I would like to dump my stock 195/55R16 runflats (2009 Clubman S) for something that handles my particular driving style (maniacal comes to mind at times...). I'm not sure I want to upgrade to 17 inch tires, but instead I'd like to put a pair of wider, high/ultrahigh performance tires on. Here are my questions:

1. Can I upgrade to 225mm treadwidth without changing the rims?
2. If the above answer is yes, then is it correct that I'll need tires that are 225/45's
3. If I upgrade to 17-inch rims, do I need to have my speedometer recalibrated?

Finally, I live in SoCal (San Diego area), and so although rain is seldom a problem, it's not unheard of (drought conditions notwithstanding). Am I at risk if I use ultra high performance summer only tires for all of my driving?

I've been digging around the web for the past couple of hours and I'm not entirely satisfied with the information I've found re: my questions above. I'm hoping my friendly neighborhood mini site can assist...

Cheers,
Raymond

 

I suggest tire rack, if nothing else then for research on tire sizes and such that fit your mini.

I run 215 45 16 Kumho Ectsta XS tires on my cabrio. They are not the factory rims, so I am not sure if they would fit the factory wheels. They do great when it is warm out and are reasonably priced. They are performance tires. I take them off in the winter time.

Tire Rack also allows you to select tires based on the type of performance you want, so again a good resource.

I have had great success buying from Alex at Tire Rack, and the ship the tires to my local auto shop, where they are mounted, balanced etc. for a pre-arranged price. could not be easier!

 

Alex is very good at Tirerack, also Discount tire direct I believe has a tire size calculator that you can put your size in and the new size you want to run and it will show you the differences.

You can upgrade to 17 or 18s and not have to recalibrate your speedo, but your ride will be much different and it normally easier to bend a wheel with a lower profile tire. I would check both sites and read as much as you can on Plus 1 Plus 2 and Plus Zero applications for your ride

 

I'm running 215/45-17's on factory stock S-lites on my '09 Clubman S with no issues, I think you could go with 225/40's with no problem, but I agree - check with Alex at Tire Rack. If you buy new wheels, don't forget to buy the tire pressure sensors too.

I lived in Sandy Eggo for almost 20 years, I can't imagine you having any trouble running summer only tires year round, unless you go up to Big Bear or Arrowhead for some skiing in the winter.

I think what you should do is buy some 17's and keep the runflats on your OEM wheels in case you do some winter driving. Also, if you ditch your runflats you won't have a spare tire unless you buy a mini spare - which will fit under the floor in the back, BTW.

 

1. Yes, you can use 225/50-16 and mount them on stock 16x6.5" wheels but you would be better off with 205/55-16 tires that would fit the stock rim better and be less heavy (about 3-4 lbs each tire less). 225/50-16 is a better size for a 6x8" rim.

2. 225/45-16 is not a good choice for stock 16" rims. Tire selection is poor and oriented for high performance driving. This tire size is best for rims from 7 to 8.5" wide not a 6.5" wide rim.

3. No. But 17" rims means stiffer 205/45-17 tires which are harsher riding vs 205/50-16 or 205/55-16 tires. You have a good selection of tires in those sizes one running a little smaller than stock and the other a little taller than stock.

For more info talk to Alex@tirerack.com