Hi Everyone.

I've done a search and found quite a bit of useful info, but need some specifics.

I'm picking up my Mini (yay!, 06 JCW) next weekend, and will immediatelly need to put some snows on it. Right now it has Dunlop 9000 DSST's.

I'll get a set of 15" wheels for the winter, and am trying to decide between the Blizzak REVO1 on closeout at TireRack, Blizzak WS-60, or advice on something completely different. Like the WInterforce M+S. I'll probably go with a 175 or 185.

Unless there isn't that much difference bewteen a 15" and 16" rim in comfort (less comfort really, and more shock absorption for the suspension), I could go with a 16". I figure the 17" that are on the car will be a bad choice.

Price isn't really a concern, as the cost between the cheapest and most expensice tirerack snow tire seems pretty small in the grand scheme of things. What is important is the tires ability to perform on pack ice, fresh snow, and slush, which we get alot of here. Highway driving is minimal in the winter.

I emailed Alex at Tirerack, but have not received a reply yet.

Thanks!

 

I would recomend Nokian tyres. Either the Hakkapelitas (spelling?) or thier WR g2's. I have experience with both, the Hakkas are best in winter weather, but not so much in dry. The WR g2's are great winter tires, but are classifed as all seasons and are great in the dry.

 

I use 185/65/15 Nokian Hakka 2 snow tires. They work very well in deep snow. That is until it gets so deep That you high center. Great tires, I highly recommend them.

 

Nokian Hakka 2, 4, or 5

I've also heard people say really good things about Green Diamond Tires up here in ski country: http://www.greendiamondtire.com/

But Nokian Hakka is the standard for a real snow tire.

http://www.nokiantires.com/

 

Make sure that a 15" rim will clear the brakes on an 06 JCW... I'm not sure anymore, but I don't think they will.

 

Good point snapper. They won't clear.

 

OK, Thanks. Will a 16", or should I go with a 17", like the S-Lite (saw some in the marketplace). I want to have as much "cushon" as possible.

Thanks

 

I have the Blizzak WS60 and think they're great. I had the Blizzak WS50 before them. From what I've read the Revo1 is a better ice tire than snow tire. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSi is another great choice, as would be the Michelin X-Ice. Are you going to need a studded tire? If not, I wouldn't consider the Hakkapeliitta 2, 4, or 5. They are designed to run studs. While they will be great without them, why pay the extra cash for that design feature? The Hakka RSi is designed as a true studless tire.

Also, the Nokian Hakka WR is a performance winter tire, meaning it doesn't match your criteria for a "deep snow tire". The snow and ice capabilites have been sacrificed to gain that higher speed rating.

 

I just put a set of Revos (195/60/15) on my '03 MCS and I've only had one or two days when the road into the sub wasn't plowed, but they went through the snow very well. They are great on iced or packed snow roads. Stop really well. I think I only paid $242 for them shipped to my door. Good deal.

 

I'd go with 16" tires & wheels. 195/55/16 in whatever snow tire you decide to get.

 

i'd move.

 

I've been running Yokohama Ice Guard tires for the Minnesota winters. Totally satisifed with performance, price, and durability