This is specific to the R56 platform....please do not move this thread to the wheels section that has ALL MINI models covered.


I would like to get input on the 205/50R17 tires on Stock 17', ET48mm wheels... from fellow NAM'ers that Actually have run these or have them on now.
from anyone that is running this SIZE of tire on a stock wheel with NO spacers.... does not matter what TYPE of tire it is or what brand.... or what model of stock MINI 17" ET48 wheel you have.

Before you ask... I have INDEED searched the fourms here... and found a lot of speculation from people that don't have this size... and LOTS of people selling well used sets of this size in classifieds... so I know NAM'ers have run them. I had a separate thread about using this size particularly on the 5.5" wide tires.

I know that those speculating without direct experience mean well and that is what I love about this NAM forum.... I'm just looking for input and HOPEFULLY PHOTOS from those that do have this size on their car ....

205/50R17

Looking for a nice winter tire.... that will not "melt away" like the full blown winter tires.
So ....
The Vredstein QuadTrac Pro... In the 205/50R17 size looks like just the ticket for me. Has the 3 peak mountain rating... and is a true ALL season tire with really good dry and wet character... and decent 400 UTOG rating.... Perfect winter tire for me in N. Cali. with snow, slush, and lots of blue-bird days with dry roads and some trips to So. Cal. and the desert where it's warm.

It got RAVE reviews from TireRack for wet and dry handling and traction.... and the QuadTrack-5 (previous model) has had great reviews on the snow... AND, the QuadTrac-Pro's are supposed to improve on that snow and ice traction greatly compared to the 5year old QuadTrac-5's




With LESS than 1/2" more (0.45 to be exact) Radius on the tire compared to the stock 205/50R17's.... these 205/50R17's seem like they should fit fine.

According to the NAM calculator
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...calculator.php

Compared my factory MINI 17x7.0 ET-48 wheels, w/ 205/45R17's

These Factory MINI R114 17x7.0 ET-48 wheels, w/ 205/50R17's
Will have:

• Inner Clearance: the same
• Outer Position: the same
• Diameter difference: 0.81" (3.22%) (Brings it 0.45" taller)

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I see lots of people on here running even bigger tires... these hopefully will be Good to roll .

Thank you to all for the PM's sent. !

Still open for input and hopefully PHOTOS of your 205/50R17 setups on your R56's



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With all of those stock suspension R56's out there... I'm surprised no one has chimed in here with this tire setup.



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I run a 205/55-16 on the OEM 16” rims without rubbing - and I’m lowered in Megan Racing coilovers. I ran them for one season on stock suspension without issue, too. With only slightly more diameter on a 205/55-17, I would think you should be ok.

 

Interesting thread.....
So I’m running OEM R211 17” Wheels w/205-45-17 Michelin A/S 3 Tires and I can barely get my pinky between the shock and tire. I’ve calculators before and been burned with sizes, I would have loved to go to a 50 series just to get that extra meat for the Northeast Pothole Kingdom! Lol

 

Anyone have this tire size, 205/50R17 on their MINI R56?


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I am on my ‘13 R56 Non-S. Zero issues and handles like champ compared to the stock setup I had.

 

Here’s a picture of my setup.....

 

Im running 215/45/17 no rubbing issues on a car lowered with H&R springs, over 1" drop

 

I run 215 45 17 on Avanti Storms 17x8 35 mm offset, car is about an inch lower. 205/45 17 is 24.3 tall and 215/45 17 are 24.7 tall and 205/50 17 are 25.1 tall. The mini's are known for their speedometer reading fast. My car with the .4 inch taller tire at 85mph is really only 82mph. Maybe the even taller 205/50 17 will make it a little more accurate.

 

Another benefit to the slightly taller tire is the suspension is not as harsh. The H&R's tend to have a harsh ride over bumps, dips, potholes, this is somewhat alleviated with the 215's

 

dear jpsjr1970 ,
Your reply (and mountainhorse's first post) gave me infos and hope , that i can give my 2011 cooper more comportable ride.
As i see on your (precious) photos , you even installed the oem mudguards on your mini- that is definitely a sign that there is enough space for the tire to fit .

What is the feel of the ride , after installing the bigger tyres ? More comfortable ? More weight on the steering wheel ? What about the vibrations of the road and the tachometer's error (maybe 3% more than standard?) ?
Can you fit snow socks ?
Thanks in advance !
I'll post my mini too , when i'll fit mine !
Greetings from Greece !

 

@mountainhorse have you tried it at last ? photos ?? :-)
What's the feel after the change ?
thanks for posting !