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So tried out my new 18x8 rim, et40, with a 235/50/18 tire. Looks way better but still a MONSTEROUS gap from top of tire to well. I still have a bit of room but not much for taller tires but I think any taller/wider tire will hit but even going to a 245/50/18 is negligible and will be real close inside. I have seen other threads here of guys running AT tires at 28 Inches but I can't understand how they do it without any inside fender mods as they say they have not done. I just sent back my H&R lowering springs because a couple of friends told me it will kill the ride of the CMS. I think the look I'm going for is this 235 with the mild lower of the H&R but again don't want to kill the ride. So I guess I'm going to have to just get the 235's and live with it. Hope this answers some questions on size fitment as I know there have been many.
Et40 front Et40 front Et40 front Et40 front Stock tire and rim Stock tire and rim Front Rear Rear
Last edited by ny_yankee; Dec 11, 2019 at 11:41 AM.
It has to do with the physical tread width. I'm talking about the literal engineering behind a proper match up of the wheels diameter and width with the tire size/width.
Going to wide or too narrow with tires, on a wheel that calls for "x" size will start to take away from the performance. Too narrow and the tire is "stretched" and won't have consistent contact patch, plus being overworked in so many ways. It's the same when you go too wide, the side walls start to bulge which affects the contact area and can accelerate wear.
I run 8.5" wheels with 245 wide tires. I only went with 245s because my car can break loose still, and thats with the AWD system. The torque is fun I may be able to push to 255 wide tires, but after that I would need a wider wheel. I could technically run 235 wide tires, but it wouldn't be ideal for my width of wheel. The downside, is my car is also much lighter, so 245 might still be too wide for my setup. When it comes to street driving my tires may not ever warm up enough (other than on hot days) to see the full benefits of the 245 wide tire. On the track for sure, specifically because my wheels and tires are properly matched up. So, that's another factor; whether the tires can heat up enough to see the full benefit of the tires installed.
Another factor is wheel diameter with specific tire sizes, but that doesn't quite impact the tires contact patch as much as width will.
Could you run 245 if you wanted, and would it work fine? Probably. But you wouldn't necessarily see a performance gain, it would all be aesthetic. If you're okay with spending more money on rubber for that reason, then I'd say go for it! I'm just more talking from a performance point of view. I love aesthetics, but I personally lead with functionality first.
Originally Posted by ny_yankee
So why not 245? Why do you think 235 is the widest? Just want your opinion.
Last edited by AWD_Rally; Dec 12, 2019 at 12:06 PM.
OK got it. I have owned many many performance cars and I must say I love this Mini. Aesthetics for me now. I don't think a 245 will ruin my performance for a DD. The difference form a 235 to 245 is less than 3/8" and I have 1/2 inch each side. I'm going to see if I can get away with a 245.
I have no doubt you can fit a 245. It'll look cool for sure! Specially on the F60, being a bigger and wider.
Are you sure about that 245? Did you look up at my photos? I think it will also but with let's say 1/4" of space on full lock im hoping it will not rub.
What size are the stock tires? I would guess 245/45-18 would fit fine. But I'd have to know the diameter of the stock tires.
I can't really say as far as the F60 goes. I imagine it could possibly fit your car because I can fit a 245 tire on my R60, and I'm lowered.
Originally Posted by ny_yankee
Are you sure about that 245? Did you look up at my photos? I think it will also but with let's say 1/4" of space on full lock im hoping it will not rub.
ok so I have (1) 245 50 18 mounted now and will be checking out if they fit. Let me ask, how close is the acceptable clearance lock to lock, is 1/4 inch each side to close? And anyone have pics of fender felt mod? I would rather not cut. Also, will going from et 40 to 35 help?
Hey AWD, the differe3nce between your 245 45 and a 245 50 is almost an inch, 1/2" each side so Im hoping this will fit. I have a feeling they are going to be to close. The tire looks really big on the rim, but nice! Hope it fits.
Last edited by ny_yankee; Dec 16, 2019 at 11:12 AM.
et 35 from et40 will make it worse if you are talking about the shoulder of the tire contacting wheel well as the et35 pushes the wheel outward 5mm and makes the arc of the turning tire larger.
Also keep in mind rubbing will be worse under suspension compression, like turning into a driveway or the like. I do think there is some play there though, so a slight rub is not really the end of the world in most cases
et 35 from et40 will make it worse if you are talking about the shoulder of the tire contacting wheel well as the et35 pushes the wheel outward 5mm and makes the arc of the turning tire larger.
Also keep in mind rubbing will be worse under suspension compression, like turning into a driveway or the like. I do think there is some play there though, so a slight rub is not really the end of the world in most cases
I know people say put the tire on and push the car up and down but that's the only thing I can do because I have one tire and I shouldn't drive 2 different size tires on an AWD correct? Or will a quick spin around the block be ok?
I personally dont think a slow drive around the block or even just up and down a driveway would hurt anything. Tires spin at different speeds all the time while driving so that is nothing new to the car. You also could jack it up, and if you have another jack, compress the suspension and then you can steer while looking all over underneath to get a good idea.
I personally dont think a slow drive around the block or even just up and down a driveway would hurt anything. Tires spin at different speeds all the time while driving so that is nothing new to the car. You also could jack it up, and if you have another jack, compress the suspension and then you can steer while looking all over underneath to get a good idea.
That's a good idea! Never thought of that. Thanks. I'll let you know.
Someone told me you could ruin the diff with 2 diff size tires that's why.
That's a good idea! Never thought of that. Thanks. I'll let you know.
Someone told me you could ruin the diff with 2 diff size tires that's why.
It isnt ideal, but around a block wouldnt do much. If you were to drive in a circle with regular sized tires, the ones towards the center would be spinning slower than the ones on the outside....just like the larger tire you are trying out is spinning slower due to its larger diameter. The diffs "slip" to account for these variations.
It isnt ideal, but around a block wouldnt do much. If you were to drive in a circle with regular sized tires, the ones towards the center would be spinning slower than the ones on the outside....just like the larger tire you are trying out is spinning slower due to its larger diameter. The diffs "slip" to account for these variations.
OK good. Thanks again. This crappy weather is going to hold me up for a couple of days but I'll post up for others who had all these questions also or for future.
It isnt ideal, but around a block wouldnt do much. If you were to drive in a circle with regular sized tires, the ones towards the center would be spinning slower than the ones on the outside....just like the larger tire you are trying out is spinning slower due to its larger diameter. The diffs "slip" to account for these variations.
So, push up with the second jack as much as possible correct?
OK so put on the 245/50/18 and it fits no problem. I did drive it full lock in and out of my driveway, I didn't go nuts but tried to make it rub. There is still like 1/2 of room to the felt. Now I only put it on the pass side front and rear so I hope there's not much difference. I'm going to go with them. I have to be honest I think I would like them to stick out a touch more.
Last edited by ny_yankee; Dec 18, 2019 at 09:29 PM.
I may be able to push to 255 wide tires, but after that I would need a wider wheel. I could technically run 235 wide tires, but it wouldn't be ideal for my width of wheel. The downside, is my car is also much lighter, so 245 might still be too wide for my setup. When it comes to street driving my tires may not ever warm up enough (other than on hot days) to see the full benefits of the 245 wide tire. On the track for sure, specifically because my wheels and tires are properly matched up. So, that's another factor; whether the tires can heat up enough to see the full benefit of the tires installed.
