looking to buy 17x7.5 +38 with 225 50. Will they fit my r53? Currently have 18x7.5 with 215 35 and want some meat for comfort

 

225/50-17 tires are HUGE for a Mini

 

That's Countryman territory. 225/45-17 might work, but caveat emptor. I always found the best size for the R53 was the 205/50-15.

The 205 on a 15" rim will also significantly reduce unsprung weight - you will feel lightfooted, and far better on the bumps!

Over seven autocross seasons I tried the 225/45-15, and the 205/50-15 and discovered the 205 was slightly faster!

Cheers,

Charlie

 

225/50/17 = Will raise the car 1.5 inches from original stock of 205/45/17....That's a lot of sidewall.

 

Stock height. I really like the look of 225 45 17 when lowered a bit. The wheels I found have brand new 225 50 though. Pic of my car to see its stock

 

The short answer is with OEM suspension, it will not fit due to a very tall tire diameter of 25.9" using 225/50-17

215/35-18 has tire diameter of 23.9" which is less than OEM and 2" less than the 225/50-17

17" wheels on a MINI should have 205/45-17 or 215/45-17 tires to fit. If you lower the suspension you risk rubbing. Anything taller or wider also decreases clearance.

225/50-17 will likely add more weight vs 215/45-17 by about 4 lbs more (eg 19 to 23 lbs) with a little more tire tread for grip. It may make steering feel heavy and responsiveness sluggish unless you have way more power than stock. Generally performance is improved with less weight of wheel and tire with soft rubber compound for grip.