Hey!

Im thinking of getting a MS3 and I want to get rid of the stock 18"s. I am wondering whats the largest size, and whats the recommended size of a wheel and tire package. It looks like it can fit 19s, but will it fit 20s? If you can recommended specific wheel and tire sizes, that would help greatly (like backspacing, bolt pattern, width, etc..)

Also, how will changing this effect my warranty if I am leasing it? I dont want to get in trouble.


Thanks for all your help and I hope to join soon as a Mazda owner!

 

Anyone ever see or run these? Or opinions of these..

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...8&autoModClar=

I see that the car has TPMS, how do you overcome this? Do all installers (like firestone, etc..) know how to swap the sensors over onto your new wheels/tires?

 

I personally wouldn't go bigger. The 19's look good though and should fit w/o clearance problems using the 45mm off set.
235/35-19's would be closest to the OE diameter, but I'm not sure if the tire would be too wide to cause some rubbing when loaded. I do know that would be pushing it on an n/a 3 I know, though some have done it. And some have had to roll the fender lips in order for it to work too.

 

Great info! Well the car is leased, so I cant make any other trimming modifications. Anyone ever run 19s of any kind?

They also make those same rims in 18s, do you think those would fit definatly w/o any problems?

 

i would buy the 18s instead of the 19s just because of sheer weight..i was thinking about buyin new rims as well and the general concencous with wheel guys is go for 17s and if u really want to go bigger the biggest should be 18s.....have u thought about maybe going with a staggered fit? maybe 19s in the rear 18s in the front to save some weight?

 

I have thought of the staggered fitment. My big question would be whether or not they would fit w/o any rubbing or mods required. The car comes stock with 18s, so I wouldent go any smaller than that for sure. If I was to get the 18s that I posted above, would I be able to throw the stock tires from the stock rims onto the new ones? That would def. save some money.

Also, what about the tire pressure sensors? Would any installer know how to swap them over to the new rims so I am not getting any error messages or other problems?

 

as for the stock tires highly doubtful that they would fit...possibly if u look at the specs but i doubt it...18s would fit for sure without rubbing the body...19s will fit on the rear but im not so sure about the front thats a reason i said go for staggered coz u know for sure 18s will fit on the front without rubbing..as for the sensors im sure they can be switched

 

Thanks man! Anyone ever have experience buying from tirerack.com? I am wondering if there info is correct about fitment etc. Id hate to buy a wheel/tire package that they say will fit, and then rubs or something.

 

An 8"should fit.. w/the proper off-set 52.5mm being OE. The 45 should work almost as well, but it pushes the wheel out just a bit. (7.5mm= 0.295", or3/10's of an inch per side.) A 19" will fit, the problemcomes in tire width and height.You must watch the width of the tire and that the diameter/circumference is equal to or slightly less than OE. then you should be OK.
As deer3 stated though, you will be addingunsprung weight, which is not the best thing to do for handling and performance in general. Adding the shorter side wall you also reduce ride quality and the tire to help absorb shock to the wheel too. Shorter the sidewall, the greater the chance you might bend or crack a wheel.
I wouldn't do the frt/rr stagger on a FWD though. It looks stupid, like you don't know what you're doing, and offers no advantage... and it makes rotating your tires impossible.
All things to consider.

Oh, and yes, Tire Rack is one of the oldest and the best.

 

Why don't you buy 24's so you can put the 24 emblems on your car? add some 15's and wear your cap to the side......... man........ sweet... iieght?