Dec. 12, 2007 - Winter Prep
No, your eyes don't deceive you. Those are 15 inch "holeies" (I think I spelled that right) on my MINI. Some might think it's a sin to put 175/65R15 tires on Cooper S, but I would like to take the stance that it is a smart idea for the winter for the following reasons:
1) Stock 15" rims for the R50/R53 can be found everywhere, for almost nothing. I got my set on Ebay (with almost new all season tires) for $275.
2) 15" snow tires are also very cheap. I think my Pirelli's were like $55 a piece from Tire Rack.
3) Unlike Summer Tires, you want the skinniest tire you can get for the winter...and 175mm is about as skinny as they come
However, there are a couple downsides to my wheel choice. There are very few options for a winter tire. Actually, maybe the word "option" isn't even appropriate, since there is currently only one winter tire choice on Tire Rack. Also, if you want to upgrade the brakes on your R53, you will be lucky to fit 16" wheels on your car, let alone 15's.
One a side note, I also switched my Alta sway bar to it's softest setting. Not because I fear the snow, but because the more common slushy wet roads of the Michigan Winter tend to make things "interesting" at times.
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