This message is more of an opinion than anything......That being said, I looked at all the relevant options out there - considering an All Season tire combined with the significance of unsprung rotational mass found in low weight rims.

What I came up with was the following: Kuhmo makes a great tire in the ECSTA all season. SSR Comps. look fantastic on the Mini and are the only Semi-forged aluminum rim out there. The marriage of the Kuhmo's and the SSR's on the Mini are very nice - even up to the 215-45-17 variety. Absolutely no rubbing issues and no spacers.

The weight reduction over the stock R85 rims is almost half. I effectively cut out 48 lbs. of rotational mass that the engine doesn't have to bolster any longer..........

Just thought all my NAM friends would like an honest opinion about a great tire/wheel package for New England weather or anywhere there are more than three seasons..........

 

Thank you for you detail information about the rims and tires set up.

 

Thanks for the suggestions.....I'll be looking into new tires/wheels next year. Definitely want to combine good looks and funtionality (light weight) in my final descision!