TypeSAddict

My father recently went in to put down a deposit and sign his name on the waiting list for a 2003 Mini Cooper S. He wants to order the sport package, which comes with 205/45 tires. There are no snow tires in that size and he REFUSES to use A/S in the snow. I did find, however, a 205/50 snow tire, and multiple 215/45 snow tires. I figured that either of these would fit. To be sure I called the Dealer, Tire Warehouse, and Tire Rack, all of whom said that the tire would not work. I think their full of shit. I can't find how wide the rim is, but the 16" ones are 6.5", so I am thinking the 17" must be at least 7". The CL has 215's on a 7", and the TL has 215's on 6.5" wide rims. What do you guys think? Oh, BTW, the stock S comes with 195/55 16 tires, and they said that a 50 would not work as there is not enough wheel well space. I can understand that. But the 215's should work, right?