I am considering buying aftermarket wheels for my 07' MCS (something lighter than the 26lbs OE's) and need advice on the range of et's that will work form my application:
-17 wheels , 205/45 tires. I am looking at wheels ranging from an et36-45.
-Will be modestly lowered, 1/1/4" w/ Hsport or H&R sport springs.
-My concern w/ the et37 OZ Ultraleggra 17" is outside rubbing (the inner plastic wheel arch molding.) May be fine but I do not know the range of OE wheel off-sets.
Thanks

 

I'm running 18x7.5" et38 wheels with 215/35-18 tires with H&R springs [1.5" drop] and while the tires are very close to the arches, I don't hear any rubbing. it's tough to tell if they actually are rubbing because the fender liners are now that fuzzy carpet. I'm also running about -1.5 degrees camber in back to keep the tires from hitting the wheel arches, so keep that in mind. You won't be able to reduce camber without hitting the wheel arches with an aggressive offset/big tire.

Shoot for a 40-42mm offset and you should be just fine. My stock 16" bridge spokes say they're a 48mm offset.

Cheers,
Ryan

 

Here's all the info you could possibly want on the stock MINI wheels:

http://omor.com/mini/wheels.php