Hey guys/gals. I'm going to be upgrading my wheels and just wanted to ask some questions.

I want to get 215 45 17.

I heard 40 instead of 45 is better, what do you think?

I think I want to stay with 17".

And on some websites it has said on a 2003 MC an offset of 48 will not fit. And that max recomended is 45. Do i take that as a fact or recomendation?

Any input will be appreciated, thank you

 

40s will give you a little bit more performance but the 45 will offer more protection against damaged wheels. I went with the 45s because the roads are horrible where I live. I'm very happy with the choice I made. The 45s have a bit better ride as well.

 

What rims do you have? If you have MINI stock rims then they are 17x7" and offset will be +48mm or close to it. Both MC and MCS can fit this size.

If you have stock MINI suspension for either MC or MCS then your 17x7" rims will work if offset is about +38 to +48mm but some does depend on other upgrades like your tires and your rear swaybar.

Tires that have a square shoulder or a larger than stock outer tire diameter may rub the inner wheel arch plastic.

If you have 17x7.5" or 17x8" rims then offset becomes more crucial because you have less space inside and outside. Then 215/40-17 can make more sense or 205/45-17 is also OK.

215/45-17 is larger than stock size for outer tire diameter. It will work fine with stock suspension and 17x7.5" rims of +42 to +48mm offset.

40 series tires will be much harsher riding on anything but smooth roads. If you have alot of potholes then it isn't recommended. You'd have to drive slower or risk damage to your tires/rims/suspension.

 

I have 40s on 17 wheels. I like the look but have killed one wheel with a pot hole. Will probably get 45s next time.

 

I have the stock rims so that means they are 17x7 right. The rims I am looking at are 17x7 also, so I think they should be fine, and not rub.

 

Ok, never mind. The rims are 16''.
They are stock so are the 16x7 or something like 16x6.5??

 

IIRC, all 16" OEM rims are 16x6.5... look for a nice 205/50R16 or 205/45R16 (if you're willing to sacrifice a bit of ride comfort and take the hit on the speedo and odometer error, go with the 45's (they're quite a bit shorter than the 165/55R16 OEM)). If you want pure summer tyres, some 215/45R16 Falken Azenis RT-615's would fit the bill (but NOT be friendly in deep standing water!).

 

The rims I waht are 17''. One of the sites I am looking at recomends 205/45-17 as the size of tire. Does that mean that only 205's will fit?

 

No.

For 17x7" rims for the MINI you can use-
205/40-17 which is stock sized for tires.
215/40-17 and 215/45-17 will also fit.

215/40-17 has a lower profile and harsher ride for daily use, it has a lower than stock load rating so it isn't suited for four people in the MINI on a regular basis. If you drive alone then it's usable.

215/45-17 will work but is slightly taller than stock. This works with stock suspension height but watch for rubbing if you lower your suspension.

225/45-17 is even taller at 25" so same problem but worse than the 215/45-17.

 

thanks for the input guys. you helped a lot. If I have anymore problems on the course of buying my wheel/tires I'll ask.

 

thanks for the input guys. you helped a lot. If I have anymore problems on the course of buying my wheel/tires I'll ask.