Next weekend I will be picking up a new to me 2006 JCW. It currently has 17" web-spoke wheels (R98) with Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R tires.

I live in Boston and my first priority will be getting winter wheels and tires for the car.

I went to Tirerack and I see there was a mid year change that effected wheels in 2006. From searching here I understand that they put larger diameter studs on the hubs. The US customs date on the Carfax for my car is May 9th 2006. I assume this means I have the earlier thinner studs? How does this effect wheel choice?

Since it seems there are not that many 15" wheels that fit over the JCW calipers 16" seem the logical choice.

Tirerack list
175/60-16 Recommended
205/50-16 Alternate

I have a set of barely used Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D's that are 205/55-16 from my old car. Other than the speedo being off by a few mph is there any reason not to use these? Are there any mini wheels that these would fit on that fit the JCW?

The 175 tire would be better in the snow. If I was to buy new tires of this size are there any mini wheels that they would fit on that fit the JCW?

I do not plan to go with run flats. Will search the forum to see how people deal with the no spare issue.

Can't wait to get my car
Rupert

 

The 205/55/16's shuld work fine they are just going to be a little taller than stock. Not by verry much either, like 10mm max so rubbing isues wont be a problem.

For wheels check what bolts you have first, they came in both 12 and 14mm sizes in 06. The lug pattern stayed 4X100, but with most aftermarket wheels you will need hub centering rings.

 

The size of the wheel studs on your car can be determined by the build date printed on the drivers door jam.
Through June 2006: 12mm, July 2006 or later: 14mm.

If your car has the JCW suspension it may rub in the rear slightly with 205/55/16 winter tires.
There will be a white sticker on the door jam if it has the OEM JCW suspension.
Also the springs would be red not black.

As to what OEM wheels will fit your car go here: http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f...heel_tire_tech
for everything you need to know about OEM wheels and tires.

To deal with the no spare tire issue go here: http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/detail.jsp?ID=38
for the Conti mobility kit sold by the Tire Rack.

Hope this helps...

 

Thanks kazlot. That was a big help.

Since this car was in the US in May 2006 I think I can safely assume I have 12mm studs.

Here is what the car came with:
- Combo #4 Convenience
- Combo #3 Cold Weather
- Combo #1 Premium
- Combo #2 Sport
- Combo #6 John Cooper Tuning Kit (Engine, Brakes, LSD)
- 17” Alloy Wheels Web spoke

So I assume this means I don't have the JCW Suspension so could get away with the 205/55-16 winter tires? They have a diameter 0.8" (20mm) greater than a 205/50-16 tire.

I assume that if I go with these tires I should go with one of the 6.5" wide rims rather than the R87 5.5" wide rims.

Rupert

 

 

I ended up buying a set of used R94's and throwing my 205/55-16 snows on them and all seems fine.

Loving the 2006 MCS JCW so far and looking forward to the spring.

My last car was a 2002 WRX Wagon and in terms of refinement this is quite a jump.
Rupert