MS3 snowtire ???

[kingd0g]

For the lucky ones who have there MS3
Have you guys looked into puting snows on yet and what size rim are we going to be able to use? Has anyone tried to put 16's on yet?
you up in canada should be all over this by now!

thanks
kingd0g

[wongpres]

Mazdaspeed3 will need 17-inch minimum. 16-inch will clear the rear but not the front.

[kingd0g]

Here is another one! what do you think about 225/50 R17 snows? any clearence issues or do we have to go with 215/50R17?
thanks wongpres for reply.

[ottawaP5]

I would just stick with 215/50/17, that's what I have on the MS6, and our tire sizes are identical. You don't want to be going wider for winter.

[BKK Jack]

I would just stick with 215/50/17, that's what I have on the MS6, and our tire sizes are identical. You don't want to be going wider for winter.

Agreed. Generally for snow/slush/mud the taller and thinner, the better.

[Newf]

typically 215 is too wide, but you'll never get a thinner tire to fit that is close enough to the overall diameter that we need so 215 it is.

[kingd0g]

What tire did you buy? How wide are the wheels that you are using?
The cheapest tire in a 215/50r17 i can find is Michelin X-ice for $121each.
The cheapest tire in a 225/50r17 is Dunlop Graspic DS-2 for $109each.
I would prefer Blizzaks but can't afford $750 winter tires!!!
thanks for everyones input
kingd0g


I would just stick with 215/50/17, that's what I have on the MS6, and our tire sizes are identical. You don't want to be going wider for winter.

[MightyMouse]

Mazdaspeed3 will need 17-inch minimum. 16-inch will clear the rear but not the front.

Man this sucks, this is the ONLY reason I am not trading in my 05 3 for a MS3. I have a chalet up at a local ski hill, and I would never make it up there with 17" snows, 16's are bad enough. What is up with Mazda and installing ungodly oversized brakes that are really not needed? I guess I could always install the smaller brakes from a normal 3??!?!?!??!?!

[Raymo853]

Marketing is why they moved to 17" rims and brakes that large.

[wongpres]

In regards to larger front brakes, it's not 'marketing', Mazda's just being responsible. This is a greatly simplified description, but there's a horsepower to braking power ratio that Mazda sets for itself to adhere to.

[nondual]

The brakes certainly work. I was fiddling with my stereo for a moment when I looked up to see angry red brake lights in front of me approaching quickly. I stomped the brake and stopped an embarrassingly LONG way away from said brake lights. My old car would have barely made it.

[highwaypizza]

So the consensus is:

215/50r17 for winter tires.

[RPI-Speed3]

I am using the 225/45/18 dunlops that are on my stock RX-8 rims for winter on my MS3. I know they are wider but I didn't want to get another set of snows when i already have one. I'll be putting them on the MS3 thanksgiving weekend. I will let peps know how they work if you are interested.

[borderline]

Mazdaspeed3 will need 17-inch minimum. 16-inch will clear the rear but not the front.

No my friend!! the 16" fit!! (no big clearance at the front but it fit well!)
They are already installed on my MS3.
Size you need is: 205/60/16

I purchased a set of TOYO observe GO2
I live in quebec, Canada and we have a lot of snow during winter ;)

[borderline]

Man this sucks, this is the ONLY reason I am not trading in my 05 3 for a MS3. I have a chalet up at a local ski hill, and I would never make it up there with 17" snows, 16's are bad enough. What is up with Mazda and installing ungodly oversized brakes that are really not needed? I guess I could always install the smaller brakes from a normal 3??!?!?!??!?!

16" fit pretty well ;)

[ottawaP5]

Damn! That means they would fit on the MS6 too. Too late I already got 17".

[jbiird317]

16" fit pretty well ;)

are these 16" steelies or an alloy wheel?

[Hikaru9]

The brakes certainly work. I was fiddling with my stereo for a moment when I looked up to see angry red brake lights in front of me approaching quickly. I stomped the brake and stopped an embarrassingly LONG way away from said brake lights. My old car would have barely made it.

lol~ that's funny.
But then your old car was worth $100, right? (trade-in)
I would hope the MS3 will have better brakes than that. keke =p

Just two more months~~ >_<

[borderline]

are these 16" steelies or an alloy wheel?

steel. But with these 16", the handling is a lot reduced of course...

[wongpres]

Hey borderline, can you take some pics of the front wheels with 16-inch steelies?

Not that I don't believe you, but all the info I have says it shouldn't fit.

[borderline]

Hey borderline, can you take some pics of the front wheels with 16-inch steelies?

Not that I don't believe you, but all the info I have says it shouldn't fit.

no problems, I will send pics tomorrow ;)
My local dealer was surprised that it fit!

[Jeph]

subbing

[borderline]

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/mazdaracing/IMG_0734.jpg

Take a closer look, we see: 205/60R16
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/mazdaracing/IMG_0736.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/mazdaracing/IMG_0735.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/mazdaracing/IMG_0737.jpg

yes the 16" fit! (headbang)

[ottawaP5]

Awesome find borderline. 16" for the MS3 is a great idea, you save A LOT of money.

[kid_ding]

I've got 205/55 r16 Toyo Garit HX on mine. I know it's been posted in another thread somewhere but the stock Goodyear RS-A all seasons are absolutely horrible in snow. I'm no expert on winter tires but I do live in Winterpeg and I know what works and what doesn't.

[Red02LS1]

damn thats too close to the break for my comfort with the 16" wheel!! any flex or movent in the wheel during cornering, and/or ice/snow build up, and your caliper is rubbing!

[borderline]

damn thats too close to the break for my comfort with the 16" wheel!! any flex or movent in the wheel during cornering, and/or ice/snow build up, and your caliper is rubbing!

Yes it's close but the mechanics at the delaer told me there was no problem cause the wheel won't flex enough to touch the caliper. In fact it almost doesn't flex at all.
With my other car (protege5) Winter tire was on 14", it was almost the same "tight fit" and never got problems. I have about 3/16"-1/4" of clearance.
And rubbing with snow won't hurt the caliper.
The only thing is the handling: very reduced with theses 16". I can't drive like before with my factory 18" :(

[ottawaP5]

That wheel must be made differently since my 17" steel wheel has the same clearance to the caliper.

[Grey Ghost]

Just a reminder to all going the snow tire route. Mazda says to increase pressure 4.3 pounds over the normal inflation level they suggest for their OEMs (32 lbs.) when using snow tires. I'm going into my 3rd winter with my 205-55-16 Dunlop Sport M-3 snows and just love them.

Grey Ghost
04 Mazda 3-S

[wongpres]

borderline, thanks for the pics. My new recommendation with MS3 on 16's will be that it can fit but wheel dependant and test-fitment required.

[Albert]

Anyone have suggestions on where to get 17" steelies? Tirerack must be out or something and I'm not having any luck finding them. Need steelies with winter tires for the MS3 I got yesterday!

[Newf]

well I was at the dealer the other day and they claim to have found 16" steelies for the MS6 as well. They went through half a dozen types before finding one but they claim to have one.

Oh well, I got my 17's now :(

[ottawaP5]

well I was at the dealer the other day and they claim to have found 16" steelies for the MS6 as well. They went through half a dozen types before finding one but they claim to have one.

Oh well, I got my 17's now :(

When I found out a couple of days ago that they were available for the MS6 I was dissapointed since I already bought 17" snows, but then I thought that it's probably not a good idea to put 16" wheels on the MS6, the car is just too heavy and would handle horribly with them IMO.

[borderline]

When I found out a couple of days ago that they were available for the MS6 I was dissapointed since I already bought 17" snows, but then I thought that it's probably not a good idea to put 16" wheels on the MS6, the car is just too heavy and would handle horribly with them IMO.

And because you are AWD, I guess 17" is a better choice.

Albert: Did you called your local MAZDA dealer? I purchased my steel wheels there.
Steelies are cheaper at the dealer (at my big surprise)

[Rainman]

Great info guys. I was gonna put my 17" steelies with snows from the MS6 on the MS3 (cause its the wifes car and she was at me to get the snows on) and then get a new set of winters for the MS6 later on when I had time. But now that I know that 16" rims will fit on the MS3 (and the MS6....arrggghhh), I will go with the cheaper option of putting the 16" on the MS3 and keeping the 17" for the MS6. Wish I had known this last winter...LOL!

R

[Rainman]

That wheel must be made differently since my 17" steel wheel has the same clearance to the caliper.

Exactly. You got the Fumagalli steel rims from Mony right?

R

[ottawaP5]

Exactly. You got the Fumagalli steel rims from Mony right?

R

Honestly I don't know what company makes the wheels I have lol. I would assume they are the same as yours.

[hankking]

I Am Interested In Finding Out About Your Experience In Replacing The Stock Ms3 18 Wheels And Tires With 16 Inch Replacements. I Would Like To Do The Same. How Does The Car Drive? Is It Accelerating And Stopping Quicker With The 16 Inch Ones? How About Handling And Ride Quality? Also, What Did You Do With Your Stock 18 Inch Wheels And Tires?

I Would Like To Sell My Ms3 Stock 18 Inch Wheels And Tires Or Just Make A Trade And Not Have To Put Any More Money Into Trading For 16 Inch Set. I Have Only 200 Miles On My Car.

[BlueMonsta]

steel. But with these 16", the handling is a lot reduced of course...
I was bitching about the handling when I went from 17'' to 16'', I can't image how big of a difference u feel.
With the regular Mazda 3 GTs (2.3L), I went from 17'' RS-As, to 16'' Gislaved Nord*Frost5, and the handle was noticable shittier (in the dry).
However, at temperatures below 10 degrees C and in the wet, the Gislaved was gripper. Have to wait for snow to see how big the difference is.
Cornering difference between the 17'' and 16'' is huge. Steelbelted + low pros makes a big difference


Just a reminder to all going the snow tire route. Mazda says to increase pressure 4.3 pounds over the normal inflation level they suggest for their OEMs (32 lbs.) when using snow tires. I'm going into my 3rd winter with my 205-55-16 Dunlop Sport M-3 snows and just love them.

Grey Ghost
04 Mazda 3-S

what u said is just for MS3?

[borderline]

I Am Interested In Finding Out About Your Experience In Replacing The Stock Ms3 18 Wheels And Tires With 16 Inch Replacements. I Would Like To Do The Same. How Does The Car Drive? Is It Accelerating And Stopping Quicker With The 16 Inch Ones? How About Handling And Ride Quality? Also, What Did You Do With Your Stock 18 Inch Wheels And Tires?

I Would Like To Sell My Ms3 Stock 18 Inch Wheels And Tires Or Just Make A Trade And Not Have To Put Any More Money Into Trading For 16 Inch Set. I Have Only 200 Miles On My Car.

You would like to trade your 18" for 16"? why?
I do this only for winter, in summer my 18" gonna be back!

with 16" on my MS3, Handling And Ride Quality are reduced at about 30-40%
less grip when accelerating and it does not stop quicker cause it's a 205 width compared with our stock 215...
You will regret this dude!!

[MightyMouse]

With the regular Mazda 3 GTs (2.3L), I went from 17'' RS-As, to 16'' Gislaved Nord*Frost5, and the handle was noticable shittier (in the dry).

Cornering difference between the 17'' and 16'' is huge. Steelbelted + low pros makes a big difference

Um, all modern radial tires are steel belted.....

If you want a good winter tire that still handles pretty well, try the new Blizzak Revo1. I am using them on my regular 3 (in 205/55/16) and can't believe how well they handle the dry. And they are still the multicell compound so they still stick well in the slippery stuff. Just be carefull, the combination of good handling and multicell compound can lead to very fast tire wear if you forget you are on snows :) ......ask me, I know.

[coast2coastbill]

I am also looking to put winter tires and rims on my MS3 and was wondering if someone knew if a Sport Edition E3 16x7 5x114.3 53mm rim would fit. Going with a 16 inch vs 17 inch wheel would be about $500 less expensive. I have seen in previous posts that people are putting 16 inch steelies and was wondering if the specs for them are the same.

[borderline]

I am also looking to put winter tires and rims on my MS3 and was wondering if someone knew if a Sport Edition E3 16x7 5x114.3 53mm rim would fit. Going with a 16 inch vs 17 inch wheel would be about $500 less expensive. I have seen in previous posts that people are putting 16 inch steelies and was wondering if the specs for them are the same.

I guess it will!

[BlueMonsta]

Um, all modern radial tires are steel belted.....

If you want a good winter tire that still handles pretty well, try the new Blizzak Revo1. I am using them on my regular 3 (in 205/55/16) and can't believe how well they handle the dry. And they are still the multicell compound so they still stick well in the slippery stuff. Just be carefull, the combination of good handling and multicell compound can lead to very fast tire wear if you forget you are on snows :) ......ask me, I know.
haha too late i already brought the frost5s =(.
I looked at rev01, out of my student budget. =(

[Rainman]

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/mazdaracing/IMG_0734.jpg

Take a closer look, we see: 205/60R16
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/mazdaracing/IMG_0736.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/mazdaracing/IMG_0735.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/mazdaracing/IMG_0737.jpg

yes the 16" fit! (headbang)

Borderline can you see the name and model number stamped on the side of the 16" steelies so that we can use this info at local shops?

R

[borderline]

Borderline can you see the name and model number stamped on the side of the 16" steelies so that we can use this info at local shops?

R

what i see is: J16x6½ J DOTTOPY 40 609 06 E 2.8
hope it help, sorry for the delay!

[highwaypizza]

Tirerack has 16" steelies for the MS3 now. You have to call to get the information and order.

I just ordered them at $49 each.

[jheer]

Tirerack has 16" steelies for the MS3 now. You have to call to get the information and order.

I just ordered them at $49 each.

That's awesome. Can you report back on fitment, etc. when you receive them? Thanks.

[Albert]

I called Tirerack on Monday and they didn't have anything at all for the MS3 - this is good news!

[Rainman]

I also called Tire Rack last week and they said that the 16" were available, and would fit the MS3 without a problem. They have several 16", 17", and 18" packages listed for the MS3.

In the end I purchased 16" rims and Winterforce M + S tires locally. I was going to go with the 215/55R16, but they sold the last set prior to my arrival and I got the 205/60R16 instead. These are not the exact same OD and are off by 0.3. Not enough to make a big deal about although the 215/55R16 would have been exactly 25.6. I wasn't going to go with these initially, but after checking them out on Tire Rack (they are a Firestone tire and are S-rated with great snow and ice performance), I figured that they were a "no-name" bargain.

First impressions after driving home with them is that the steering response is, as expected, somewhat muted. However, it isn't terrible and certainly better than the Graspic DS-2's.

I hoped to take some pics of the clearance with the calipers (boy is it tight), but my son decided to temporarily "fix" our digital camera so I'll have to wait until it is fixed to provide those.

R

[SP33D3]

In Canada:
I went to Fountain Tire 2 weeks ago. They hadn't seen a MS3 yet so they wanted to try out sizes in a steel wheel. 17' worked, and 16 had plenty of room.
So i went with a set of 17's and put on a set of Michelin X-Ice 215 50R 17..
Wanted to keep the overall diameter of the set. They work great have had no problems. Goes like a little tank throught the snow. Happy with my choice.

Will post a pic soon of winter shoes..

[jheer]

In Canada:
I went to Fountain Tire 2 weeks ago. They hadn't seen a MS3 yet so they wanted to try out sizes in a steel wheel. 17' worked, and 16 had plenty of room.
So i went with a set of 17's and put on a set of Michelin X-Ice 215 50R 17..
Wanted to keep the overall diameter of the set. They work great have had no problems. Goes like a little tank throught the snow. Happy with my choice.

Will post a pic soon of winter shoes..

Cool. Looking forward to the photos. How much did the set cost?

[wbman]

are these 16" steelies or an alloy wheel?
what do you do about the TPMS sensors? did you buy new ones for the new wheels? if not does the warning light come on?

[borderline]

no TPMS sensors on the MS3 in canada, do you have this in the US version??

[jheer]

no TPMS sensors on the MS3 in canada, do you have this in the US version??

Yep. I have heard elsewhere that the TPMS light on the dash flashes for a second or two when you start the car, and then it just stays on like the headlight indicator. I will soon find out when I put my snow wheels/tires on.

[SP33D3]

Picked up the tires at Costco. Someone ordered them in but cancelled their appointment. Costco didn't have the rims so i went to Fountain Tire to have them installed. Total $1400.00 (Canadian). No problems with any such sensor. No lights coming on.

[RPI-Speed3]

As for TPMS, the light will just stay lit solid if there are no sensors in the wheels. I have an RX-8 and my summer/track rims have no TPMS. It's kind of annoying at first but then you just get used to having that light on.

[SP33D3]

Yeah i have no light coming on.. Here are those pics

P5 barely moves anymore...

[coast2coastbill]

When you were at Costco did they have the fumagalli (?) 17" whells? On their fitment guide it shows that they will fit a regular mazda 3 which I believe is the same offset?

How much were the steel wheels at fountain tire? From the pic it looks as though they are 17", am I corect?

I am also in Calgary and with this recent bit of winter I am unable to drive my Speed3!!! :-(

Thanks


Yeah i have no light coming on.. Here are those pics

P5 barely moves anymore...

[SP33D3]

They had no wheels left at costco. Had to phone around.
Yes they are 17". Had to pay $95/wheel. Only ones i could find that would fit. Went to fountain on Northland. Pretty helpful in there. Tried to sell me on a high performance tire but i won't be going that fast in snow anyway. If it happens to dry up i'll switch out my tires myself. Only takes 20 minutes.
Don't think i could go without driving it.....

[coast2coastbill]

Thanks

I was at the NW Costco and they had some steel 17s for about $69. They didn't have any 215/50/17 tires and would be a special order to get them. I purchased the wheels from Costco and a set of Garit KXs from the dealer. Hopefully these fumagalli wheels will fit. I also saw the same whells at Walmart for around the same price. When I checked the fitment book it also showed that these wheels would fit our 04 Jeep Liberty as well. A little odd considering the difference in offset. We'll see next week when I bring them in to get installed.


They had no wheels left at costco. Had to phone around.
Yes they are 17". Had to pay $95/wheel. Only ones i could find that would fit. Went to fountain on Northland. Pretty helpful in there. Tried to sell me on a high performance tire but i won't be going that fast in snow anyway. If it happens to dry up i'll switch out my tires myself. Only takes 20 minutes.
Don't think i could go without driving it.....

[SP33D3]

NW Costco was where i bought my tires. Lucked out i guess

[slammie]

In regard to the TPMS, why is the light not coming on for some folks? Without the sensors, it should be on all the time, right?

Anyway, Tirerack has the factory Mazda sensors in stock now for $122 a wheel....yikes!

[xeryusdvirus]

Michelin has stopped production on snow tires for the year. If your sitting on the fence, get your snows now while stock is available. I dont work for Michelin but I do shop at Costco and they tried to order X ice for my 3. They sell steel rims that would do the job for the Canadian winter for a reasonable price.

[dcomiskey]

16s are fine. I got mine from TireRack (http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-1587708-10399953) for under $600 for the set (I just got the black steelies.) Also, doesn't matter if you go bigger. Some dude said 17s would make it handle worse. That makes no sense. As long as you have snows on, you will be absolutely fine with traction in winter weather.

Oh, and I skipped the TPMS. Makes no sense to waste that much money on them for snow tires. I'll live with the stupid light on.

[WagonMan]

For those that are interested, just purchased a set of Dunlop Wintersport M3 in 225x45x18 to go on the OEM rims (got them from Tirerack).

Plan on getting some wider, lighter rims/tires for the summer and will use the OEMs for winter.

I may be the first to put this tire size on the OEM rims, so I will let you know how it works.

[jbiird317]

For those that are interested, just purchased a set of Dunlop Wintersport M3 in 225x45x18 to go on the OEM rims (got them from Tirerack).

Plan on getting some wider, lighter rims/tires for the summer and will use the OEMs for winter.

I may be the first to put this tire size on the OEM rims, so I will let you know how it works.

very interested in doing this same thing, please post feedback when you have it... also, how much did you pay for the set?

[WagonMan]

very interested in doing this same thing, please post feedback when you have it... also, how much did you pay for the set?

$182 a tire at the tirerack. They shipped today, I will post more info once they are on the car.

[assman]

borderline - what is the size of the rim ie offset and bolt pattern and all that stuff that a dealer would need for sizing?

And where in Qc are you, i work in St.Jean sur Richileau but live in Ottawa.

[borderline]

borderline - what is the size of the rim ie offset and bolt pattern and all that stuff that a dealer would need for sizing?

And where in Qc are you, i work in St.Jean sur Richileau but live in Ottawa.

The dealer should already know that!
rim size: 16"
offset: ??
bolt pattern: 5 x 114.3 mm

I live near QC city.

(sorry for the late response, didn't get a notification by email...)

[flyrevs]

I got a set of 17" Ford Fusion rims for $250 on Ebay than spent $390 for 215x50x17 Kuhmos they are awsome in the snow and handle great on dry pavement. I was gonna get steelies, but for the same $$$ I got some way better rims - that won't rust. You gotta stay with 17" minimum. - this is a sports car, remember. It will handle like crap with 16's.


http://www.natattacks.com/ms3/ms3_fusionwheels.jpg

[jheer]

I got a set of 17" Ford Fusion rims for $250 on Ebay than spent $390 for 215x50x17 Kuhmos they are awsome in the snow and handle great on dry pavement. I was gonna get steelies, but for the same $$$ I got some way better rims - that won't rust. You gotta stay with 17" minimum. - this is a sports car, remember. It will handle like crap with 16's.


What type of Kumhos are you running? I had Kumho Izens on my SE-R, and I was thoroughly unimpressed with their performance in snow or ice.

That being said, I got the 205-60-16 Blizzak REVOs for my MS3, and they are not as great as I had hoped either. You are right about the 16 inchers degrading performance significantly.

[flyrevs]

What type of Kumhos are you running? I had Kumho Izens on my SE-R, and I was thoroughly unimpressed with their performance in snow or ice.

That being said, I got the 205-60-16 Blizzak REVOs for my MS3, and they are not as great as I had hoped either. You are right about the 16 inchers degrading performance significantly.
Running the Kumho ECSTA ASX All Season

[Olestra]

That being said, I got the 205-60-16 Blizzak REVOs for my MS3, and they are not as great as I had hoped either. You are right about the 16 inchers degrading performance significantly.

Really? I thought the REVO's were supposed to be awesome?

Edit: I read a post about never going faster than the speed rating of the tire. This is true, you will never exceed that speed limit, probably not even when it's not snowing. The point is that a higher speed rated tire provides better handling and traction, so going with a lower speed rated tire is never good. That's why I'm surprised that tire shops are mounting Q rated X-Ices on our cars without saying anything.

[jheer]

Really? I thought the REVO's were supposed to be awesome?

I think that they are supposed to be awesome on ICE. I have only driven them in light snow and slush. From my limited experience (not much snow this winter), they are not much better than all seasons in snow.

[Olestra]

I think that they are supposed to be awesome on ICE. I have only driven them in light snow and slush. From my limited experience (not much snow this winter), they are not much better than all seasons in snow.

That still surprises me. TireRack rates them at #1 in their category (studless winter), with being strong in all types of conditions. As well, the worst snow should be still better than the best all-season (technically)

[jheer]

That still surprises me. TireRack rates them at #1 in their category (studless winter), with being strong in all types of conditions. As well, the worst snow should be still better than the best all-season (technically)

I was surprised (disappointed), too. I've driven relatively strong front-wheel drive cars in the snow for years so I know how to drive them. Maybe it's the extra gobs of horsepower, but I was spinning my tires at will in just a dusting of snow the other day. I was also skidding to a stop from moving very slowly - even with the anti-lock engaged.

These tires have not inspired confidence in slippery condtions.

[assman]

I got Kumho KW19's in 17'' and i love them, i would suggest them to anyone. I've had plenty of tires in the past but these are great.