I am looking to buy a set of xxr 527s, they come in 17x8.25 or 17x9.75 or you can order a staggered set. I would preferably like to buy the staggered set and put the 9.75s in the rear but I'm not sure if that is possible. I plan on using 205/45r17 tires. If anyone has any insight it would be greatly appreciated!!

 

Which MINI do you have and what suspension?

Assuming you have an R53 and Stock suspension then yes, any of these wheel sizes will fit including a staggered wheel setup.

I assume you are going for a stretched tire look and that you are not intending to have good handling or performance out of these wheels and tires.

You can search for various examples of owners of XXR 527 wheels-
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-xxr-527s.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...and-lower.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...xxr-527-a.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...sion-help.html
See post #5 for pic

 

I have the stock suspension on a 2007 R56 Cooper S. I do plan on lowering it in the future but just wanted to figure out if those 9.75s were even possibility.

 

Yes, they will fit but if you lower your car then a fully ride height adjustable coilover suspension would be the best choice, that way you can make the fit just enough to clear the wheel arch plastic.

Realize that when using 9.75" rims you will be using narrow tires to fit and that helps to tuck in the treads to fit better.

However with stock suspension the wheel gap will be large so you will just have to do things in stages.

Some examples for tire sizes on 9.75" wide rim-
http://tyrestretch.com/9.75_205_40_R17/
http://tyrestretch.com/9.75_215_35_R...kohama_SDrive/
http://tyrestretch.com/9.75_215_45_R17/

And for 8.25" wide rims-
http://tyrestretch.com/8.25_205_40_R17/

It would be OK to use-
front 205/45-17 on 8.25" rim
rear 215/45-17 on 9.75" rim

see post #51
http://www.motoringunderground.com/f...t=21831&page=4

The staggered look is aggressive in appearance but traditionally used on rear wheel drive or AWD vehicles to allow for more rubber on the drive axle.

For performance a MINI which is FWD could use a forward staggered wheel and tire setup and I have seen this work for track or autocross. Doesn't look that good but it works.

When you drive on the street, if you only drive around slowly so that people can see you then you'll be fine. If you have to accelerate or corner then just take it easy as you will find that the added weight of extra wide wheels can be a hinderance.

Also, when you use stretched tires you reduce the tire diameter which increases wheel gap when used with stock suspension. If you slam the car then more front and rear negative camber will help to tuck in the tops of the tires at a slight angle. This would require front adjustable camber plates (which can come along with the coilovers or not) and rear adjustable lower control arms.