I'm going to be putting a set of 17" Challenge Spoke R112 Wheels (ET48) and would really like to go to 215/45 instead of 205/45. The car is lowered about 1.2" with NM springs.

Does anyone out there have experience with this type of setup and if it rubs or not? Would it be better to go with 215/40 (not a large selection of tires in this size)?

BTW, currently I have the stock 16" Rib Spoke R115 (ET48) with 195/55

On another note, my MINI dealer will match any online price for tires and wheels and ouch those TPMS sensors are expensive!

 

215 is too much I did it once never again. Rubs rear liners, too much sidewall movement around corners, felt like on ice in hard turns, Stick to the 205 4517

 

Really? Tons of people are running 215s on their cars.

On another note, you can get the TPMS much more cheaply than the dealership at TireRack. The price for a set of 4 is under $200. Last I checked, Rock Auto had them for $57 apiece too. I'm assuming you got the same $200/sensor quote from your dealership that I did from mine?

--Matt

 

I run a 215/45/17 w/ H-Sport springs & Koni Yellows, on larger "dip" type bumps I get a slight rub of the inner fender liner, on the rear only, on my '05 R52, so I have slightly more overall weight than a hardtop, after a few times it actually wore away enough of the liner that it seldom touches anymore.

 

The dealer quoted $73 each for the sensors.

 

Same exact thing on my 2006 R53 JCW with stock suspension.

 

I am running 215/45-17 tires on 17x7 wheels (+38 offset) on my MCS. I have a 1.4" drop with H&R springs. I have no rubbing issues at all.



You just need to make sure you have the alignment properly set.

 

I was thinking of going to 235/40/R17 on 17x7.5 +45 or 235/40/R17 on 17x8 +45. I am wanting to see what the 235/40/R17 on 17x7.5 +45 setup looks like.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'm definitely going with the 215/45/17. I know I'd be bummed if it didn't.

 

Question- if you get new tires do you have to get new TPMS's. Ouch if so.

 

No. The dealer suggested that they remove the ones from the old wheels and install them in the new. I don't even think you need them period, you'll just have a tpms light on, which you might be able to code out with NCS Expert.

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

You do not need to put in new TPM sensors when you buy new tires. When you are replacing wheels, you can use the same TPM sensors, but it is advisable to use a TPMS rebuild kit (about $20-$25 for a complete set). If you are buying new tires and wheels and plan on keeping the other set, you will need to invest into a new set of TPM sensors. It is cheaper to buy them aftermarket (about $200 a set).