Can someone explain what offset means? I see people say +50 or +35 and I'm not exactly sure what that means.

Also, what should the offset be?

Thanks!
Kyle

 

Here's a page from tire rack that expains offset:

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/...jsp?techid=101

MINI factory wheels have high positive offset. Almost any aftermarket wheel you find will have less offset. High positive offset puts the wheel closer to the center of the car, while lower offset puts the wheel out towards the fender.

This calculator can show you how a wheel will fit compared to a stock wheel:

http://www.1010tires.com/WheelOffsetCalculator.asp

Here's the sizes of the factory wheels and tires for the Countryman:

17x7 offset 50, 205-55R17
18x7.5 offset 52, 225-45R18
19x7.5 offset 52 (JCW R129), 225-40R19

 

Thanks! Very helpful.

Kyle