I have just purchased a 2006 Mazda 3, 5door. I live in an area that snows every winter and I am looking for some 16" wheels, so I can put on some studded snow tires. My question is: Will 16" wheels fit? Has anyone tried this? There are 16" wheel and tire combos at tirerack.com, but it's mail order for me and I don't want to be stuck with wheels that won't clear my brakes and/or wheel wells.

Thanks

 

16" should clear just fine (maybe 1/2" clearance to the calipers...) 15" wheels will only fit on the i model which has smaller brakes.

FWIW...I run 205/50R17 Dunlop Wintersport M3's and they work great even in the 17" wheel