Hello everybody,

Does anyone know if a set of 225/45-16's will fit on a MCS cabrio with stock suspension without any rubbing? I have looked at other posts but none mention the cabrio.

Thanks for your help,
Erik

 

Which rims are you going to use? The stock 16x6.5" rims or aftermarket 16x7" rims?

225/45-16 fits rims 7-8.5" wide, perfect for 7.5" wide rims, tire diameter 23.9"

It's not a good fit to put this tire on a narrow 16x6.5" rim. If you do get a wider than stock rim you'd need less offset about +38 to +40 mm.

225/45-16 tires are aggressive and usually your selection of tires will be performance oriented (for autocross or track) and wear faster, maybe offer less street comfort.

Why do you wish to use this size? For looks or for performance?, doesn't seem like a very good match for a cabrio with stock suspension. If you added underbody braces and lowered suspension or coilovers that would make more sense.

 

Minihune,

Thanks for the quick reply! I have a set of 16x7" Minilites, +43 offset. The reason for asking about this size is not for looks (right now I have a set of holeys with 185/65's and I think they look fine). I was planning on 205/50's for the Minilites but previously ad 45 series on my 17" rims and liked the feel. I don't want to go with 205/45-16's due to the the smaller O.D. effecting my warrantee. I am planning on an M7 USS and possibly lowering it after the warrantee expires but I need a set of tires now and thought I could get that 45 series feel with an acceptable O.D. and gain a wider width (providing no trimming or rubbing is involved).

 

Overall Diameter doesn't affect warranty coverage. If someone told you that they have NO idea what they're talking about. I've spent close to 30k dollars on mods over the past few years and I just walk into the dealer without any issues and get my car serviced.

You're talking about your speedometer being off by 1-3%, the techs can't void your warranty for a slight speedometer error factor. (They can't void your warranty in it's entirety for ANY reason).

I'm pretty sure MINI doesn't swap reconfigure the speedometer between different cars, and a stock MINI Cooper S comes with 205/45/R17's, which means even stock your speedometer will be 1% off with the tires you have now.

If you're looking for tires close to OD, go with 215/45/R16, that's a good balance, and it's only 2.7% too fast.

For a Tire Size Calculator Click Here

You're going to run into issues with rubbing if you lower the car on 225/45's depending on wheel offset.

I'd get Springs/Shocks/Rear Sway Bar before the USS, but that's just me. And FYI, I've heard rumors of the USS having issues with Cabrio's. You may want to look into the version Texas Speedworks makes.

 

OK, 16x7 rims +43 offset, stock suspension on Cabrio.

No matter which tires you choose warranty is not affected.

205/45-16 fits rims 6.5-7.5" wide, 23.2" tire diameter
205/50-16 fits rims 5.5-7.5" wide, 24.1" tire diameter

Either tire size will work for street use. Both are comfortable, 205/50-16 is a good size for comfort and is very close to stock.

So which tire in the size of your choice?

 

I am planning on running 225/40/17 on 17x7.5 rims with an ET of 45 (or 48 I can't remember which). Probably kumho MX's for a summer tire, ill probably take it to the track 3-4 times this year.

Im worried I will have a huge wheel gap, and I was thinking about lowering the car if it does end up having an unsightly wheel gap. I don't want to slam it, just make it look reasonable.

Am I going to run into problems (my car is a late model 06 cooper s, non cabrio)?

 

As long as the wheels you buy will fit (14mm bolts) your tires at 225/40-17 should be no problem. Offset of +45mm would be better given wider than stock wheel size. Tire diameter is 23.8" tall which is less than stock but only by 0.6" or about 0.3" more wheel gap. Not really that bad. My track and autocross tires are 22.9" and that works OK for me.

If you do lower your suspension about a one inch drop should work fine front and rear.

 

Fanks!

 

I'm sorry, I didn't word that well. I just meant that I think the smaller O.D. would log more miles than actual which would run the warrantee out faster.
Thanks for the info on the USS.

Erik

 

Apparently kumho doesn't make mx's in 225/40/17. ;o

I talked to my tire shop and they have some T1R's in 335/45/17 they are willing to test fit to my car. Is this a bad idea? I tried the wheel calculator and its coming out pretty beefy compared to stock. Would I still be able to lower my car?

Rims are 17x7.5 and I confirmed ET of 45.

 

Toyo T1R come in 235/45-17
They fit rims 7.5-9" wide and have a taller than stock 25.4" tire diameter.
So that size is very wide and very tall. Too large to fit a MINI. I would not recommend that size. Stock tire diameter is 24.3".

225/40-17 is for R compound tires so it is not helpful for street tires.

For a lowered MINI you could use 215/40-17 and the Toyo T1R comes in that size.

Kumho MX comes in
215/40-17 and
215/45-17 (slightly taller than stock)