- #21 of 273
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Re: Does Mazda 3s 5-door takes 16" rims ? [rorr]
by scwmcan
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Apr 03, 2007 (7:38 am)
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Replying to: rorr (Apr 02, 2007 12:36 pm)
Just to let you know I just bought a new 3 5 door here in Canada, and it came with the 16" wheels stock, so unless the US version uses different size brakes they should fit fine.
Scott
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- #22 of 273
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Re: Does Mazda 3s 5-door takes 16" rims ? [rorr]
by eldaino
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Apr 03, 2007 (9:11 am)
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Replying to: rorr (Apr 02, 2007 12:36 pm)
i dunno about the newer ones, but someone at my church has an 05 2.3 sedan with stock 16's.
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- #23 of 273
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Re: Does Mazda 3s 5-door takes 16" rims ? [eldaino]
by stallionre
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Apr 09, 2007 (3:41 pm)
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Replying to: eldaino (Apr 03, 2007 9:11 am)
I thought the 3s comes with 17". I have the M3S GT 4 door with 17", stock. Maybe the 5 door comes with 16".
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- #24 of 273
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Re: Does Mazda 3s 5-door takes 16" rims ? [stallionre]
by JBaumgart
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Apr 09, 2007 (10:52 pm)
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Replying to: stallionre (Apr 09, 2007 3:41 pm)
I just checked Tire Rack's Upgrade Garage and they do not list any 16 inch wheels on dozens of choices. They do list a number of 16's for the 4 door (which is what I have) and therefore I would bet that for some reason the 16 inch size will not work on the 5 door. I have purchased at least 10 times from Tire Rack over the years, and I would be very surprised if they don't have this right.
I would go with the 17's and choose the best tire that's right for you. Even though a taller, narrower tire would be better when the conditions are really bad, one plus with the 17" is that it will handle a little better when the roads are clear or there is just a little snow. The other advantage is that they will look better.
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- #25 of 273
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Re: Does Mazda 3s 5-door takes 16" rims ? [JBaumgart]
by stallionre
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Apr 10, 2007 (5:07 am)
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Replying to: JBaumgart (Apr 09, 2007 10:52 pm)
Thanks JBaumgart for this info. I have driven many cars with size 16 and 17 tires. There is a slight difference between them, However, there is a big difference in different types of weather. I have noticed that for sure, especially in the snow, rain, ice and mud. I live in Southern CA, therefore, 17" tires are the best for the weather and not only that, they look better and the ride feels smoother/better on the hot pavement. 
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- #26 of 273
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Mazda Chat Night
by pf_flyer HOST
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Apr 10, 2007 (7:13 am)
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It's Tuesday, and for those of you new to the forums, that means it's time for our weekly Mazda chat. Stop in this evening to meet and greet some of your fellow forums members, talk about the cars, share some CarSpace photos and videos, and in general have a good time!
The Mazda Club Chat is on tonight. The chat room opens at 8:45PM ET Hope to see YOU there! Check out the schedule
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- #27 of 273
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Re: Does Mazda 3s 5-door takes 16" rims ? [stallionre]
by JBaumgart
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Apr 10, 2007 (9:34 am)
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Replying to: stallionre (Apr 10, 2007 5:07 am)
"Thanks JBaumgart for this info. I have driven many cars with size 16 and 17 tires. There is a slight difference between them, However, there is a big difference in different types of weather. I have noticed that for sure, especially in the snow, rain, ice and mud. I live in Southern CA, therefore, 17" tires are the best for the weather and not only that, they look better and the ride feels smoother/better on the hot pavement."
For winter wheels and tires I've usually downsized for the reasons you mention. I live in Minnesota so I have lots of experience driving in inclement weather. On one of my other vehicles it comes stock with 20" wheels, but when I ordered a wheel/tire winter package I went with 18 inchers. A smaller size winter tire makes the biggest difference in heavy snow, with its taller sidewall, but it also helps on compacted snow and ice as you get greater contact pressure - more weight on a narrower width. Like most everything else in life there's tradeoffs - maintaining the stock size will give better handling for the 90% of the time when the roads have been cleared or are otherwise dry, plus as we've mentioned they look better too.
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- #28 of 273
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Re: Does Mazda 3s 5-door takes 16" rims ? [JBaumgart]
by dride
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Apr 10, 2007 (12:40 pm)
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Replying to: JBaumgart (Apr 10, 2007 9:34 am)
I have a 2005 Mazda 3s Hatch. Last year I purchased 16" steel rims and 205-55-16 Dunlop M3's for the winter. My car was undriveable in the winter with the all season 17's on. Tire Rack was great to work with. I too live in MN, and I switched tires out when we had that 80 degree day two weeks ago, now with the rate it is snowing today I'll have to switch back tonight!
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- #29 of 273
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Re: Does Mazda 3s 5-door takes 16" rims ? [dride]
by JBaumgart
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Apr 10, 2007 (2:16 pm)
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Replying to: dride (Apr 10, 2007 12:40 pm)
They could have changed something between the 2005 and 2007 models, but this shows that it's at least worth second look. I'll get a set before next winter for sure, as my 16 year-old daughter is the primary driver of this car. I know that with just a bit of late snow in March on our moderately sloped driveway, I had trouble with the stock 17" tires, so I'll need to get a separate set of wheels & winter tires for a relatively inexperienced driver. The only problem will be where to store them, as we already have 8 stacked high in our garage for our two all wheel drive SUV's (FX45 and RX330). Since the Mazda is just front wheel drive, it makes even more sense here in Minnesota.
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- #30 of 273
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Re: Does Mazda 3s 5-door takes 16" rims ? [JBaumgart]
by dride
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Apr 12, 2007 (6:23 am)
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Replying to: JBaumgart (Apr 10, 2007 2:16 pm)
I think the main difference is all 2007 3's have TPMS. From reading at Tirerack, this system requires special TPMS adaptable rims.
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