I’m swapping out my stock 17x7 (48et) wheels for some new 17x8 (35et) wheels. Currently, I’m running 215/45/17 tires on my oem wheels…..stock ride height, and no fitment or clearance issues at all.

Because of the offset on the new wheels, I should have some extra clearance between the strut and the wheel/tire, so I’m thinking about taking advantage of that and running a slightly wider tire.

Both a 225/45/17 and 245/40/17 are almost (+/- ¼”) the same diameter as the 215/45/17 that I’m currently running…..but the 225 is around ½” wider overall, and the 245 is around 1.4” wider overall. According to the tire fitment calculators I’ve used….even the 245/40/17 should clear the strut just fine.

This is a daily driver car that also hits some twisty roads on the weekend. Looking for a wider tire for a larger tire patch, and a better look…..but I don’t want to make the handling worse.

What should I go with? Stick with the same 215/45/17, go with the slightly wider 225/45/17, or max it out with a 245/40/17?

Thoughts?

 

Because you are going from a 7" wide wheel to an 8" wide wheel, even though the offset is reduced, the clearance at the strut will be the same.
https://www.wheel-size.com/calc/?whe...cl=30mm&sr=0mm

A 215/45-17 tire on an 8" wheel will be pretty square.

 

Thanks! I like that wheel/tire calc better than the one I was using! If I can fit the 225 or 245 (assuming there is enough suspension clearance).....is there any advantage to going with those wider sizes?

Thanks for the reply!!

 

wider tires have more grip. as mentioned you will be limited by clearance on both sides

wider tires also have a different look. thats all about your personal taste

 

Wider tires will give more grip, up to a point. If the wheel can't support the tire, handling will feel sloppy. On the Mini, you're going to be limited by clearance between the suspension and fender. Depending on ride height and camber specs, I'd wager 225/45-17 is going to be the biggest tire you'll fit on the car, without going with fender flares and cutting. I had rubbing on my lowered Clubman with 17x7 and 215/45-17 tires, and my alignment numbers were within OEM spec. I needed to bump to -2° camber in the rear and go back down to 205/45-17 tires.

Play around with that website to see what "might" fit. Measure everything around your car, and enter it into the calculator. Then play around with your desired wheel and tire choice. Keep in mind too that different tires will have different measurements, even if they might have the same size listed.

 

note you are going wider with the 8 inch rim. plus the lower et. that will push the rim even further outboard. it will be close

 

I've run a few sets of 17x8 ET35 on my R53, R50 and R52. I ran 225/45/17. After awhile the plastic arches wear down from the rubbing (or you can just file them down in advance).

 

If you're still riding on the stock springs and strut/shocks, fine but if the car is lowered, be careful what you choose.

 

Br Goodrich 215/45ZR17/XL is what I run on my 17x7.5 wheels. These rubbed on the plastic inner well until the plastic wore out enough. No more rubbing . The rubbing was only on the rear and I'm pretty low. (See for sale posting of my mini) They cover the lip with an added .5" so would be flush with a 17x8 I'd think.