I'm considering 15" or 17" wheels for my MC, and I'm leaning towards 15" because of the lighter weight.

I want to keep within 3% of the original size, so my choices will be 205/55/15, 195/55/15, 195/60/15. I'm not interested in 205/50/15 (too small)

Can anyone comment on one of those 3 sizes I listed? Particularly I want to know if there are tires in those sizes with sidewall stiff enough so they don't roll too much.

Wheel size will be 15X7 40ET.

 

205/55-15 bridgestone potenza S03 have work well for me, great tire for the street, good steering response, tall enough that even driving in Boston is OK on bad roads... good in the rain, average on the track... not great but a good compromise... i recently saw a mini with 225/50-15 bf goodridge mounted on a 2004 and owner reports no problems.... wonder about tramlining with 225, but would like that size for the track...

 

I'm happy with my 195/55-15 Toyo T1-R's. I'll see exactly how sticky they are when I autocross on them for the first time on Sunday, but after almost 2000 miles, I'm satisfied with the Toyos.

-Keith

 

I am planning on getting a set of 225/50/R15's in a couple of weeks to go with the 15X7 Team Dynamics Pro Race 1's, but due to funding, I may have to settle for Yokohama AVS ES100's to save some cash until next year!

My first choice would be Bridgestone S03's in that same size... I think its going to look awesome with those big fat tires on my MCS!!!

 

Heyyyy someone stole my name ^^^^^

Anyway, i know we have already talked, but i just want to say again. 205/50 really isnt that bad. I love mine.

Your other choices would be good as well. I would look into the 205/55

 

Can anyone with those sizes listed comment on the sidewall stiffness of the tire they have?

The stock 175/65/15 Contis grip OK, but they're too "soft".

 

Actually I thought you stole mine ^^^^!


I have your name on MINI2.com, and I thought it would carry over, but alas, it was not the case. I had to think of something quick and so here we are...

RM2k5

 

hehe no worries....im actually "RALLY_IT" on all other boards, but that was take here

My 205/50's are Kumho SPT's and the sidewall is not TOO stiff like the runflats, but it also isnt so flimsy that it rolls on turns.

 

I too am in the 15" advice needing club.

I will be running 15x7" OZ Superleggera's

But what size tire.. Does anyone have pictures of the different size tires mounted on there MC or MCS? I love the way Zamriaz (sp) looked with Rotas and 205/50/15 but he lowered it with H&R..

Does the 225/50/15 look as beefy as it sound?
Is the 195/60/15 too fat of a sidewall will it flex too much will it look funky?

I had a MC loaner with the 175/65/15 and loved the way it handled!! Noticed a little more side wall flex but loved the smoooother ride

 

15x7 205/50/15 H&R springs on Konis

 

Thanks for the quick picture. My main issue is that I do not want to end with a huge sidewall and a fender well gap.

Just do not have the funds to get the Eibach pro-system (coilovers) yet..

 

205/55/15 fits rims 5.5-7.5" wide, outer tire diameter 23.9"
Consider Kumho Ecsta SPT for $67 each 340 tread wear AA traction
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/tires/tires.jsp&tireMake=Kumho&tireModel=ECSTA+SPT&partn um=055VR5KU31&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes &place=6
Also Yokohama ES100 for $78 and Bridgestone Potenza S-03 for $128

195/55/15 fits rims 5.5-7" wide, outer tire diameter 23.4"
Consider Avon Tech M500 for $69 each 280 tread wear AA traction
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/tires/tires.jsp&tireMake=Avon&tireModel=Tech+M500&partnu m=955WR5M500&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes& place=1

195/60/15 fits rims 5.5-7" wide, outer tire diameter 24.2"
Consider Yokohama ES100 for $78 each 280 tread wear AA traction
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/tires/tires.jsp&tireMake=Yokohama&tireModel=AVS+ES100&pa rtnum=96HR5ES100&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1= yes&place=0

Looks like the 205/55-15 is the best compromise with tire size not too small and wide enough with good selection of decent performance tires whether on a budget or not. If you want high performance then the Bridgestone S-03 would be worth a look even with the higher price. Talk to Alex@tirerack for more details.

If you can find a MINI with similar tires in your area try to go for a test drive keeping in mind your suspension set up vs the car you are test driving in.