Brakes Wheels 1st Gen Tires 15" Wheels for R53

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by Apex, Sep 1, 2014.

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  1. Apex

    Apex New Member

    Jan 19, 2014
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    Hi everyone!
    I am looking at getting a set of 15s for my R53 as a set of winter wheels, and I was wondering if there would be any problem with using stock Justa 15" wheels? I see that they are a narrower wheel at 5.5 inches. I would certainly get an appropriate sized snow tire to accommodate the narrower wheel. I am seeing the 15 inch stock wheels showing up on craigslist and want to be sure before I spend the money.
    Thanks in advance MA!
     
  2. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    So long as you've not modded the brakes to something larger I don't think this is an issue at all.

    However, I am not 100% certain. A trial fitment is always in order.
     
  3. Apex

    Apex New Member

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    Thanks, Nathan! From my searching it looks like they should fit since I have not upgraded to any larger brakes.
     
  4. buttonbag

    buttonbag Active Member

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    Hmm good to know
     
  5. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    They fit just fine..... :D

    [​IMG]
     
  6. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    It's snowing up there already?!:D
     
  7. Norm03s

    Norm03s New Member

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    Crashton, that is exactly what I run in Winter. 185x65x15
     
  8. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    WOW...a DIRTY R53 in the Winter that's GARAGED, to boot!! Shame on you....:devil:
     
  9. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    Good honest dirt. That's back when the MINI had to go out no matter what the weather. Now when it snows I just stay home & stay warm. :donut1:
     
  10. Apex

    Apex New Member

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    Nice pic Crashton! I'm hoping for a nice snowy winter again this year, and want to be prepared ahead of time with some new shoes for the R53.

    Those holies look sweet.
     
  11. CHKMINI

    CHKMINI Club Coordinator
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    Snowy winter......aargh!!!!
     
  12. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

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    #12 ZippyNH, Sep 2, 2014
    Last edited: Sep 2, 2014
    15' fit a r53 fine....I have 2 sets...
    A 6.5 widrh set of aftermarket rims (currently snows), and an OEM 5.5 wide set off a 2013 cooper I picked up cheap (cheap all season touring rubber)....
    Great option if the tires you want to run are available in a 15...heck the tires I put on the 2013 rims cost me about $40 each after rebate...generals, but heck figured I'd try them out since the cost was so low, and UHP 16' tires were just too expensive to use every 20-30,000 miles...
    I run 185's on the OEM...look fine...think a 195 would be OK with most tires and not look bad sidwwall wise..no excess buldge or poke...
    On the 6.5, they are the same widths as the OEM 16's, so 195's are fine, but 205's would be OK too if looking to run allseasons on crappy roads for a comfy commute...
    My suggestion....with a s, do not go below a 195....the 185's I run are OK...but car is screaming for more rubber....good for snow, but not so fun...but to be honest, the tire selection in 185 is decent and CHEAP....heck I can do 30 mpg highway with full tanks, ac blowing full with the 185's....
     
  13. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    I run 205/50/15 Nitto Neo Gens on holeys during the summer and 185/65/15 Blizzaks on 8-spokes in the winter...never have had a problem with either.
     
  14. Apex

    Apex New Member

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    What are you guys running for snow tires? I've had an F150 with all terrains for a daily driver previous to my R53, so I have been out of the loop on what good snow tires are. The prices on the 185/65/15s at TireRack are quite nice.
    The all seasons that came with my R53 are alright tires, but last winter was the last time I will ever have all seasons on a car ever again.
    Back to dedicated summer/winter wheel and tire sets.
     
  15. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    I'm using 185/65/15 Pirelli snow control winter 190 tires. I got them for a steal of a deal from Tire Rack a few years ago. To tell the truth that are not the best I've used, I rate them as OK.

    I wore out a set of 185/65/15 Hakka 2 snow tires. They were great, but hard to find. When I saw the deal at Tire Rack I jumped on the Pirelli's.

    My wife's car uses Blizzak WS70 snow tires. These are the best I've used & when I wear out my current snow shoes I'll be buying a set for my MINI.
     
  16. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

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    Perilli snowsport p210 snows....now discontinued...
    Similarly, they were more like a super aggressive all season (with a snowtire rubber) than a supper aggressive snow tire...pretty happy with them since they did do great on dry roads, and fine in rain...snow was very good, but blizzacks they were not!!
    Issue with many snows is they ONLY do snow well....and in warmer temps, or rain they can get almost as Scarry as all seasons in deeper snow....so I found a set of compromise snows as I considered the p210 snow sports...had great grip on icey spots, so much safer and gave loads of traction, so great for me....once had a SUV 4x4 jerk tailgateing me....lol...I zipped up on on ramp....they tried to keep up...let's just say they had all seasons....looked back...they were in the ditch...PRICELESS!!
    Have not really considered the next set...my snows are mostly spent... But may use the allseasons unless I find a "deal" since the tread is so deep since they are faily new....
     
  17. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    Snow tires are a compromise on dry roads. My experience in the wet is they are great. I agree the Pirelli's that I have shine on dry & wet roads & at best are Ok winter tires. They go & stop pretty well, but they lack any side bite.
     
  18. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    All this snow talk makes me wish for some rain!
     
  19. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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    I run Blizzaks on a spare set of rims on my R50. Awesome snow tyre. Only let me down one time in all of carp we had in NW Ohio last winter, and that was more my fault. Too much confidence in the tyres, and pushed too hard. Spare rims are 15 inch, and the same design as the ones that came on the car. Tyres and rims cost just under $600.
     

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