Hi,

I have a 2002 JCW R53 Mini Cooper. I love the way these cars handle and am riding on some stock 16" rims. I would love to upgrade to some nicer 17" or 18" rims but do not want to compromise the extreme daily driving. I do not want any tire rubbing. Can someone share there experiences with rim and tire sizes?

Thanks for the help!

 

I've only had my '04 S for about 3 weeks now but love the way it handles on it's factory 17's. No rubbing or other problems at all. Lots of 17" wheels out there for you to choose from if you don't like the factory offerings.

Eric

 

I have 17 in factory mini rims, love them. not too big, not too small, they look sharp.

 

I've always been a fan of having some more meat on the sidewalls, I'd got for the 17's.

 

Just go with the 17's, there are more tire options and they are cheaper.

 

Please share!

 

I agree with Way. Many more tire choices in the 17's. I run Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2s and they handle and wear VERY well! Have FUN!

 

I have 16s, 17s, and 18s. I got rid of the winter steelies in 16s because theyre ugly. 17 S Lites for winter and 18 Breytons for summer. A little harsher on 18s but I love the look. 17s look too small in my opinion.

Also, you won't have tire rubbing between 17 and 18 inch wheels because the overall diameter is the same. Rubbing will happen when your offset pushes the wheel out of the wheel well. If you have a wheel with an offset that sucks it in, viola, no rubbing.