treywalker
11-06-2008, 11:08 PM
I live in Minneapolis, and while we don't get as much snow as where I grew up (Buffalo, NY), we get enough that I am going to be putting winter tires on my 2008 Cooper S (currently running 17" high performance run flats).
I called the dealer on a whim and they are willing to do it for $1750-$1850 depending on the tire I choose. That's what I expect from a dealer, they're not cheap, but then again there are no worries either. I also learned during this phone call that I cannot go with a 15", as it will not clear the brake caliper.
I checked a the local Discount Tire and the cost was the same for lesser quality. I told them I would rather go to the dealer.
I checked TireRack.com and found a 16" wheel/tire combination (same tire as dealer offered), with the pressure sensor, all installed and balanced, and shipped for $1150. FYI...they don't make 16" steel rims that fit the Mini...not sure why that is, as it would be nice to go the cheap route.
So why don't I just click on the button to buy from TireRack.com? Because I can rebuild a motor, but I can't get through my thick skull all the nuances of wheel fitment. So when Discount Tire tells me I need to purchase an installation kit so that my wheels sit correctly or they'll shake, I get worried about buying from TireRack.com because I'm not purchasing an install kit. I just expected to take the old off and put on the new.
The wheels I was going to purchase at TireRack.com are the Sport Edition CD. The tires are the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D ROF. I would get the TPMS sensors so that I don't have to see that annoying tire pressure notice all winter long.
Please help me make sense of it all. Thanks!
I called the dealer on a whim and they are willing to do it for $1750-$1850 depending on the tire I choose. That's what I expect from a dealer, they're not cheap, but then again there are no worries either. I also learned during this phone call that I cannot go with a 15", as it will not clear the brake caliper.
I checked a the local Discount Tire and the cost was the same for lesser quality. I told them I would rather go to the dealer.
I checked TireRack.com and found a 16" wheel/tire combination (same tire as dealer offered), with the pressure sensor, all installed and balanced, and shipped for $1150. FYI...they don't make 16" steel rims that fit the Mini...not sure why that is, as it would be nice to go the cheap route.
So why don't I just click on the button to buy from TireRack.com? Because I can rebuild a motor, but I can't get through my thick skull all the nuances of wheel fitment. So when Discount Tire tells me I need to purchase an installation kit so that my wheels sit correctly or they'll shake, I get worried about buying from TireRack.com because I'm not purchasing an install kit. I just expected to take the old off and put on the new.
The wheels I was going to purchase at TireRack.com are the Sport Edition CD. The tires are the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D ROF. I would get the TPMS sensors so that I don't have to see that annoying tire pressure notice all winter long.
Please help me make sense of it all. Thanks!