Further to the tread on using bigger wheels - and bigger tires.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...n-the-f56.html

After all the feedback I decided to go with 18" wheels and 215 40 r18 tires (Pilot Super Sports). These are bigger diameter than the 205 45 r17's that came on the car but only by 1/2". I am using the 17" rims for my winter tires also 215's (X-Ice 3's)
One note the 215's clear the back suspension no problem but come within 3/8" of the front shocks. I ran 215's in winter on my R56 with the same clearance without incidence. Any bigger tires will require spacers.
I think the 1/2" wider and 215 width actually makes a visual difference to the gap. See what you guys and ladies think.

 

I like! Looks great!

 

Looks really good, actually. Much better than the 205s.

 

Are those wheels 18x7.5 et52?

If not, can you give the specs?

Also, you're clearly at stock height....how much room is there between the top of the tire and the top of the fender well from a width standpoint? Trying to figure out what the lowest offset that can be ran before any rubbing.

Thanks

 

Will we be getting a comparison of the SUV funflats and the Pilot Sports?

 

Very nice look, with a very sturdy visual stance. You waste no time. It seems like yesterday you were taking delivery of the car.

Stripes look excellent as well. May I ask which vendor you selected?

 

I honestly don't see much difference between the factory 17" tire/wheel combo as far as the tire/fender gap. But the increase diameter just makes the eye see more tire/wheel and the gap IMO is now less noticed. A measured comparison would prove or disprove my comment above, though.

That said, I love your wheel choice. That tire/wheel combo looks so nice with your car, especially the TG paint. Well done! Where did you get the wheels and what is the wheel name?

I personally think the 17" wheel is the perfect size for a car the size of the MINI. 16" looks a bit too small and 18" a bit too large. But not enough to make the 18" a bad choice. I rather like it. Especially the style Gregory picked.

 

tej - Ended up doing the stripes myself. Had someone else start them but they were scratching the paint way too much. It is much easier than you would think. Once designed everything is put together on a "release" backing then you just stick it on - straight of course. I did the stripes under the doors 3 times. Total cost for the vinyl is around $225
Cobra Bob - Bought the wheels form ECS Tuning but Sewell have them too. Here's the link - http://www.ecstuning.com/ES2720909/ There is a difference in the tires outside diameter between 205 40 18's and 215 40 18's (the latter are taller and wider. So a bit of the void in the arch gets filled in.

 

Looks awesome. Really looks good with the 506 style JCW Cross Spokes

 

Good job, looks great. I am actually thinking of doing exactly the same thing with 18" 506 wheels. My Pilots would be 205 though, as I am a big chicken when it comes to having the wheels that close to car structure.

 

My thoughts as well. I love how Gregory got that to look, but just looking at it gives me twinges of second hand anxiety, ha! But I'm guessing you get about as much snow as I do, Gregory, I'd be interested to see how it all looks when you switch to the winters and if you have any issues with snow build up in the wheel wells. (Apologies for speaking of snow at the start of summer.)

 

I like the wheels. As for the fender gap the difference is pretty underwhelming. The only way to get rid of that is to lower the car IMO. It doesn't bother me at all.

 

Agreed. The only way to reduce fender gap is to lower the car. There's still WAY too much gap for my liking. Springs or coilovers is a must with this car IMO.

On a side note, MINI USA's website configurator lists those wheels as 18x7.5. They also list the 18" Cone Spoke at 18x7.5 while. Are they both 7 or 7.5 inches wide? realoem.com has both the wheels mentioned listed at 7" wide.

 

I think these wheels look smashing! Very classy.
I had 18" on my last car (GTI) and did find them a bit rough - the lower profile tires I guess - so this time around I'll be opting for on road comfort rather than aesthetics.
I'm even hoping to use my ex GTI 16 inch steelies (very Mad Max-esque) during our long, dark winter.

 

The 18" 506 wheels I have seen are 7.0 wide.

 

New stripes look cool,and the wheels even cooler ;-)

 

Thanks Guys. Confirming 7".

 

Will a 215 work on the 17" wheels?

 

Mrdi. My winter tires are 215 Xice 3's.... 215 45 r17. Same on my R56. Stick like glue!
Interestingly I notice that with my non runflat 215 the car uses less gas. The Hankook's were super sticky (maybe to make up for the hard sidewall?) I have not driven the Super Sports in the wet fast yet but the Hankooks were very impressive.

 

I have today done much the same as GregoryK did (above). Put on 18" #506 wheels with 205/40/18 tires. I did not go as wide as you did. And, the tires are not my favorite, they are Dunlop SP Sport Maxx (but the deal I got on the package means I paid little for the tires, and I will just run them out and upgrade later). Kept my 17" Tentacle Spoke wheels for winter tires.
I'll put some new pix in a day or so, once the weather improves.