Mini Cooper S Winter Tyres

[alastair1989]

I have a Cooper S with the 18 inch JCW alloys and Bridgestone Potenza tyres, which really don't appear to work on these frosty mornings.

I have shopped around and it would appear that nobody does winter tyres in 205/40 R18 format.

I have a spare set of 15 inch alloys from another MINI, however I'm not sure if they will fit over the brakes of the Cooper S. I know I can get winter tyres in this size.

Does anyone know of 18 inch winter tyres for the JCW alloys or whether the 15 inch wheels will fit the Cooper S?

Many Thanks,

Al

[Snowie]

From my research there is no one who produces a winter tyre in 18 inch with the width and profile that you need for a MINI.

I am running 17 inch R112s as winter wheels on the GP with Bridgestone Blizzacks - excellent combination of performance and looks.

[alastair1989]

Quote: Originally Posted by Snowie (original)

From my research there is no one who produces a winter tyre in 18 inch with the width and profile that you need for a MINI.

I am running 17 inch R112s as winter wheels on the GP with Bridgestone Blizzacks - excellent combination of performance and looks.

Where did you get your Bridgestone Blizzacks from? It would appear to be difficult to get winter tyres in the UK! I think I'm going to have to get a set of 16 or 17 inch wheels just for winter use - so annoying!

Thanks,

Alastair

[Snowie]

Quote: Originally Posted by alastair1989 (original)

Where did you get your Bridgestone Blizzacks from? It would appear to be difficult to get winter tyres in the UK! I think I'm going to have to get a set of 16 or 17 inch wheels just for winter use - so annoying!

Thanks,

Alastair

Italy for the GP in 2008 and also Italy for my Volvo in 2009

I researched this again last winter for the Volvo and Bridgestone do not officialy import them to the UK. I found that some tyre places could get them into the UK via Netherlands and had some on order but after 2 weeks that had not arrived so I cancelled them and ended up buying in Italy.

[palooka99]

I spoke to my BMW mini dealer this week and you can fit a 15" wheel to a R53 (2002) Cooper S providing you don't have the JCW brakes - which need more room. I have bought some mini 15" wheels on e-bay and am having winter tyres fitted this weekend (195/65/15 - original wheels have 205/45/17 so very similar). Will post an update once fitted to say if dealer was right! Going smaller I am told will not only give more grip (as thin tyres are best to cut through snow) but cost a lot less as aren't run flats (I am paying £200 for 4 fitted).

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by palooka99 (original)

I have bought some mini 15" wheels on e-bay and am having winter tyres fitted this weekend (195/65/15 - original wheels have 205/45/17 so very similar).

195/60-15, 185/65-15 or 175/65-15 would be more appropriate.

[Defender]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC (original)

195/60-15, 185/65-15 or 175/65-15 would be more appropriate.

I thought that 195/65-15 might be a touch too tall .

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by Defender (original)

I thought that 195/65-15 might be a touch too tall .

Yes

[palooka99]

Hi - sorry I put the wrong size in my post above - I have ordered 175/65/15 as recommended by the dealer.

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by palooka99 (original)

Hi - sorry I put the wrong size in my post above - I have ordered 175/65/15 as recommended by the dealer.

[Defender]

Quote: Originally Posted by palooka99 (original)

Hi - sorry I put the wrong size in my post above - I have ordered 175/65/15 as recommended by the dealer.

That's where the wise money is !