I am ordering my new wheels today.
However, I have to go with the 18" x 7.5" variation becuase they are not offered in 17" My question is, what size tire will fit and not have any rubbing problems? I am a little worried about the 7.5" wide rim.

I am going to put the TOYO Proxes 4.

Please help me people.
Thanks!

 

You wont have any rubbing with either of those tire combos. I have 215 35 18's and have no problems. It also depends what your offset is, mine is 42, but also my car is not lowered(yet), but from what i understand it still wont be a problem. I'd go with the 225's though, because that will offer a little rim protection, where as on mine, the rim is exactly flush with the tire, and can be curbed easily, and its just a little more contact patch.

 

I want to go with the 225s....but I was reading a few other posts and other MINI owners talked of them rubbing and breaking out the dremel tool and going to town. I don't want to do that.
I am still with stock springs and I think I am going to stay that way....at least for now.

 

225's will most definatly need a bit of dremel work, no big deal. Lowering actually will help the tight fender lip clearances. I do agree that 225's offer more rim protection, but the flush sidewall look with be a thing of the past.

Alex

 

So Alex, in your opinion, should I be safe and go with the 215 then?
Or is that cutting it to close on the 7.5" rim?

 

I would go with a 215/35/18. You will never rub with that

 

I think 215 is ideal!

Drdrum&bass here has 225's - you can ask him how they fit.

Alex

 

Well I went for it and bought the 215 Toyos.

I hope to receive the new wheels and tires by Friday.
I will be sure to post the pics and give details.

Thanks for the help guys!