I'm driving a Cooper with the 16" 5 stars currently...I am debating on going to a 17" wheel or just replacing the tires. If I replace the tires, can I go larger than 195/55/16? I think I had read in the tire weight section a description for 205/50/16...

I don't autocross, but want a stickier ride. Live in NJ, so snow and winter weather is an issue - but if I go to 17's, the 16's become winter wheels. If not, I just deal with the 16's all year.

Thanks in advance.

 

I can't answer your question but I do know a wider tire
is not going to do as well in the snow. If you want to go
wider I'd also think about winter wheel/tire combos....

 

Thanks 2minis...I know it's going to be more $$$ going to a summer / winter wheel setup - but I have found the stock Dunlop 3000 runflats on my Cooper to be worrisome in the winter weather, even though they are "all-season" tires. So I may be better off getting nice 3 season performance 17" and a good pair of winter 16"

 

I really like Blizzaks for winter. Tirerack.com has them
and be sure to let them know you are from MCOL!!

 

If you go to a winter set of wheels, and buy 17" for summer, do not buy three season tires for the 17s. Buy some ultra high performance tire such as Yoko AVS ES 100s or Bridgestone S-03s. As for winter tires narrower is better

 

I think your Idea of running a set of tires for both conditions is a wise one. As 2 mini's mentioned narrower is better for snows, and blizzak are the ultimate snow and ice grip. One note is that they are run in sets of 4 for the safest most predictable handling.

In 16, 205/50 is a great 3 season size choice . You the could run blizzak in 15's (just and Idea)

For 3 season tires in 17 inch, here are 2 ideas:

Bridgestone S-03Pole position. The ultimate dry and wet handling tire on the market, puts comfort and quiet back seat to ultimate grip. Bridgestone is so confident in this tire that they have a satisfaction guarantee on it (pm for more info)

If die comfort and manners are important, and the ultimate grip is not merited, Check out AVS ES100. Quite a high degree of performance, and rather well manored.

The size I have recommended is 215/45/17, as we wont be in snow, going for the widest contact patch.

Dan


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MCO tire and wheel forum Moderator

 

MX5 - we posted at the exact same time. Nice choices

Dan

 

Thanks guys...that's where my next question was going. When I said 3 season, I really meant sticky high performance ones - some of the ones I've been looking at are the two you guys mentioned and the Dunlop 9000 sports...

 

The 9000's are an interesting tire. Very smooth and comfortable. They are considered a maximum performance tire, because of their water handling characteristics. Dunlop calls its compound, and tread design Hydro-max technology. In my opinion this tire would not be maximum performance, if it was not for how well it did in water. When we had this tire on the track, I found intermediary tread blocks wearing very rapid. If your not auto crossing, and driving 8/10ths is enough for you this is a very good tire to concider.

Dan

 

Dan,

What did you mean by "driving 8/10th's?" I doubt I'd be autcrossing, mostly work commute and pleasure driving.

 

Dan, since we've hijacked this thread already, how do the new Kuhmo Ecsta MX 225/50 16 fair vs. the usual suspects (ES 100 and S-03's). Does the 225 rub? And what is their weight. Thanks, Chris who is waiting not-so-patiently for SSR Comp Rs

 

dandp,

I was thinking of doing the exact same thing! One thing I was wondering, and maybe this is a dumb question, but would the odo/speedo have to be recalibrated if you switched back and forth between 16" and 17" rims? Or does having the larger side wall with the 16's make the overall diameter the same?

Thanks,

Chuck

 

dandp- Driving 10/10ths is using 100% of the available performance the car- tires, suspension, horsepower, brakes etc, including the driver. 8/10ths is very spirited driving and not something I do on public roads save for Deal's Gap, at an autocross I try to reach 10/10ths, but often go from 8 to 13/ths too quickly which results in spins and other tire unfriendly acts. Please go to an autocross and drive your MINI to find its (and your) limits. You can't drive 10/10ths without knowing what 11/10ths feels like.

 

FWD-MX5 - you raise a valid point. I have always been curious as to the limits on cornering, speed and physics with my MC. But would never do so on a public road...may have to try my hand at a beginners event or whatever they have for newbies.

 

>>dandp,
>>
>>I was thinking of doing the exact same thing! One thing I was wondering, and maybe this is a dumb question, but would the odo/speedo have to be recalibrated if you switched back and forth between 16" and 17" rims? Or does having the larger side wall with the 16's make the overall diameter the same?
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Chuck

100% correct, the increased sidewall height compensates for the additional diameter needed to mantnain an accurate spedo.

Dan

 

>>FWD-MX5 - you raise a valid point. I have always been curious as to the limits on cornering, speed and physics with my MC. But would never do so on a public road...may have to try my hand at a beginners event or whatever they have for newbies.

Are you a member of your local BMW club chapter? Often times they run non scca club autocrosses. Often rather laid back and friendly, those are great places to get your feet wet.

Dan

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MCO tire and wheel forum Moderator

 

>>Dan, since we've hijacked this thread already, how do the new Kuhmo Ecsta MX 225/50 16 fair vs. the usual suspects (ES 100 and S-03's). Does the 225 rub? And what is their weight. Thanks, Chris who is waiting not-so-patiently for SSR Comp Rs

Tire Section Weight
MX 9.3 inches 28 lbs
S-03 9.3 inches 26 lbs
Es100 8.9 inches 23.7 lbs

The sections were all measured on a 7 inch wide wheel. 225 is wider than I can guarantee to fit. I feel tha due to above data ES100 might pose less rubbing. I know of 1 MCS that runs a 225/45/17 for autoX. He had to have his fender lips shaved. Not a fit I can guaratee.

I feel the Kumo is very close to S03 in dry for cornering. S03 wins in water all around. Es100 is the quietist and most comfortable of the bunch.

I have re inquired on the Comp R dates again for you. I will Pm you, and post as soon as I know

Dan

 

Dan - I'll have to look into the local BMW info I guess my other question would be regarding the tires - What is the estimated tread life between the Potenza S-03 and Yoko ES-100's? Which will wear better? Is the Bridgestone worth the extra $60 per tire?

 

Rotation schedules being equal, and driving habits equall, and road surface equall as well, I expect S-03 for 20-25k, and ES 100 25-30K. I love S 03 I feel its water traction makes it easily worth the monetary offset. It posses a technoligy call Unity AQII. In english it makes awesome day 1 water traction, and mantains if not increases water traction as the tire wears down. They battle the physics of loosing tread depth by revealing more of a silica based compout across the entire face of the tire. No one else is doing this as well as Bridgestone.

Dan

 

Dan - (and others) Thanks for your help - makes my decision making a little easier. I may stick with my stock 16's for the time being and get the Potenzas S-03 in 205/50/16 and buy small snows next winter. Still not entirely sure about 17" styles that hit me the right way.

 

Hey Alex, this is Alex

Speaking of the widest contact patch
I want to keep my stock rims 16x6.5 as my AutoX wheels. They are semi-light and very importantly, free. What is the widest, stickyest you offer. I live in Miami so snow is NOT a factor. If possible something that would last me 2 seasons (10 track meets a year). Worst case, one season.

What do you suggest?