I suggest that you find some stock 15" rims for winter. The stock 16" rims will not accept chains/cables, so you could get stuck if these become manditory. Also, you will find it easier to find winter tires for the 15" rims. I put on Hankook W409, studded.

 

I don't run chains or cables and there weren't any stock rims locally, so I went for a set of 16" Konig Feathers. These clear the front brakes and are very light. Despite the open design, they don't seem to pack up with snow.

 

For winter tires (deep snow), it is better to have tall, narrow tires rather than squat wide tires.

I was able to find a set of 15" mini rims for only $100. These were take-offs from somebody who wanted bigger tires.

You can hit some roads where I live where you may be required to put on chains/cables whether you really need them or not. I did'nt want to run the risk of not being able to get home after returning from a trip.

Only a few studded tires come in size 195R16, so the 15" rims give more choices. The chain problem comes from the width of the tire and the clearance to the strut. You can't get you finger in between. Since I switch back to the 16" rims in the Spring, the combination 15-16 was best for me.

 

15" steelies



Mark

 

I use 15" alloys....cheaper tires, cheaper rims, smoother ride for the winter....just test fit the 15's first and make sure that you get the matching hub centering rings. Honda steel rims are rumored to fit gen1 cars pretty good, and the hub size is the same too. Gen2 cars are a bit harder to fit 15's to, but it seems possible if it is not a JCW.
Driving a mini with snow tires are great....it actually makes driving in the snow fun!! Just decide if you need a ice tire or more of a power tire....lots of tradeoffs.....blizzacks are great on snow, but only ok on dry pavement. Be sure to get a tire that meets the conditions you expect to drive in. Studded tires are becoming pretty rare, especially with tires like blizzacks around... Realy just as capable on ice, and much better on pavement. I run Pererilli snowsport 210...a single compound snowtire....almost an allseason when it comes to dry handling, but pretty darn good in the snow....blizzacks might be better, but mine are better for the clear roads, and if it rains!!

 

Nobody seems to have noticed that you are asking about an open rim, or a more closed faced rim. I'm guessing you are concerned about snow/ice getting packed in there and throwing off the balance. I've only ever had issues with snow packing in the rim when I went out playing in the snow, and purposely sliding the car sideways. That tended to pack snow in there that need to be scraped out. I'd think you'd still want it to be open to make it easier to remove snow, since the inside part of the wheel (towards center of car) can still accumulate a buildup.

Chains and studs on tires are only applicable depending upon where someone lives and if the local laws allow it, and they really don't pertain to what Bob4 was asking about...

 

True....and true again!!! My alloys are open, no problms, and no excessive vibration or noise from snow or ice buildup. Since steel rims are by their nature pretty closed, and alloys pretty open, it comes down to taste and $$$. I find my car feels more "playfull" with light weight alloys in the winter. I did use steel rims for a short time.. They were just too heavy, made my steering heavy and felt slow. Alloys for me was the way to go!!

 

Couldn't agree more, ZippyNH. One of the best parts of this car is the steering feel. Big heavy wheels just make it feel so dead.

 

I have the same tires you have and it's my first winter with a MINI. They are a life saver!

 

I have the ws60's and so far they seem great

 

Snow tires + MINI + SNOW = SERIOUS FUN!!!!

 

Have any of you tried the Blizzaks on icy roads? I have them on my Mini, but I've been taking our other car when the roads are icy, since it has studded tires.

 

No, Bob4 did not ask about tires, but tires and rims are related. The choices in tires is simply better with the 15" rims. The 15"rims allow for a narrower and taller tire (sorry to keep mentioning tires, but I hope you see my point.)

Likewise, he didn't ask about chains, and I don't know if you use them in New Hampshire or not, but in the West there are times when they are manditory under extreme conditions. If you ever want chains then 15" rims are needed.

Open or closed rims --- Hell, any show would be knocked out soon enough.

I would say more about studs vs. other tires, but that was not the question, I admit.

 

The snows you choose are more important than the wheels you use. I run LM25 Blizzaks on stock Mini 17" crown spoke wheels, and am very happy.

 

I bought these 15" wheels from Tirerack two years ago. They were $65 each, which was not a lot more than steelies. The Tires are Blizzak Revos, which I don't think are available anymore.

 

I don't think that open wheels will necessarily pack snow in, and before the age of widespread alloys most wheels were rather solid steelies. Don't remember having any packed snow problems with them. So I guess it desn't really matter.

 

15" Mini wheels are readily available. I bought a set for winter tires and they work great. They look better than black steelies and are far better than steelies with hubcaps.

 

Just use your OEM stock rims as your winter set...order some nice rims for the Spring/Summer

 

Hi, everyone. I'm the new owner of a used '06 MCS. The snow is falling here in New England and I have to say that the 17" runflats on the car right now can't take even a dusting without me sliding all over the place. I'm parked until the storm is over!

I plan on getting a set of 15" rims. I also have a set of 195 65 R15 Hakkas from my old Jetta, but I don't see that tire size mentioned anywhere on the forums I've been searching. I take it they won't work? Am I better off purchasing new 195 60 R15s? (Is the slight difference between the 60 and 65 problematic for the brakes or anything like that?)

Thanks in advance -- can't wait to get set up on snows and back out on the road!

 

Hey there greanbeanie, I too recently picked up an '06 MSC and got hit with a hellofa snow storm up here in South Dakota! I have 17" low profile speed rated tires that won't or can't get out of their own way. Guess I should have negotiated winter tires and wheels in the transaction at a local dealer. I Really am lost as to the best tire and wheel size to get for my Mini. Any help is appreciated.

 

That sized tire will work for you. While not the optimum size it is close enough to use. The MINI goes well in the snow with the proper shoes. Congrats on the new MINI, enjoy!

 

Thanks, Crashton. Spent another couple hours poking around this forum last night and finally found two people who said they've used 195 65 R15s. It'll be nice to use up the tires I already have, and I can switch over to the 195 60s next year. Should be straightened out by the end of the week -- woo-hoo!

JacksminiS -- What I've found after spending a couple of days poking around on this and other mini forums is that 15" rims with either 195 60 R15s or 185 65 R15s are repeatedly recommended for people looking to switch to non-runflats for winter tires. There are wheel and tire packages on tirerack.com and a few other sites. I am a devoted Nokian fan, so will be sticking with my local shop when I get the rims and eventually new tires.

There also are some runflat winter tire options out there. Search this forum and you'll find LOTS of advice!

 

I'm running Nokian Hakka 2 in 185-65-15 that I got a very friendly price on. I really like them, but they are a lot more money than the Blizzak WS60. Next time I may get the Blizzak to save some money. I feel both are excellent snow tires.

 

195/65-15 is not the best size to use with a MINI with anything but stock suspension.

The tire diameter is 25" which is too tall for the MINI. But with stock suspension you may have just enough room not to scrape and rub.

Generally it is better to use 185/60-15 or 195/60-15 for more clearance under load or with lots of icy snow jammed in your wheel wells.

So next time don't keep looking for 195/65-15.

Stock MC tire is 175/65-15

 

I have a 2008 Cooper and my dealer recommended Contin ental Pro Contact tires for an all weather tire. Does anyone have some feedback on those ?