I'm in need of a whole new set of wheels and tires. Chicago is number 1 for millions of potholes in the city. One of my wheel rim is nearly destroyed and running on spare tire right now. I'm trying to order but I'm confused with tire size. I want to order thick fat tires so I don't get my wheel rim damaged by potholes. The wheel rim size is 17x7... I have tires listed at 205/45/17 but what about 215/45/17, 225/45/17, 235/45/17 or 245/45/17... how will this look on my 2008 clubman S? I have a hard time imagining it. I am willing to order 2" lifts (all 4 wheels) for this purpose. Will this work and look better after its all set up? How will it look if I went for 245/45/17?? Please help. Thanks.

 

I would go any bigger than 225/45-17, as I think you’ll end up with clearance issues in the front.

I just installed 215/45-17 on my Clubman, and it rides close to stock, but has better coverage over the OEM wheels.

 

Would or wouldn't ? If I had the clubman lifted, it would be away from wall stock.

 

Sorry, “wouldn’t” go bigger than that

 

The first number of your tire current tire size (205) is the width of the tire tread in millimeters. The second number is the sidewall aspect ratio, the height of the sidewall stated as a percentage of the tread width (45 means 45% of 205 millimeters = approx. 92 millimeters(3.6 inches)). The last number is your wheel diameter in inches. Your overall diameter of the tire is approximately equal to 17 + 2(3.6) = 24.24 inches. You need to try to find a tire with overall diameter equal to 24.24 inches. The best way to minimize your risk of wheel damage from potholes is to increase the sidewall height. To do this you need to find a smaller wheel (15 or 16 inch diameter) while retaining the same overall tire diameter of 24.24 inches.

 

215/45-17 is the size that most people upgrade to. That's what I'm running and they are great.

 

Same here.

Consider reading some of the posts on run flats as well....

 

buying new wheels anyway consider going to 16's.. less wheel, more sidewall is better for potholes.

 

When potholes are large and deep you must avoid them so drive accordingly.

Moving from 17" rims to 16" is a possible option because it will fit your MINI and clear the brakes and give you tire sizes with more sidewall like 205/55-16 or 225/50-16. Tire selection can be good for UHP or Grand Touring All Season tires used for daily use.

Otherwise 215/45-17 is a good place to start with OEM 17" wheels but look for tires with more ride comfort and standard load ratings (sidewalls less stiff). No need to go with tire sizes that are wider since tire diameter may be larger than OEM. No need to do lift kit for more clearance if only doing street driving.