Hello,
My New 2017 JCW should be arriving in about a month I hope as it is currently waiting on a ship. I have purchase new 18" Mini 506 wheels and am thinking about putting 215 x 45 x 18 tires on the car. My question has anyone put 215 x 45's on their Mini and if so did they rub or did you have to use spacers or shave the wheel well? I know the speedo will be off a little by not going with 215 x 40's but I think the car will ride a little better with the 45's. Any help would be appreciated as this is my first Mini and I am new to this forum.

My Mini stats:
2017 JCW - Ordered July 14th
White Silver with Red top and Black stripes
Auto
Pretty much all the options.

 

I have Michelin Pilot Super Sports 215/40 R18. I trimmed off a bit of the rear fender flaps on the bottom (not visible). That is the only part that rubbed. If you don't go with runflats the ride is fine. It's better than my stock 205/45/17 Continental RF. The speed is dead on now as confirmed by several radar posts and 1 speeding ticket. Cop and I said the exact same speed.

 

Thanks for getting back to me. I think if I go with the 215 x 45 I might have to trim quite a bit so I will probably go with the 215 x 40

 

How do you like the AWE exhaust compared to the stock JCW exhaust?

 

I almost didn't get it, back n forth for weeks. Few too many beers one night, pulled the trigger. I owe my buzzed self a drink. Quiet enough driving normal, but great sound hitting it. It's the best 4 banger I've ever heard. Very throaty and deep. No regrets. Just takes 3 weeks to get once you put you order in.

 

Running a 215 tire requires trimming of the fender flap?? Wow, there really isn't much room under there. I'm lowered with the JCW Pro Coilover suspension and was planning on running a 215/40 R18 A/S tire. I guess I will be doing lots of trimming.

 

It also depends on the specs of your rims. I spoke to NM about my setup and they said 215 would require a little trimming and 225 would require just about all of the flap taken out. I used a cutting blade on a dremel and it was pretty easy. Doing a clean cut at the edge for 225's would be risky.

Specs:
Size: 18x7.5
Offset: +40 mm

 

My Wheels are

18 x 7
+54 Offset

Not sure how much I will have to Trim with 215 x 45 x18 as long as it does,t show I,m ok. Now just the long wait for my Mini to arrive. Hopefully it will get on a boat this week.

 

Are you lowered? Or planning on lowering at all? You may have too much tire (unless that's the look or ride you're going for) Either go with the 215 or 45 in my opinion. I believe 205x40x18 is ideal for 18x7 or 18x7.5 wheels. If you do decide on 215x45x18 check with will (willtheyfit.com) (https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc) to compare stock versus new setup. Again, the look and feel of your ride is all driver preference.

I'm running
18x8 offset 50
225x40x18

Lowered on coils and I do rub hitting big bumps or dips. (Will be adjusting accordingly)
If you don't do any trimming, your wheel and wheel well arch trim will figure it or for you. Lol. I suggest taking it lightly for a few days till you get a feel on what it can and can't do.

 

Compared to mine. Depending on your suspension setup, (firm/soft/lowered/stock) I can see why you would like a little more tire.

 

Thanks for the info. I don't plan on lowering at this time just looking for a little bit bigger tire as the 205's just look a little small. I will just have to try the 215 x 45 and see.
'

 

Sounds like a plan. You'll be ok. Jcw suspension is more firm than S or base. The extra tire should help with filling in the wheel well and a little more comfortable. Can't wait for your new car to arrive!