I have a 2007 Cooper with Sport Package, 16" Bridge-Spoke wheels running 195/55-16 all-season tires. I still have a little tire life left but I'm looking at replacements before winter hits. From my research it appears that 205/50-16 is a +0 and should work (more tire options available). However, when I talked to a MINI associate I was told that I would have to change wheels if I went to that size. Answer sounds suspicious to me. Anyone have any experience in this area willing to provide feedback? How about 215/55-16?

 

I have the 16" S-winders and am running Dunlop Star Specs in 205/50-16. No problems at all. You should be okay with that size or the other common size I've read others use which is 205/55-16.

 

I run 205/50-16s on Bridgespokes on both our MINIs, with no problems.

 

i also planning on running the 205/50s on Bridgespokes for winter!

a 215/55 would be a lot of tire. you can do a 215/50 or i think even a 45, but the 45 might only look best on 1st gens as they seem to look better with less tire

 

Thanks for your input - that helps with the decision process.

 

I'm in your same predicament, but I don't need an all out Winter Tire...so I'm sticking with the 195/55/16 OEM tire size and going with the Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grid. Only because I couldn't find anything for around $100 per tire and a tread pattern I liked.

 

I am running 205 55 16 for the Winter months and have had no issues

 

I put in my order with Alex for Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grids today, they will be delivered on Thursday and installed on Monday. I'll update once they get put on.

to Alex he always is courteous and very helpful!!

 

So it's Saturday, a day after I placed my order, I had 3 calls from TireRack today. One I found out was at home, 2 were on my Cell while Hubby and I were out and about. Somehow my CC info. got transposed and my CC Co. was declining my card. A call to my CC Co., then to TireRack got things straightened out. TireRack went above and beyond in my book, you can bet I will be buying from them again!!