Here is my question. Has anyone had any problems running smaller tires, other then the normal speedo/tach stuff?

 

I can't answer your specific question, but my MIni came with 15 inch wheels, I then put 17 inch MIni lites and then went to Rota 16s. What I can tell you if having the 17 inch wheels (due to increased weight and tire size) really decreased the performance of the car and reduced my Gas mileage appros 3 MPG. They looked great but the car felt like it was pulling extra weight. My car is an automatic and it was constantly down shifting to get up hills, which never happened with the 15 inch wells. My wife even noticed how the car was so slugist and mentioned it to me.

I then purchased some 16 inch wheels and the car has performed much better, but when I put the 15s back on for winter (all season trend vs performance tread on the 16) the car feels much more responsive.

 

All depends on what you want out of the car...looks? performance? What car? what brakes? Watch out for wheel offset vs. tire size. I'm running 225/50x15 on 7x15 wheels with +35 offset. Love 'em!

 

Was a little bit helpful thanks.

 

It's a R50 all stock with the cvt, kinda expect that to break even with the stock wheels, Mainly for looks, seeing as it is my girlfriends. The wheels fit perfect; rota grids 15x6.5 +35, not too sure of the offset, they do fit with no rub. I know they are around 1-1.5 in smaller in diameter with the 205/50r15 tires.

 

What are you downsizing from? From 16 inch or 17 inch to 15 inch the actual matching size is 205/55/15 to keep the diameter and circumference the same size.
I have used this size successfully on the stock 5.5 inch spooler wheels. The 15 inch wheels/tires have no problems just differences like more sidewall flex, a smoother ride, less selection of 15 inch wheels that fit due (although 1st gen are easier than second gens as brake calipers are smaller). I went from 15 to 17 and would have stayed with 15 inch if there were nice 15's for my second gen Mini's. You will like them.

 

I run 205/50/15s (about 1" shorter than stock). The speedo will read slightly higher, but the tach accuracy will remain unchange as it measure the engine rpm directly. Your gearing will be more favorable with a shorter diameter tire making acceleration slightly more lively.

It is no big deal. Go for it.

 

THANK YOU, for the response i was looking for. We went for it and they look great.