Hello,

I just bought a used 2007 R56. I plan on modifying the suspension for performance (not aesthetics) so I'd expect a slight drop in ride height. I'm also considering running 15in rims (15x7 - 15x8s) and 205/50/15 or 225/45/15 as they have good selection for Max performance summer tires as well as mild R-comps and I enjoy the cheaper prices for rubber/rims as well as better braking/acceleration.

This is a secondary car for me, driven on weekends on backroads predominantly. I plan to participate 2-3 HPDE/Trackdays per year on Max Performance tires and I also plan 2 trips a year from CT down to the Smoky Mountains (so a decent deal of highway miles during those times). I don't plan on purchasing a separate set of 15in rims for the track.

Are there folks out there running these sizes on daily drivers? I am concerned about two things:

- Ground clearance. Are folks dragging bits all the time? Speed bumps a problem? Have to go up a steep incline on the diagonal?

- Rubbing. Is there an preferred offset for these rim/tire sizes?

Many thanks!

 

 

I use 225/45-15 for autocross tires. They're a bit short for everyday use, and I prefer something taller for HPDE. No problems dragging or speed bumps. The drop is only just over half an inch from stock, so I wouldn't expect any. No problems with rubbing either.

I use them on 15x6.5, currently with a +40 offset, but that's because of rules constraints. I'd probably go for a 7" wide wheel if I could, the tire (BFG Rival) is only specced to go on a 7" or wider wheel.

 

Good to know, no rubbing. Is you car lowered? I was thinking somewhere between 15 x 7 and 15 x 8, but 15 x 8 may be too extreme for street.

I agree, I wish it was a little taller for everyday, but is' only 5% difference, hopefully I can deal. As for HPDE, I guess it depends on the track.

 

Bertie is currently totally stock (apart from the wheels), no lowering.

I'd be looking at 16" wheels instead, there's a good choice of tires in 205/50, 205/55 or 225/45. I ran 205/50 for street use on several of the MINIs. 205/55 Bridgestone RE-11 were what I ran for HPDE. I've currently breaking in some 225/45 Z11s as an alternative autocross size.

(And if you wanted some decent 16" wheels, I'm currently selling some.)

 

I imagine that your R56 is not an S since you're looking at getting 15-inch wheels for it?

The reason I'm asking is that, from the limited research I've done, it looks like 15-inch wheels aren't big enough to clear the front brake calipers of the R56 S.

 

I will be installing a big brake kit that should fit a 15in rim.

 

Whoa, just returned from a very long extended vacation where there was no Wi-Fi.
Both sizes are livable, if you do lower it though you might have to go slower on speed bumps and driveways. The problem with 15s comes with fitting big brake kits that's when 16s, but more likely 17 inch wheels come in handy. There is a few "Zombie Threads" about which 15s fit the R56 "S" brakes (aka R53 JCW brakes) and I recall some threads about what 15s fit certain big brake kits.

 

I believe some of the smaller Wildwood BBK will allow some 15-inch wheels to fit.

I crewed on a 2002 MC S in Targa Newfoundland 2010 that had a such a kit that allowed for 15-inch wheels. It's the yellow MINI with the Würth decals in this gallery: http://www.pbase.com/beagleboy/targa..._2010&page=all