Will this tire size work? I have a 2003 cooper s.

 

The quick answer is yes.

They're about 3/4's of an inch wider than the stock 195/55 tire and about 3/8's of and inch shorter
and should not rub with when mounted on x-lites.

Your speedo will read about 2 mph slow with the 215/45's verses the 195/55's.

Hope this helps...

 

That's fantastic. Will I notice a big difference? Right now i'm riding on the crappy tires the dealer put on the car prior to the sale: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

Oh, and is it true that the x-lite wheels are the best stock wheels for the mini? I would be pumped if that were the case and I could just stick with them. I heard they are just 17 lbs?

 

yes, yes, 17.6lbs according to mini2.

 

The quick answer is yes, but that's just my opinion.

I like them for their lightness and looks.
All the other stock wheels that look good are heavy and those that aren't are not that good looking.

Hope this helps...