Hey guys... I have an R53 and I'm thinking I want to get some ESM 002's in the 17x8.5 variety. I don't have a lot of experience with wheels/suspension/stance and was hoping I could get some direction or input. I plan on getting the Megan Racing coil overs (with camber adjustment) at the same time. I'd like to hear your ideas on tire size and so forth. I'd like to be able to do autox from time to time, so I want something that isn't going to rub too much. Thanks for any input.

 

ESM -002R comes in various finishes and widths.

For the MINI-
17x8.5" et20 4x100 bolt pattern, center bore 57.1, 3" lip, mesh spoke design, 21 lbs, about $195 each.

Compared to OEM 17x7" wheels-
The ESM wheel is 9mm further away from the inside suspension strut and sticking out 47mm more than OEM.

You will need centering rings to place over the MINI hub of 56.1mm which fits inside the ESM hubbore.

Coilovers can be adjusted to the ride height that will clear your tires. If you use lots of front negative camber it may cause the inner treads of the front tires to wear faster.

17x8.5" is quite a bit wider than OEM, did you want the tire to fit or did you want a stretched tire look?

The correct tire size for that rim is 245/40-17 which gives some decent choices for
Max and Ultra High Performance Summer as well as Ultra High Performance All Season tires. $85 to 120+ depending on your budget. This tire fits rims 8-9.5" wide, is a perfect fit for 8.5" wide rims and has a tire diameter of 24.7" which is slightly more than OEM but will fit if you have coilovers (not too low).

If you really want a slammed look then you would do better with a more narrow tire which you can tuck in under the wheel arches. 215/45-17 or 215/40-17 would work.

Note that when using tires that are 40 series sidewall the ride quality may be very stiff depending on your roads. If you have very bad roads then stick to a tire with 45 series sidewalls.