Ok so im looking a putting some not weel's and tires, right now i have the 17" 205-450-R18 and i was thinking about going to a 18" 215-35-18, also i talked to MINI and on some of the JCW's they put a 18" 205-40-R18....I dont know what to do with this...i thought that the 35 series tire might be a little to low-profile, but let me know your thoughts! THANKS!

 

35 might be a little hard to live with.
I have 215/40-17 and have killed one wheel with a pot hole, but I live where there are very few (not having much snow helps).

If you don't mind a harsh ride and are careful 35's would be fine.

 

35 series is UBER-harsh, though a lot of folks run them. I really think the biggest change is from 45 series to 40 or less though. If you are going from 40 to 35 it probably won't make a huge difference.

 

I love the look of my 18 inch wheels, I really do but they are as ruff as my S lites with run flats were. I recently bought a set of 16 inch wheels and tires for auto X and long trips and drove on them for a couple of weeks to wear in the tires a bit and then switched back to the 18's. I couldn't believe how hard they really felt. I guess I got used to the harshness. Yesterday I switched back to the 16's and might just stay there. You might want to go with at least a 205/40/18 instead of the 215/35/18's that most people (including me) run on.

 

Hey man do you know if for the 205/40/18 if you need to run the wheel spacers, and also do you ever have your wheels rub or any thing like that?

 

" i have the 17" 205-450-R18" I think you meant you have 205/45-17.

What size 18" rim and what offset are you planning for?
What suspension are you running and do you have plans to lower your MINI?

Clearance could be an issue with certain sizes of tires for 18" wheels.
Watch the outer tire diameter and keep it stock sized (24.4") or smaller if possible. Many tires are closer to 25" and might be tough to fit in the wheel well if you lower your MINI, with stock suspension it is OK up to 25".

Wheel offset is also an issue if you go with very wide rims and tires as there is less clearance inside on the lower trailing arm and on the rear swaybar if you upgrade it to one with a square design- stock bar is OK. The more you lower your MINI the less clearance you get on the outer wheel well plastic edge. Depends some on your rear camber setting, more negative gives more clearance, you can choose from -1.0 to about -1.5 degrees without too much trouble.

205/40-18 fits rims 7-8" wide 24.4" outer tire diameter Section width 8.3"
215/35-18 fits rims 7-8.5" wide 24" outer tire diameter Section width 8.4"
This is a better size for various tires- some are designed for more comfort.
Talk to Alex@tirerack.com for more info and options.

If you have a 18x7 or 18x8 rim then either size tire will work but tire selection is greater and likely comfort will be better with 215/35-18. Look at Ultra HP Summer or All Season tires in this size. Don't hit any potholes if possible. You have to be careful with 18" wheels no matter what.

 

Yeah, actually i haven't really thought about if I'm going to lower my car. I think it sits pretty low as it is, and i would be kind of scared to lower it any more.

As of right now i have all OEM parts on the car. I'm just looking for a sporty summer tire, something that looks good and performs just as well.

And has any one ever run any of the Enkei wheels before, and if so how did you like them?

 

You're probably safest just to leave the stock suspension alone for now and try out the aftermarket wheels and tires as is. Since the stock suspension is soft you're likely to be OK for ride quality even with 35 series tires but you'd be wise to check the reviews and tests because some tires are high in performance but noisy or rougher/harsher riding. Some also cost more and wear out faster due to softer rubber compounds.

Enkei rims are OK but I don't see any listed at Tirerack.com for 18" sizes.

Just these-



Enkei Racing Series NT03-M 17" $236
Finish: Bright Silver Paint



Enkei Racing Series NT03-M 17" $236
Finish: Hyper Black



Enkei Racing Series RP03 17" $236
Finish: Bright Silver Paint



Enkei Racing Series RPF1 17" $236 or 16" for $228
Finish: Bright Silver Paint

Contact Alex@tirerack.com for more info and tire choices.
If you like the Enkei rims the 17" would be a good size and then you could consider 205/45-17 or 215/45-17 tires which have better street manners, are more comfortable with good performance and in the 215/45-17 size there is good tire selection.