Just curious if anyone had recommendations for a winter tire for my MC. I'm going to go with 16" rims, but my problem comes in the fact that my car is lowered on H-sports, probably about an inch in both the front and rear. I'm really looking for a profile recommendation that would work with the drop, even though it isn't a very severe one. I'm currently running 215/40/17" with no issues at all with rubbing. Thanks in advance.

 

if you can run 15s, i'd suggest 15, you can go narrower on winters to help you get going easier...

that said... i've always been taught to go narrow on snows because it has less surface area to slide on.... (see rally cars on ice and snow stages)

before my bbk came into the picture, i had 185/65-15 Pirelli Winter Carving studdable tires, and they are absolutely phenomenol!

 

Try going to Tirerack.com and searching for Winter wheels/tires for the MC.

Here is a search for the MCS but it applies to the MC
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/snow/WinterPackageMain.jsp&autoMake=Mini&autoModel=Coop er+S&autoYear=2006&autoModClar=Standard

Sample tire sizes for Winter use-
15" Recommended: 195/60-15 Tire diameter 24.2 to 24.4"
15" Alternate: 185/65-15 Tire diameter 24.4 to 24.5"

16" Recommended: 195/55-16 Tire diameter 24.4 to 24.6"
16" Alternate: 205/50-16 Tire diameter 24.2 to 24.3"

Give Alex@tirerack.com a call and discuss your options for rims and tires.

The selection of tires varies a little with the size you pick. Both 15" and 16" rims will work OK with a lowered MINI. The 185mm wide tires will do best in heavy snow. If you really like 16" wheels then the 195/55-16 size is your best compromise.