I'm considering getting a set of 15x7" wheels for my Cooper S. what size tire should I be looking at? 205/60/15? 215/55/16?

Steve

 

You mentioned a size of 215/55/16, which is for a 16" tire/wheel. 215 is the tire width, 55 is the tire profile (i.e., height), and 16 is the tire (and wheel) diameter. You probably meant 215/55/15.

205/50/15 is a very popular tire for the 15s (with many tires to choose from), although it is a lower profile tire (i.e., 50 series) with slightly smaller overall diameter (i.e., 23" versus stock 24" or so). However, lower profile tires will provide better handling, quicker turn-in, and look better, but are not as comfy a ride. 50 series is not really all that low though, as compared to the popular 45 series on 17s and even some 16s. Also, the smaller diameter will throw off your speedometer slightly. So, you may want to go with a 55 series. As far as rubbing, using a 15 you're less likely to get rubbing, so probably both tire sizes you mention should be ok. It's personal preference as to what you like. I don't know what the tire selection is for these sizes, so you may want to peruse the TireRack website first and see what tires are available in the different sizes before deciding, i.e., pick the tire you want first and see what sizes are available.

 

What's your goal?

- performance
- stock diameter
- ???

Vague questions get answers like: "whatever you want"

 

I know what the tire sizes mean. it was just a type-o hitting the 16. I'm looking for close to accurate on the speedo. I don't want to lose kms on my warranty that haven't actually been put on you know?

my MINI is my daily driver. I want something a little more planted feeling than the stock dunlop runflats on the X lites. It feels like the car is not as planted as it could be, as the back end can get a little squirly if pushing it too far. I will also Auto Cross the car on ocasion (possibly 10 events a year) or so. I need something that will handle all of these requirements. I'll make a decision on brands after I decide on size. More than likely Dunlop as I've had good experience on old cars I've had.

Thanks,
Steve

 

I use Yoko ES100 in 205-55 on mine. Good ride, good grip, good price, good in the wet, although it's probably not the ultimate in any of those categories.

 

If you want to maintain something close to stock diameter in a 15" tire, I'd say, get a 205/55/15 but even that's a lot of sidewall for an autocross tire. You would be better off in several ways to get a 16" wheel if you want to stay with stock diameter tires and 17's would even be better than the 15's. I would also recommend a 7.5" width for the 16" or 17" wheels and the 15's but that's a tricky fit while a 15x7 is sort of a no brainer.

I think the HOT ticket for anyone wanting to autocross on stock diameter tires is the new Hankook R-S2 Z212 in a 205/50/16 or if you are really willing to work at it, the 225/45/16. Another possibilty is the new RT-615 Falken Azenis in a 215/40/17 as it should be better, on the street, than the old Azenis and has a good load rating unlike most 215/40/17's. NO stock diameter 15" tire will compare to any of these!!! (other than a true R compound tire)

 

I agree!

Lots of more agressive street rubber in 205/50, but your creating takeoff style fendergap!

Alex

 

I'm strongly considering 215/50/15s on the soon-to-be-available Konig Rewinds (15x7, +40 offset). Although the 50s pretty wide (~8.9"), they're only about 23.5" tall. At that height, I don't believe they'll rub..