16 in OEM Mini mag wheels. Look as kijiji, there are many that sell their used set.

As for tires, I fin that Costco has great prices on Blizzaks and Michelin Xi3 winter rubbers. I did not buy runflat tires (too expensive) and all is well.

As for size, I would stick with 195/55R16.

 

I am from Whitby and just bought a set of Hankooks for my S. Best tire place I know of this way is Auto Tire &Safeties in Oshawa. Best price and nice guy who runs it.

 

Hey guys, you may have some luck with the SOMC Google map for some recommended tire places (and add your favorites as well while you're there)


https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...2d254d01edf323

 

Is 215/45x17 the recommended size for winter tires for an R53 GP? I will be using Kosei 7.5x17 wheels. Thx.

 

205/45-17 will fit and work.

Tirerack.com shows in Performance Winter snow tires-
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 Runflat $179 each (if you need runflat)
Michelin Primacy Alpin PA-3 $190 each ($70 mastercard offer)
Pirelli Winter Sottozero Serie II $166 each (a little more comfortable)

All of these are good winter tires. For more info email Alex@tirerack.com or call him at extension 4294.

 

For winter tires it is best to stay narrow and tall. More weight per square inch means more bite for the tire. There is a trade off for looks vs effectiveness too. No more snow driving for me in cars. Like my 4X4 for that- I know-It's what you see most in the ditch usually upside down because they were doing 70. If I had to deal with snow I would mount up a set of Blizzak's and I would be rally ready. If you get stuck with these tires on you should have stayed home. And you don't need studs. If you do, you should stay home. You give up way to much dry and wet performance with studs which make them unsafe in the majority of conditions in my opinion. Ya they work on ice but so does a fresh set of Blizzak's and they don't tear up the roads and are safe in other conditions. If you are in Alaska and never see payment I will give you a pass on the studs.

 

I really appreciate your advice regarding winter tires for my '06 GP. I will be mounting on a set of 7.5x17 Kosei alloys. Size tires will be 215/45x17. Does this make sense? Thanks again!