I just recently bought a 2005 JCW. I'm loving the MINI experience thus far except the previous owner put some 225/40/18s (Nexen N3000 ) tires on some Panther Vector rims (18x7.5 I think). Needless to say I get rubbing on bumps and if I put anything over 75lbs in the back.

Would I be best off going down to 205/40/18s or would 215/40/18s work?

Also anybody have a recommendation for some good rubber that won't trigger traction control from some spirited shifting? If they can handle west coast rain as well, then all the better.

 

215/40-18
Falken Ziex ZE 912 good low budget tire, rated best value by Grassroots Motorsports
Hankook Ventus V12 Evo K110 Great budget tire, came in 2nd to the Dunlop Star Specs that don't come in our size.
Nitto NeoGen Good tire in wet and dry.

BTW: Where does it rub?
On inside, outside edge or on top?

 

I had 215/45-17 Falken Azenis that did not rub. When I switched to Dunlop Star Spec in the same size, I got rubbing in the rear. Go to the manufacturer website and check the actual size specs. In order to avoid rubbing, I'd go with a 215 that was on the narrower side.

 

Thanks for the response. I will look into some 215/40-18 Nitto NeoGens as those seem to fit the bill nicely.

I haven't had a chance to take the wheels off to see if its rubbing in other places but for sure its rubbed through the plastic liner where I've marked below (not my car pictured ). About 1.5 to 2 inches up on the outer section of the wheel well.

 

Those along with the Kumho XS are probably some of the best dry traction tires, unfortunately they only come in 225/40-18. I had Azenis 215 and 615 on previous MCS so tried some 225/40-18 Azenis 615s on the GP but did not fit, hit the front struts. I do have the discountinued GY F1 DS-G3 in 225/35-18 with 5mm spacers now, but would like to find a "narrower" and "shorter" O.D. 225/40-18 tire that would fit.

Thanks, btw is your car lowered, springs? Are your rims are 18x7 or 7.5?
I am trying to figure out if any of the above mentioned 225/40-18 tires (preferably Kumho XS) would fit.

 

Sticker in the door jam says it has JCW suspension. I assumed that meant it was lowered but I don't know how much. As for the rims I *think* they are 18x7.5. I can't seem to find any info online about them and I haven't had time to take them off yet.