I have a 2003 Mini Cooper (Non S), and I was wondering if the rims in the link below would work for this car. I have looked at it in the view on vehicle mode, and it looks good, but instead of 45's, I would like to do 35's. I am new to this whole new rim thing, so tips would be greatly appreciated!

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...All&sort=Brand

 

EDR9's will work in 16" with 195/55 or 205/50. In 17" with 205/45 or 215/45. 35 series are very short even in 17's.

 

Nice wheels.

Are you running stock suspension?

To run 35 series tires you need a larger diameter wheel like 18x7" but this is not available in the EDR9.

For example -
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...All&sort=Brand
Motegi Racing SP10
18x8 $179 each 19 lbs
215/35-18 tire size

When you go from taller side wall to shorter sidewall you get much less flex and better handling with a stiffer, noisy, and sometimes jarring ride if your roads are poor.

If you have mostly smooth roads then you can run any wheel and tire size but careful not to hit potholes at speed if you have 45 series tires or smaller.

The other disadvantage to larger wheels is the weight. In this example the 18x8 wheel is especially wide vs stock which is fine but likely more rolling resistance and lower mpg for daily driving if you care.

If you really like the EDR9 wheels and your roads are poor then the 16" size is likely the more practical. Still looks good but the tire size favors comfort without being harsh for daily use and there are many good tires to choose from in that size including good ultra high performance All Season tires- good handling with good comfort and longer treadwear vs summer tires.

 

Wow! Thank you both for the responses! Would the 18s mentioned look better than the 17s? I wouldn't mind running 35 series on those. I'm not much of a stickler for ride comfort gas mileage, but I just want handling and looks. Could you mention a set of tires that would be reasonable for the 18's and still not break the bank? Thanks!

 

The 18" wheels would be heavier and look a little oversized but the tire sidewall would be small. For looks it's more aggressive and you just have to live with the ride quality. Handling would be more responsive.

Here is a sample picture of 17" wheel SP10


Here is a sample of 18x8 wheels



Some 18x7 wheels and 215/35-18 tires



If you use 215/35-18 tires and live in Florida then-
For Max Summer tire (best grip but faster wear)
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric
$154 each 240 treadwear 20 lbs
$190 each but in 225/35-18 22 lbs, slightly wider tire fits 8" wide wheel better but slightly heavier and still stock in tire diameter at 24.2".

If budget is very high then for best performance-
Michelin Pilot Super Sport
215/40-18 $282 each 300 treadwear, 20 lbs each. Excellent handling with good road manners and comfort.

For Ultra High Performance Summer tire
Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport $152 each 340 treadwear

For Ultra High Performance All Season tire
Continental ExtremeContact DWS $138 each 540 treadwear
Good choice for longer treadwear and good street handling and comfort at a good price

 

Remember when you first drove your mini and it felt like a go cart? Then that feeling went away. That feeling will come back if you go to 215 35 18. That's what happened to me. I'm getting new tires for my 18s but i'm not going with 35s again. Harshness I can live with. But the sidewall is SO thin I was in constant fear of damage to the tires and wheels due to potholes. I'm going with 45s this time. I know it will raise my ride height 1/2" (tire is 1" taller) but at least my speedo will now be accurate as it always read 2-3 mph off.

Update: They would not sell me the 45s as they said it was not a factory size. Went with 215/40/18 elsewhere. Almost the identical size of 215/45/17 which is my regular tire/wheel setup. I get them put on tonight. I expect no problems on rubbing.