I've done some research on Minis driving in the winter. It seems that most people recommend snow tires + wheels, which I can greatly apprechiate after living in Syracuse for 5+ years. We have an '07 MCS and Tirerack does not have many packages available. The main hang up are the tire pressure monitoring devices... They have to be removed from the old wheels and installed on the snows, or you'll have to buy new ones..
Any idea how much these tire pressure monitors cost? I would definitely rather have a new set of (4) as removing/installing the ones on the factory wheels would be a royal PITA! Do a lot of people drive their mini's in the snow up here? We were planning on getting a winter rat-but we're having a hard time justifying the expense of having (3) cars... We'll normally take my 4x4 Tacoma if the weather is going to be really bad.. Thanks!
honestly I will just have my wife live with the warning lights when we put her snows on. However I thought this was an 08 issue where the sensers are built into the stem? Maybe not. Maybe Mark from Towne will chime in.
I have the parts department double checking for me right now, but I believe all four wind up being $260.00 The bad part is if you purchase a snow tire package already on wheels they must be broken down and then mounted and balanced again which is another $120.00 So although snow tire packages are often cheaper keep that in mind, it may be cheaper to get tires and wheel separate. As far as customers driving in the winter time, well I would say around 80% keep them on the road for the winter time, most of them saying the MINI will make it through anything and then the rest saying if its a heavy snow fall the MINI stays in the drive way for the day and use another vehicle.
Mark, it is a running switch over for the 07 hard tops, most customers that took delivery earlier than mid august are ok with the wheel speed system, since then they have been coming with the valve stem sensors.
Thanks guys. I was wondering what would happen if we decided not to install the sensors, obviously the light and alram woudl go off.. I think it it shows up when the car is first started or when it noticed a new change (loss of pressure etc.) The car has the 17" continental all-seasons, but I am guessing they would be pretty slippery in the snow slush. Does anyone have experience with these tires in the white stuff?
We ordered our car in March and picked it up in April (towards the end of it I think). So maybe our car has the speed sensors so maybe its not an issue? Can I verify this by checking the valve stems? Metal=valve stem sesnor, non-metal =speed senor? Tirerack asked about this and I wasn't sure.
Should we be concerned about the salt causing rust etc. on the car? I know it has the corrosion warranty, but I'm not sure if that will cover the car if it has been driven on salty roads.. they don't call 'cuse the salt city for nothing! Thanks!
As per your production date you should have the wheel speed sensor system, but please double check, they snuck a few in here and there. The metal valve stems do indicate the type of system. As far as rust and salt goes, the only thing that would effected would be the exhaust system, corrossion on the exhaust system is not covered under warranty. But as far as the body panels and unibody/frame they are completely covered in cosmoline and we have had very very few problems with rust. Any rust we have had is generally caused by a rock chip or other damage.
Thanks for your help. I'll check the stems and figure out the best route to go. I'm glad the majority of the car would be covered should rust show up. I seem to see cosmoline oosing out of some areas (hood and trunk mainly) but I guess this is pretty normal. You've been very helpful. We are considering making the trip to Buffalo for our service visits as we have not been too happy with the "other" mini dealer that is east of here. Thanks!
Mark, any word on what the system would do if you ran snows on different rims? I imagine a warning would come on about tire pressure then go away...correct?
Mark, yes all the systems will continue to work just fine, you will not have any ABS or DSC issues. The light will how ever remain on at all times, but their is no alarm. Not a huge deal, just the light and having to keep an eye out on the tire pressures.
We have installed several 15" snow tire packages on the new R56' Coopers however the new R56' "S" will not clear and a 16 is available All previous MINI's outside of vehicles equiped with the JCW brakes will fit the 15" as well. The 15" snow tire package available through us comes to $725.00 installed. Let me know if there is any assistance you may need in choosing the correct style and size.
The 2007 Cooper S hard tops, R56' all come equiped with run flat tires, the only winter tire package we off in this size is also a run flat, they are a 175-60 r16 produced by Dunlop, model type, SP winter sport m2 dsst. They are mounted on a 16" silver steel wheel. After tax the approx price will be $1350.00
