I need to get some new tires for my 04 R50. It has 15" wheels and I have access to a set of stock 17s. Is there any advantage to going to 17s? The car will be used mostly as a daily driver and tourer, not much (if any) autoX. I drive relatively quickly but don't beat the car. I don't mind the firmer ride and general overall balance of the car is what Im after. right now it has 185/65/15s another consideration is going to 195/60/15


Al

 

at the same diameter, the 17 will handle better because there will be less sidewall flex and wider tires


the cons are 17's are heavier, tires are more expensive, and have more contact patch creating more rolling resistance.

 

I have never driven an R50 but given the hefty weight of stock 17s (probably s-lites no?) that is not a swap that I would do.

The 195/60/15 option will give you a little more grip and a little more zip at the expense of a little more fender gap and speedo error.

 

Since the original tires were 175/65/15s The diameter of the 195s is very very close. Not too worried about fender gap. The unsprung weight difference of at least 10lbs per wheel sure makes the 15s seem like the way to go.

Thanks for the opinions.

Al

 

15 in rims are about 10-12 lbs, where as the 17's especially slites can be up to 26lb a wheel, not to mention the tires are still 20-23 lbs, same weight as the 15's!

 

I took a few minutes to check on some numbers this is a general figure your stock wheels and tires 195/60/15 have a Overall Diameter Measurement of: 615.00 mm
and replacement 205/45/17 have a Overall Diameter Measurement of: 616.30 mm
Giving you a Diameter Variance of: 0.21% (you will be a little faster than your speedo)
that falls within the recommendation to stay within 3% the original size.

So depending on the weight of the wheels....

Motor on!

 

If you go with a light but strong wheel like the Enkie PF01 (15#) or OZ Alleggerita (14#)
and a light but top notch summer tire like the Michelin Pilot Super Sport (20#) or
Conti ExtremeContact DW (19#), you'll still have a relatively light unsprung weight.
I'd ordinarily suggest you put winter tires on the 15" rims you have, but I see you
reside in Florida, so not really necessary. They'll make good spares to keep at home
if you're ever waiting for a replacement tire or for a road trip up north in the winter.

 

I run 15x9 949 6uls.
I also use 225/40/15s Rs3 rubber (240 tread ware)

This combo is very hard to beat. I will disagree with the above poster. I had 18 OZ rims and Michelin pilot sport tires. My 15s mop the floor with my previous set up.

Except when it rains...

 

I've run 15, 16, and 17. The weight saving with the 15 is very noticeable; its as if you found another 20 hp.

 

First post. First Mini, purchased a 2012 Cooper a couple of weeks ago. Just changed out the 15" wheels and factory Continental run flats - upgraded to a set of 18" JCW wheels, powder coated them white, and wrapped them in Perrelli P Zero run flats - 205/40/18. It is a different car - steering is way more responsive, grip is great and road noise is a bit lower. And it looks mean.

 

Pros for 17" wheels:
17" wheels/tires may look more aggressive.
You can use 205/45-17 or 215/45-17 for a wider tire look that gives potentially better more responsive handling with a much firmer ride. Good selection of Max Summer tires that are not available in 15" sizes.
You can always go back to OEM 15" wheels/tires if you don't like it.

Cons
Nearly all OEM 17" wheels are super heavy and a bad idea for an R50, unless it is for a car show or for looks.
Firm riding lower profile sidewalls can be very jarring depending on which tire selected.
Depending on which tire selected Max Summer tires don't last as long.
Higher rolling resistance of 205 or 215mm wide tire gives -2 mpg for daily use.

For 17" wheels to work with an R50 you want light weight wheels which can be costly and comfortable street tires, in 215/45-17 you can find some Grand Touring All Season tires that will last longer and ride on the street well-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...wws=N&showcm=N

Think about what you're doing before you make the change.

Another idea is to swap wheels with another MCS owner, you put on their stock 17" wheels and tires and see how it feels to you in your R50. Depending on what front brakes they have, your 15" wheels may not fit the MCS.

 

I would put 175/65-15 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3's on it and drive the heck out of it.

I had 205/50-16's Dunlop Star Specs for autocrossing my 2010 Cooper and preferred the nimbleness on stock 175/65-15 Conti Summers for the street.

On my Roadster S I have 205/50-16 A/S 3's for street and 205/45-16 Hankook R-S3's for autocross. I prefer the Michelin's for the street, especially in the wet or very low temps. And there is no way I'm going to find the dry limit on a public byway.

review of A/S 3:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...hing-well.html

 

Thanks for all the feedback. Trying to make an informed decision. I'll go look at the 175/65 A/S3s thanks for the opinion

 

Ordered a set of 175/65/15 A/S3s . Thanks for the suggestions

Al