Canadian Snow Tire Solution for MCS - MINI Cooper Forum

A2Z · #1 (**permalink**) Nov 5th, 2003, 08:32 PM

After reading and considering almost every snow tire post for the MCS in this forum and reading the tire reviews and tests on tirerack.com, I opted for 15" steel rims from Canadian Tire and 195-60-15 Blizzack WS-50.

The tires cost $540. plus balance plus GST. The 4 rims cost $231.96 plus GST. The total including GST was $888.24.

The part number for the rims is 09-6026. Last year's rims are different (thicker metal) than this years. I had to purchase this year's because I could only find rims from last year's stock.

I had my local tire dealer first check the rim for quality and fit. He said they could be thicker but would be OK. The fit is very good.

We had a huge snowstorm last week and the sidestreets are still snow-covered. I have studded Pirellis and Toyo Observes on other vehicles but I like the Blizzacks best. I know they aren't long lasting but I am willing to pay a little more for the best traction going.

I hope this helps.

A2Z · #2 (**permalink**) Nov 5th, 2003, 10:17 PM

I just had a chance to try the rims and Blizzacks at speed (100 km/hr) and there is a little bit of a vibration coming from the front tires. I don't think it's balancing. It might be the rim quality or perhaps the new tires need some miles to "settle in". Not sure but I'll see. If the problem persists, I am not overly concerned since the car sees limited winter use and usually not at highways speeds. Has anyone else experienced vibration from their steelies?

xtremepsionic · #3 (**permalink**) Nov 5th, 2003, 10:20 PM

Are you in Calgary? I just saw a EB (I think.. or silver) MSC in Richmond hill with black steel rims and snow tires.

It certainly is bad here in Calgary, so much snow and ice on side streets.

Don't have a Mini yet, still thinking if I wanna buy one or not

A2Z · #4 (**permalink**) Nov 5th, 2003, 10:30 PM

Yup, it's me. Small world. The car is really really good on ice and snow but there is a limit to snow depth due to the low ground clearance. Previously, with the 17" perfomance tires, it was a no-go. With the Blizzacks, it's like a big snowmobile!

rb905678 · #5 (**permalink**) Nov 5th, 2003, 11:30 PM

Good Day from Calgary as well,

Thought about snow tires, but as you said the clearance, and I have lowered mine, would be the big problem - so parked it is,waiting for a chinnok...

Cheers,

HarryHBMCC · #6 (**permalink**) Nov 6th, 2003, 03:01 PM

Vibration could be balance so have that checked. Also check the tire pressure as low pressure makes them soggy. If balance and pressure check out then it is probably just sloppy, Q-rated snow tires with big knobbies giving the vibrations.

Harry

A2Z · #7 (**permalink**) Nov 6th, 2003, 04:09 PM

Thanks Harry. I have tried to attach a close-up image of the fit of the rim around the centre hub. You can see how it is not exactly a perfect fit. Could that be what is contributing to the vibration or is this how most steel rims fit? Thanks again

HarryHBMCC · #8 (**permalink**) Nov 6th, 2003, 05:13 PM

I'm not sure of the tolerance but offhand I'd say that wheel hub is a bit too big. Hopefully some others will also offer an opinion.

Harry

A2Z · #9 (**permalink**) Nov 6th, 2003, 05:30 PM

Harry, do you think if I can live with the vibration, I will be OK or is there a possibility damage will be caused somehow? Thanks.

stryder · #10 (**permalink**) Nov 6th, 2003, 07:34 PM

I think there's a possibility of damage, especially if you hit a pothole or something you could bend something since there's that space.

I had the same 195/60/15 blizzaks, but on borbet alloys with a plastic centering ring, and they never vibrated even over 100kmh, I usually was cruising around 70mph, but had them up to 80 on many occasions.

Call up the tire dealer and see what they say?

A2Z · #11 (**permalink**) Nov 6th, 2003, 08:07 PM

Thanks Stryder. When you say "I think there's a possibility of damage", I take it you mean to the rim (which I could live with) and/or to MINI centre hub or lug bolts? The latter, would be troublesome and motivate me to get those rims off sooner rather than later. I did just call the tire dealer and he said I had "nothing to worry about since the rims are centred on lugs". I guess I wonder if other "experts" would say the same thing or not.

We did "dry-fit" the rims before mounting the tires and it seemed OKAY then.

Thanks again.

rb905678 · #12 (**permalink**) Nov 6th, 2003, 10:41 PM

Good Day,

The hub insert needs to be perfect or you will stress bearings. Alberta Wheel can make custom inserts that will take care of the issue - and they will ensure it works - a good company to deal with.....

A2Z · #13 (**permalink**) Nov 6th, 2003, 10:47 PM

rb905678 - I appreciate the tip on Alberta Wheel - thanks.

Valdiri · #14 (**permalink**) Nov 7th, 2003, 03:18 AM

Steel rim owners, where did you buy your rims?

Anybody else buy at Canadian Tire - any issues?

Sears has rims made by Pal-something. They are a little more at $73 each.

Probably a lot of owners looking at buying steel rims right now - your input would be helpful.

HarryHBMCC · #15 (**permalink**) Nov 7th, 2003, 10:44 AM

There are ~$100 Borbet 15" alloys available so why save ~$25 and go with steelies?

Harry