Will 16" M3 S Sport wheels fit on MS3?

[340CID]

I'll need to buy snow tires this winter and want to save a bomb by buying 16" tires rather then 17" or, even worse, 18" snow tires. Can anyone confirm if the 16" alloy wheels that come standard on the Mazda 3 4 door (S sport) model will fit an a MS3??

Tks.

[CWPspeed3]

Thats what I plan on doing as well, I've only heard they will fit, if anyone can confirm that my dealer was actually right it would be great.

[major error]

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91794

MS3 has the same brake package as the 2.3l 3

[340CID]

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91794

MS3 has the same brake package as the 2.3l 3

The rear disc brakes on the MS3 are the same size as the 2.3l 3 however, the front disc brakes are not.

Front disc brake size:
MS3 =12.6"
M3 2.3l = 11.8"


This is why it's important that someone who has actually put the 16" wheels on the MS3 could share their experience.

[john blutarski]

I just bought a 16" wheel and snow tire package from Tire Rack. I highly doubt they'd offer 16's for our cars if they didn't fit.

[CWPspeed3]

When I look at Tire Rack they only list 18" and 19" for the MS3. What do you search by to find 16" packages?

[robin2660]

When I look at Tire Rack they only list 18" and 19" for the MS3. What do you search by to find 16" packages?

You have to search for alternate sizing, or let the TireRack guys advise you on the phone.

I can tell you for a fact they have 16" alloys that fit, and they also carry steelies that fit. I got 16" "Sport EditionsF10".

You have to search under Winter wheel/tire packages. Here is the search result by choosing "16 in recommended". http://www.tirerack.com/snow/WinterWheels.jsp?skipTires=true

They also show 16 alternative sizing and 17" wheels. Your choice.

[CWPspeed3]

Thanks, that link says the secession was timed out but I started looking around and found some 16"s, they dont have the best looking selection in that size and some of them are the same price as some 18"s I'm looking at. I bet the rubber is a lot cheaper in that size though.

[bacarl]

I priced out a few options recently. I wanted to compare getting new 16" wheels+tires, new 17" wheels+tires, or getting just 18" tires to mount on my OEM wheels.

Here's what I found:

16" steel with Blizzak WS60 mounted: $588
16" steel with Blizzak Revo1 mounted: $496 (Revo1 was clearanced, can't guarantee they still have any)
17" alloy with Blizzak WS60 mounted: $940
18" Blizzak LM-22 tires alone: $768

I don't care what my gf says, I'll be rockin 16" steelies this winter! :) Just have to decide on what tire... I ran Revo1's on my Focus a couple winters ago and they were ok, but my friend's Civic with WS-somethings blew it out of the water. Especially if Revo1's are no longer in stock, I'll probably get WS60's.

edit: this was all from Tirerack

double edit: Oh yeah, I was at my dealer recently and one of their guys was telling me about a MS3 he'd seen come in with 16" wheels. Those too were ordered as a Tirerack package. If you have any doubts, call them up, the sales people are usually extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Tire shopping is always fun, enjoy!

[john blutarski]

I went with the 16" steelies with Revo1's 215/55/16's for a little over 500 to my door. Can't beat that price for the winter package!!

Steelies FTW

[CWPspeed3]

That is a good deal, can't even get a set of 18" tires for $500.

[Silver Ecstasy]

I don't mind rocking steelies at all. My concern is that the hub is going to be exposed like it was on my Grand Am, and the hub rusted really badly.

WS60's are an aggressive update from the WS-50's I have. The WS-50's are a bit on the extreme side, as SE Michigan doesn't get snow like that. But best believe, when it snows, you're more than confident. They're noisy on dry and wet pavement, and you will leave people in your wake with those things kickin up water and snow like crazy.

I'm hesitant, but I may consider a "performance winter" tire this time around. My fear is that when the snow really comes down, I won't have the same capabilities that I was used to with my WS-50's.

[bacarl]

... SE Michigan doesn't get snow like that. ...
Tell me about it. It's so dry most of the time anymore, snow tires will burn up prematurely. I've thought about just getting cheap 16" all-seasons for winter, but I think that would defeat the purpose. I love having that edge over the rest of traffic, and I like to know that my stopping power will be at a maximum.

I used my Revo1s in the U.P. where I went to school. They were definitely more of an ice tire and struggled in the deep stuff. My friend's Civic I think had WS-50's as a matter of fact, and the deep stuff is where those things kicked serious ass.

For $500 I may just get another set of Revo1s... They were the top rated tire by a wide margin a few years ago when they were new. Tirerack gave them an "ice traction index" or whatever of 100. But now, in a recent comparison the last place finisher (fourth of four tires) had the same rating of 100. The new WS-60 was first place with 115 I believe.

[Silver Ecstasy]

IMO, ice is more of an issue than snow is. Those neighborhoods are always covered in sheer ice.

I'd say it's either WS-60 full blown winter tires, or Dunlop Wintersport 3D's for performance winter tires for me.

[bacarl]

I went with the 16" steelies with Revo1's 215/55/16's for a little over 500 to my door. Can't beat that price for the winter package!!

Steelies FTW
Yeah, the 215/55R16's are available right now for 66 bucks a tire!! The "recommended" size of 205/60 is 69. 205/60R16 is closer to the same overall OD as a 215/45R18 for speedo and odo purposes.