Hello!
Just picked up my Liquid Yellow '03 MINI on Friday and am enjoying every moment behind the wheel!

While considering to buy one, I've been reading this forum, but now that I've literally joined the Mini family, I feel I can now step forward and be a voice!!!

I have a question:

• I want to beef up my tires and know that the 205/45-17 will fit. Has anyone had any experience (good or bad) with the 215/45-17?

BTW -- THANK YOU to every MINI that passes and waves -- it makes my day every time!!!!!

 

They give you a bit more sidewall, so they take bumps a bit better. It really depends on the tire you choose as to what you notice about the difference. But there's no problem with rubbing, if that's what you're worried about....

215:45s give the best ride.
205:45s are a nice compramise...
215:40s give the best cornering (of the three listed) but will knock your teeth out if the tire pressure get low... Be careful if you have fragile rims....

Matt

 

I've been running the Yokohama ES100's in a 215/45/17 size for the past 3 years and 3 sets of tires. They have been great for me

One warning about the 215/40's is that they do not meet the recommended load rating for the MINI. I've never heard of anyone having a problem because of this, but it is the reason why I went with the 45 series tires.

 

and the 40s have better turn in (like you would expect) but you have to watch pressures like a hawk! And with so little side wall, I think you pinch the wall against the rim before the tire would blow!

I've got the 45s on now, and I think I'll go back to the 40s next time. They're a bit more "now!" if you know what I mean.....

Matt

 

THANK YOU for the great information, it's much more than I could of ever expected -- but then again, it's all part of the MC family values!

I'll be ordering my tires and wheels next week!
Much appreciation...

 

Last week I just got rid of the old 17" run flats and installed a set of Khumo MX 215-45-17. the tires ae great, but I wish I would have went w/ 40's The 45's look way to tall. However they do ride like a caddy and stick's like she's on rails.
They are also great in the heavy downpours in central Florida

 

This is correct, kind of...

the 215/40R17's will not meet the load index of the base mini cooper UNLESS the tire has reinforced construction. With re-inforced construction it will raise the load index of the tire by 4 approximately.

Example: 215/40R17 has load index of 83 normally. however with re-inforced construction this size can come in 87 load index, meeting the mini OE requirement.

 

Has there really been no mention of rubbing with 215/45R17s? this tire is about 3% taller than the OE sizing.