I searched the forum, but did not come up with a clear answer.

Tire Rack as S03's in 205/40-17 on sale for $99 each. I'd LOVE to run these on my Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2's, size 17x7. I currently run Azenis, at 215/45-17.

Is this a bad size for my wheels? The price is sooo tempting.

 

In 205/40-17
The S-03s are $103 each in closeout
220 treadwear AA traction W speed rated 21 pounds
Fits rims 17x7 to 8" wide. Outer tire diameter 23.5".
So everything will fit OK.

The biggest problem with 205/40-17 or for that matter any 40 series tire in 17" diameter is low load rating. Normally for the MINI you look for about 1150 to 1200 pound load rating for each tire and for the 205/40-17 tires the load rating is 992 pounds.

If you are the only person in your MINI all of the time and you hardly add any more cargo then you'll be fine. Make sure you always check and fill tire pressure to about 35 psi. Load rating decreases with low tire pressure and with increased tire temperature. It's also a firm 40 series low profile tire.

In your case what might make more sense-
If you like performance:
Kumho Ecsta MX in 205/40-17 $82 each Extreme Performance Summer tire
220 treadwear AA traction Y speed rated 19 pounds 23.5" tire diam.
Load rating is OK at 1102 pounds.
Or in 215/40-17
Goodyear eagle F1 GS-D3 for $152 Max Performance Summer tire
280 treadwear AA traction Y speed rated 19 pounds 23.8" tire diam.
Load rating 1074 pounds
Or in 215/45-17 for $139
Or in 205/40-17 for $125
Load rating 1021 pounds tire weight 22 pounds

 

I'm leaning towards the GS-D3's in 215/45-17. I have Azenis in that size now, and I'm not exactly thrilled with the idea of 40 series tires. Only reason I looked at the S03's was the price.

I drive in a rather 'spirited' fashion, so I do not want to skimp on tires. I've heard that the GS-D3's have excellent wet weather traction, overall a great tire.

The Azenis are great, but I'm looking for a more mild tire for daily driving, hopefully a slightly softer ride as well - but without loosing much performance.

Thanks for the help!

 

Ideally, I'd like to get 215/40/17 on a 17x7.5 wheel, but that size wheel is not very common for 4x100 bolt pattern. 17x7 is much more common but would 215s be a little too wide for a 7" wheel?

 

Rims widths do vary alot.
17x7 is the more common because it doesn't interfere with as many cars wheel wells. This size also keeps the weight down.
17x7.5" does happen but the selection of rims is limited
17x8" is even less common or you may see that 4x100 bolt pattern is no longer an option, usually a 5 bolt pattern is used and cars have a slightly larger wheel well.

17x7 rims will easily fit a 215 (40 or 45 series) or 225/45 tire but with the larger tires comes some tire height and that limits use in a MINI more than anything. 235mm tires can work in an 18" rim.