It seems like it should have some effect as it's moving the tire out or in a bit, but not sure if it would really be that noticeable.

The question arose since I'm trying to decide on wheels for summer and do like the OZ Superleggra's (or how ever you spell it) and as has been dicussed at length here and other forums, the +37mm offset puts it at the fringe of fit with 17" tires which for me shouldn't be an issue as I plan on using the 16" version of the wheel with 205/50/16, so even if I lower using H-sport things should be fine. I'm curious if any of the engineering types or people who have OZs or some other wheel that's under 40 Offset want to weigh in with an opinion as to changes in handling traits of the car with the change from stock offset.

Tom Der
2005 MCS Works
1991 M3
1990 535i

 

Really depends on the type/size of tire you get too.

Generally speaking...

WIDEN (smaller +offset): gain turning/handling, loose straightline stability and vise versa.

 

Pushing the wheels out (smaller offset) yields a lower roll center, more scrub radius, and usually more aerodynamic drag. That said, the car will have a more "planted" feeling up to a point, and after that it'll get twitchy and have lots of tramlining. Also, since the roll-center is lowered, handling is usually improved, unless your ride height is already too low, in which you'll end up usually with the front end roll center too low and the car will push. I digress....

Long story short [too late] On the MINI, I've been very happy with the feel of the chassis with 40-48mm offset wheels.