I have several questions about switching to winter tires on my new 2008 MCS.

I am currently using OEM 16" wheels with OEM all season tires run flats. I like the convenience of run flats for the type of driving I do. (Commute to center city through very bad neighborhoods = need to keep moving!).

Should I change to a 17" tire for winter?

Have used Alpins for winter tires on my BMW and really liked them. Are they suitable for the MINI or is there a better tire?

Is there a runflat winter tire that I can buy that would work with the MCS?

Will a 17" rim change affect the speedometer readings or any other mechanical processes?

I have always relied on my dear hubby for this, but he isn't sure about the MINI issues. Thanks in advance.

 

You can use a 17" winter wheel/tire, but for other than aesthetic reasons, it's not necessary. If you buy the proper sized 17" tires for a 17" wheel it will not affect the speedo. 16" will be the cheaper option

Check out tirerack.com. There are a few options for runflat winter tires. For a 16" wheel, the recommended tire size is 195/55-16. With that size you can get the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D or Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW3, both in runflat construction.

The Dunlop is a highly regarded performance winter tire.

 

16's

17's

Alex