Hi There,

I have a new 2010 Mini S Hdtp w/16" wheels and runflat tires. I live in upstate NY, and would like to get a set of wheels and put true snow tires on to swap onto the car for the winter. I have a couple of questions:

Do I need 16" wheels, or can I get 15"?

Any suggestions on where to get a used set of wheels? I really do not want to spend a huge amount of money for wheels that I will be driving in snow, icy mud, and salt.

Is there anything unusual or MINI specific that I should about snow tires or swapping out wheels for the winter that I should know about?

Thanks!!
Fred

 

Not really other than.. get some el cheapo steel wheels and have a good time. I regret not doing that now.

Just had a tire shop bust the TPM sensor in one of my wheels. I'll be going elsewhere, and getting some cheapo crappy wheels for my snows this winter.

I drive on 16s in the winter, but I see no reason why you couldn't drive on 15s.

 

There are many reports here that 15's will not clear the front brakes on a 2nd gen S.

 

The "S" brakes won't clear the 15 inch wheels from a 2004 model on mine.

 

like others said, you can just get some steel wheels w snows... many places have winter packages... i think tirerack does it, and they are a sponsor on here.

Id just leave the TPMS out of them.... youll have a small orange idiot light on all winter but those are expensive and definately not worth swapping from rim to rim if there are already tires mounted.... or just buy the new ones.

also stated: 16s are the smallest. you also want to stay narrow with your tire.... stock size is still ok... need to stay within the load rating of the car, and if you go too small the tire might not be correct in those regards.


What i did was purchase aftermarket 17s for mine, and got some winter tires for some stock 16" rims... that way im always on alloys (i still like to look decent in snow lol), and I can really enjoy my aftermarket rims all summer