Hello everyone! I have a 2005 Mini Cooper S and want to change to regular tires, trouble is the 195/55/16's are hard to find in my area! Are there any other sizes i could use without having to change out the stock rims that came with the car? any help would be great

 

Hello and welcome to the board. I think a 205/55/16 would be fine, but I'm no tire expert. However you might want to look at www.tirerack.com

Not sure about prices in your area but even after paying shipping, i saved like $300 by ordering from tirerack over buying retail in town. Alex is the man, he can hook you up.

alex @ tirerack . com

 

+1 on Alex and Tire Rack.

205/50/16 is another popular size replacement for the OE size. It will be slightly smaller in diameter than OE, while the 205/55/16 will be slightly larger in diameter. The former should provide for a sharper turn-in (less sidewall to flex), while the latter should provide a somewhat softer ride, and might also make your speedometer more accurate.

 

Both sizes are appropriate.
I have the 205/50/r16...added a bit of tourque to the lowend, but did add a tiny bit of rpm/noise is cruise....i'll be trying the other size if i can't find a deal on the oem size...mostly to fillin the arches better and slightly reduce cruise rpms.
but in all honestly, the differance total is about 3-5 mph at highway speeds....less when slowe (various calculors are on the net), or check it with a gps once installed....a quick note, some retailers/club stores are not alternate size freindly......

 

I have had 205/55/16 rub on occasion, so I'd suggest 205/50/16.