Its time to replace the stock wheels and tires on my 09 Chili Red S hardtop. I've been looking for something that isn't a carbon copy of every other mini in town and I've been stuck on these for a few weeks. Looking at 17x7 with 215/45 tires. Just looking for some other opinions.

 

Look good to me, have that Volk look!

 

Using stock suspension you should be fine.

The finish will hide brake dust but it's not an excuse not to keep your wheels clean. Brake dust left on will corrode wheel finish over time.

Looks good otherwise.

Which tire?

 

Looking at Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110 in 215/45/17. Probably going to do a set of springs at the same time. Think there will be any issues with rubbing?

 

Those look pretty sharp to me. I've had a few sets of Konigs and they never gave me any trouble. They're cheap cast wheels from Taiwan, sure, but they look good and the finish is decent.

One suggestion for running black wheels: Keep your tires clean and shined. The weird contrast between dark black wheels and faded, matte rubber looks terrible. Keep the wheels and tires looking fresh and it's a great look with a Chili Red car with black accents. Good luck!

 

215/45-17 is taller than OEM tire diameter and will give much less clearance when you drop the suspension with springs only.

If you have fully adjustable coilovers then the tall tire can be ok since you set the drop to where you want and use negative camber to fine adjust fitment.

Better bet is to use 205/45-17 or if your roads are really smooth even 215/40-17 for an aggressive look but tire selection is limited.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...wdp=N&showcm=N

Looking at 205/45-17 in a Max Summer tire for about the same cost as the V12 evo K110 then:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...wdp=N&showcm=N
Bridgestone Potenza S-04 if handling were a priority
Continental ExtremeContact DW if street comfort were a priority