So, I'm thinking of buying new wheels for the MCS I have on order, but I had a question on the offset. I've been reading the posts on this site for some time and have also tried searching but couldnt come up with a straight answer. I'm looking at a 15x7 wheel (either a 205/50 or 215/45 tire) which comes in 35 and 41 offsets. I understand 41 should work pretty well, but could I move to the 35 and still have decent clearance if the car was lowered? (all of this is assuming I have what the concept of what offset physically is correct.. that a smaller offset would be push the wheels further 'out'... please correct me if im wrong)

And I was wondering if anyone has dealt with treadeopt.com and if they have, what kind of experience it was (one of the few places that carry the wheels I want.. RPF1's). Thanks!

 

FWIW I used to run a 15X6.5 38mm offset wheel, car lowered with H&R springs and under real hard cornering it would rub the fender just a tad on the front. Right now I'm running 40mm offset and haven't had any rubbing problems, even under very hard cornering. I say you go with the 41mm, but if you insist on 35 then some trimming of the inside fender might be needed. Good luck and post pics when you mount them

 

SavageSmurf,
For a 15x7" rim, look for 4x100 bolt pattern and if you have the stock suspension about +37mm to +48mm should be fine. If you lower your MINI you will reduce the safe offset range to about +42mm to +48mm or risk rubbing but it depends on the tire size you choose and the negative camber you have.

Stock MCS tires are 205/45-17 with 24.3" outer diameter
For a 205/50-15 tire 22.9 to 23.2" outer diameter depending on the tire.
For a 215/45-15 tire- I could not find any available at tirerack.com
For a 225/45-15 tire 22.8 to 23.1" outer diameter depending on the tire.
225/45-15 is a good size for autocross or track provided you have enough negative camber front and rear and enough clearance for the tire to fit given your suspension. Try calling Alex@tirerack to confirm that things are going to fit for you.

Wheel offset-
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/offset.htm

More positive means the rim sticks out wider out of the wheel well.
Less postitive means the rim is closer into the wheel well and might rub the inside suspension parts. This is all relative to the overall width of the rim.

I have no information on treadepot. Ask them if they have experience with MINIs. I have dealt with tirerack.com and they do know what fits for MINIs- Which is always a good thing.

 

Thanks for all the info guys. 41 sounds like the safest route. I'm actually looking at toyo t1-s which come in both 205/50 and 215/45, but I'm guessing the 45's might be pushing it (quite a reduction in overall diameter). Hmm, choosing wheels and tires is not easy, but luckily (well.. unluckily really), I wont be picking my car up until mid december. But I'll be sure to post some pics when I do finally recieve it and mount the wheels :smile:

 

OK, Toyo T1s do come in 215/45-15 with outer diameter of 22.8" at $92 each from edgeracing.com
http://www.edgeracing.com/tire/521/
Toyo T1s (ultra high performance) are light weight at 17.6 pounds, V speed rated, 280 tread rating.
Rim width range- 7" to 8"
+41 offset is most likely the safest bet for you.

In 205/50-15 you have many more choices in tires. Not only Toyo T1s but also the much less expensive Proxes 4 (All season ultra high performance) for $68 each V rated 300 tread rated but a little heavier at 19.8 pounds each. Rim width range 5.5" to 7.5".
http://www.edgeracing.com/tires/2055015/

Another affordable option in 205/50-15 is the Falken Ziex Ze-512 H-rated, 360 tread rating 17.9 pounds at $46 each. Less performance but good wearing street tire for a reasonable price.