New Winter Boots Help!

[Smykee]

Hey all! Long time mazda tunerd... Just picked up an 08 ms3 TODAY, so plz forgive my unfamiliarities.

I'm looking to put winter tires on my oem 18s, and being a northern-er, not much is available 'round here! I have found some falken euro winters, but the tire size is 235 40. Any chance these will fit without issues like rub? Any info would be grrrrreat! thanks. mike.

[Default User]

order new tires on line (or ask a sponsor regarding shipping)

[rzapata]

Hey all! Long time mazda tunerd... Just picked up an 08 ms3 TODAY, so plz forgive my unfamiliarities.

I'm looking to put winter tires on my oem 18s, and being a northern-er, not much is available 'round here! I have found some falken euro winters, but the tire size is 235 40. Any chance these will fit without issues like rub? Any info would be grrrrreat! thanks. mike.
Well, AFAIK, the tire size for the OEM MS3 should be 225/40/18 or 215/45/18 (at least that's what I saw by the door jamb). 235/40 might be pushing it but I'm not sure... Most people (including me) go by Hankook iPike because they have good quality and awesome price.

As for Falkens, they're ok tires from what I read, but not so sure about that. For more info, check out the sponsors section and have a look at their winter tire threads. You'd find a lot more info there.

Also, welcome and congrats on the purchase!:welcome smiley

Post them pictures up and what color did you choose?? :)

[Harbour Rat]

You could look into getting 17" steelies for your winter set-up; I'm fairly sure Mazda makes them, not 100% but I think so. It may be easier and cheaper to find 17" winter tires and you won't have to go through the hassle and expense of having your tires dismounted/remounted twice a year.

Or do I misunderstand and you've got aftermarket wheels leaving the OEM 18s available for winter use? If so you might still do OK by selling the OEM 18s and going with 17" steelies for your winter setup.

[zzz3]

Hey all! Long time mazda tunerd... Just picked up an 08 ms3 TODAY, so plz forgive my unfamiliarities.

I'm looking to put winter tires on my oem 18s, and being a northern-er, not much is available 'round here! I have found some falken euro winters, but the tire size is 235 40. Any chance these will fit without issues like rub? Any info would be grrrrreat! thanks. mike.

look for a set of 17" steel rims and 215/50/17 winter tires. it will not only be cheaper but offer better traction in snow and slush (since it's a narrower tire).

if you want to use your oem wheels for winter then stick to 215/45/18. 235/40 is way too wide and thin for winter use (not to mention probably very expensive).

[Smykee]

Thanks for all the feedback. The reason i'm considering these tires is their price, they're here and ready, no shipping cost and i really don't want to buy steelies as i would like to scoop some bbs reps or something for the summer. I really like the look of the oem 18s and im willing to spend a couple extra bucks in order to keep em around! but still not keen on spending $230-$300+ per tire otherwise. so... all that said, i think im just gonna go for it and hope for the best!

oh, btw she's a MINT, 1 owner, off-lease 60000kms in black mica. :hawt