Hi,
I just got a red 2008 Clubman base model this week. I know I will have to replace two of the tires by winter. I want to get black rims for it. I have two request:
1. What size rim fits? Also, if I wanted to get bigger rims/tires, what size combo works that won't rub and will clear properly?

2. Can those that have black rims post a pic?

Thank you in advance for those that respond.

Melinda

 

On the base-model Clubman, a 15"-18" diameter wheel fit.

That's a loaded question; when you say "bigger tires", do you larger side wall (which causes larger overall tire diameter) or larger wheel diameter?

- Erik

 

Erik,
I'm new to all this. I'll have to ask my friend that is "consulting" me on what you are referring to! I'll get back to you on your question.

How is CO treating you? I once lived in Colorado Springs and I miss it for sure.

Melinda

 

Welcome to NAM! Looking for wheels can be a long-term commitment. I'm on my third set of aftermarket wheels and finally found what I wanted. You may want to peruse through TireRack and select your MINI as your vehicle and then refine the search by choosing black as your finish. You can even look at them on your MINI.

You'll get all kinds of opinions on wheels - here's mine. 17" wheels are the sweet spot for size. 16's are an awful lot of rubber and 18's can be an issue with rough roads - not enough rubber to protect the wheel from damage.

Here are my Enkei Imola's:

 

Enkei RPF01s in 17"



Alpina 18's

 

I really like these wheels on my 08 clubman. With a 215/45 tire they fill the wheel wells nicely. Also there are no sharp inside corners on the wheel so cleaning is easy.

 

No problem, we'll be gald to help.
Note, If you're looking for specifically for winter tires, a smaller wheel diameter like 15" or 16" allows for more cost effective snow tires.
Once you get into the 17"+ range, they can become quite pricey quickly.

Very well outside of all the carnage from the wildfires this year.
CO Springs is still a mess on the western still with the Waldo Canyon fire; the rebuild process has only just begun.

- Erik

 

I have my stock 15" wheels that I use for winter driving.

 

the style of this wheel makes them look like a 13" wheels. Looks Odd!

 

Thank you all for your thoughts on this. I'm looking at Tirerack now and will go with the 17's that you suggested. The car currently has run flats on it and I'm thinking of keeping run flats. I don't dislike them they way a lot of people seem to.

Of course, then the issue will be what tire to get!! I'll post once I decide on the tire. If you've got thoughts or suggestions on tire brands please let me know. My friend suggested a "low profile" tire that will fit the 17" but what size does that represent?

Melinda

 

I would say stick with 17"s. They are the perfect compromise between looking good and driving good.

The RFs are a good option if you commute a long way every day. But I promise you that once you drive with regular tires the car just feels so much better. Even on just normal performing regular tires you can feel the difference in grip and comfort.

Tirerack is a great guide. There are plenty of low-cost options that perform really nicely on the MINI. If you call TR directly they can more specifically compare the tires for you at the price level you are looking at (treadwear, season, etc.)

 

Mini///M,
Thanks. I do commute a long way to work. I drive 46 miles one way to work. Since I've not road in a MINI with regular tires it's hard to know. However, I will take your word for it since others have stated the same thing.

Melinda

 

Low profile refers to the height of the sidewall of the tire. This blog entry from Tire Rack sums it up. The standard tire size for OEM wheels is 205/45R17, although many MINI owners run 215 size tires as well, which is basically a taller sidewall tire (215mm vs 205mm).

+1 to Mini///M's recommendation on Tire Rack. Here is their guide to tire sizes.

 

Stock 205/45/17 on stock suspension. My gallery has normal picture. I dont know how to add photos that are already in other posts.

 

I just traded my 06 Saab 9-3 Aero sport combi for a 09 clubman.. I have leftover 235/45/17s in my basement....

anyone tried them, will they rub?

 

Well, I called tire rack today and found out that if I'm going to keep my run flats that they do not come in the 215. So, I'd have to stay with the 205's. I'm still trying to figure out which rims I want. It's apparently become my new obsession. LOL Great..something else to be OCD about. I should know by next week what I'm getting and I'll post it with pics.

Thanks again for all your help and pics!!

 

Here's my '10 S with JCW R113's. They're 18". They look awesome, but only 3 days after i bought the car, i hit a pothole and bent the outside lip. Had to get it fixed :(





They're a little stiff and noisy on crappy roads, but they look really nice. I drive 35 miles to work one way on a daily basis on SoCal roads/freeways and it's not too bad, but if i had to make a recommendation, i'd recommend 17's has the largest you should go.

 

I have a 2011 non s mini and just replaced the factory 15 inch wheels with 17 inch Mini lites with 205/50/17 tires. I wanted 50 series vs 45 series to help improve the ride. They are working fine and I like the look they give to the car. But, I have noticed significant less performance since putting 17inch tires on the car. The car has less pickup when starting off and it has reduced my gas mileage by about ten percent. 17 inch tires and wheels weight much more than 15 inch tires and wheels . I wished I had gone to 16 inch wheels vs 17 inch wheels.