Winter Wheels - 16s on a 3s

[waltmcgee]

I could probably get you a line on some 16" steel wheels (not great but steel wheels cheap.) Would you be interested? PM me.

Too bad you guys arent in Canada....check out the prices here if you're looking for cheap winter tire/wheel packages....and remember this is in CDN$

Winter Tire Package

I'd never buy tires from this place, but i'm just shocked at the prices that i'm seeing thrown around the board for just steelies in comparison to full package prices here...almost be worthwile to start shipping them south...hahaha.... (cheers)

 

[goldwing2000]

 

[BrianG]

Where did you find those deals?

 

[dnale]

I think that's from a Canadian Tire website.

 

[BrianG]

Poo. They don't ship to USA (I called them). I bet some people on here could make a few $$$ if they were to assemble packages and ship them to us unfortunate US 3 drivers.

 

[macpac5]

Will 15 inch Protege 5 wheels fit on my 3?

I have 15" Protege 5 wheels I was hoping would fit on a MAzda 3, any thoughts?

 

[DetroitSP23]

I have 15" Protege 5 wheels I was hoping would fit on a MAzda 3, any thoughts?

Depends if you have an s or an i.

 

[goldwing2000]

I think that's from a Canadian Tire website.

Yes, it is.

 

[waltmcgee]

Yes, it is.

sorry guys, yeah, its canadian aka. crappy tire....i mean they do have some pretty good deals, but i'm going to a "real" tire shop to get my winters....but for the "budget" tire shopper canadian tire has some great deals....

im just amazed that there is such a price difference between US & CDN tire prices

 

[Mike835]

Winter Rims and Tires

Interesting comment about the Costco rims. You may be right, you may be wrong, I don't know. One thing I know is that I already went through a full winter season with them using Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2 winter tires. Last winter, here in Eastern Canada, we faced extreme temperature and weather conditions. No problems at all. Faced all conditions without any problems. And, they seem to spin OK, no steering shaking at high speed (tested at 170km/hr). Smooth riding and handling. So, not sure how they could be bad. I assume I have a good set.

Just bought 16 X 6.5, 5@4.5 Costco rims in Halifax yesterday at $54 ea +tx CND$. (# X42655) The dealer winter package for a '05 M3 Spt-GT includes rims and 205 60 16 Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter tires for $800+tx. I have located a deal on Goodrich Winter Slalom towards which I'm leaning. I agree that the Michelin X-Ice is a better tire but .....

I would be interested in comments on the dealer recommended tire size. Should I go to the 205 55 16?

Thanks, Mike

 

[MightyMouse]

I would be interested in comments on the dealer recommended tire size. Should I go to the 205 55 16?

Thanks, Mike

I tried the 205/60/16's, had problems rubbing on both rear tires using Blizzak WS-50's. Even at stock ride height. I am going to the proper 205/55/16 for this year, especially because the car is now lowered with H&R's. Blizzaks this year again of course...best winter tire out there IMHO, and I have tried almost everything, on the street and ice racing (without studs).

 

[Mike835]

Experience Counts!

Thanks for your reply Chris.

This is the first winter to put the car through and chasing down rims and tires has been a chore. (dollar for value...) After reading this thread and your reply together with the recommendation of the Owner Manual, I'm confused as to why the dealer would suggest the 60's. And your comment on the Blizzaks helps too.
Thanks

Mike

 

[goldwing2000]

I'm confused as to why the dealer would suggest the 60's.

Because they don't know the difference between a tire and a wheel of cheese.

Dealerships are not the great repository of automotive knowledge that some people seem to think they are.

 

[waltmcgee]

Because they don't know the difference between a tire and a wheel of cheese.

Dealerships are not the great repository of automotive knowledge that some people seem to think they are.

I couldnt agree with you more...I went into my service dept. and told the guy straight up "i went to a tire shop, and they offered me Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2's for this winter for $1200 tax inc., what can you guys do for me?" and the response?

"well we dont carry those tires, why dont you take a look at some of our winter tire packages, they start at $549 with these real nice goodyears"

Not wanting to be rude to my service manager i politely asked for a list of the tires they offered and then told him i'd get back to him....i swear they dont really care about the actual needs of the customers at times, just selling the tires they can make the biggest margin on....

i cant wait to see all the fools driving around this winter with their stock goodyears sliding around like a pregnant duck.... (deadhorse

 

[lelola]

I recently spoke to my dealership and their winter tire package includes 16" steelies and Cooper S/T2 tires for $950+GST.
Does anyone know anything about these tires? Are they any good?

 

[waltmcgee]

I recently spoke to my dealership and their winter tire package includes 16" steelies and Cooper S/T2 tires for $950+GST.
Does anyone know anything about these tires? Are they any good?

never heard of coopers before....for that price i'd consider taking a look at the Michelin X-Ice or for a bit more maybe the Alpin's....my roommate is putting X-Ice's on his (hah) 2003 VW Golf, and its going to be about 940 tax inc. installed

 

[Mike835]

Dealing with a tire shop can be a good thing....

I recently spoke to my dealership and their winter tire package includes 16" steelies and Cooper S/T2 tires for $950+GST.
Does anyone know anything about these tires? Are they any good?

A Coast Tire shop in the Halifax area offered the package price of rims, Cooper W-Master ST-2, balancing etc. for $842 including tax. The tires were $96.16/ea. ( Rims were about $70.)

They looked like good tires but only the experienced can offer a credible answer on that front.

Just had those Costco rims mounted with 205/55/16 Goodrich Winter Slaloms which look more rugged than the Cooper at a tire shop. I am learning to agree with the comments about the dealers more and more. The Blizzaks were a little more pricey than I wanted to go considering the driving that will be required is by choice and not necessity.

The 205/50/17 have an OD of about 25.1", the recommended 205/60/16's an OD of about 25.7" and the 205/55/16's and OD of 24.9". The spedometer won't be off as much as with the 60's ! Thanks for your comments - they helped.

No pregnant ducks in my driveway ... I hope.

Bring on the snow and the ski season !! We have Wilma + Alpha on the doorstep tonight.

 

[waltmcgee]

The 205/50/17 have an OD of about 25.1", the recommended 205/60/16's an OD of about 25.7" and the 205/55/16's and OD of 24.9". The spedometer won't be off as much as with the 60's ! Thanks for your comments - they helped.

My understanding is you want to keep your OD as close to the OEM tire, otherwise you can REALLY screw the computer systems in your car....

thats what the guy in my tire shop told me! (boom07)

 

[Mike835]

never heard of coopers before....for that price i'd consider taking a look at the Michelin X-Ice or for a bit more maybe the Alpin's....my roommate is putting X-Ice's on his (hah) 2003 VW Golf, and its going to be about 940 tax inc. installed

The X- Ice would be my first choice - I'm just too cheap to put out the $$$ But I agree for that price go to the X-ice. Had some Alpin's on a Cirrus a few years back and they were phenominal - just not as expensive.

The Costco price in Halifax on the 205/55/16 X-ice is $177 ec.+ tax. Mounting included

 

[goldwing2000]

My understanding is you want to keep your OD as close to the OEM tire, otherwise you can REALLY screw the computer systems in your car....

thats what the guy in my tire shop told me! (boom07)

Exactly right. And if you have to deviate, it's better to go shorter than taller. Taller tires mean your speedo reads too slow and you're more likely to get a ticket. (notcool)