Hello everyone, I thought I'd introduce myself. Just bought for my wife a 2007 MCS...(the option packages might be different between Canadian and US models - I'm in Vancouver).

- Lightning Blue / white roof/mirrors
- Premium package: sunroof, heated seats, tire monitoring, electronic doodads...
- 6-speed manual
- Premium sound: 10 speakers, single amp.
- 16" wheels, as she prefers a more comfortable ride (and there seems to be debate on the merits of either the 16" or 17" setups.)

A few questions:

1. It seems that without extensive suspension mods the widest tires you can go in 17" or even 18" wheels are 205's. Is it for lack of wheel-well space or another reason?
2. Could I go from the current 195/55/16 to 205/50/16 on the same OEM wheels?
3. For graphics/racing stripes, it seems the online retailers I've found do not offer too much variety for the R56's. Could I adapt pre-R56 graphics onto the hood/bonnet/sides without too much difficultly or are they just too different? I particularly like the checkered stripes on the side panel aft of the front wheels (sorry, I don't know the name of it).
4. If one tire blows, could I replace that with a non-runflat or must it be replaced with a run-flat? (I'd assume if the tires are fairly worn by that time that I'd need to change them by the pair).

Thanks for your help, and I look forward to participating in this forum.

 

Hi and Welcome Aboard - from Southern California Someone else will pipe in I'm sure about the tire size questions.

Run flats needs to be replaced with run flats. Non run flats replaced with non run flats - a no no to mix and match...

Donna

 

And check out Aesthetic Creations for the stripes. They will custom make just about anything, so whatever they have, they would most likely have for the R56, as well as any graphic you want to give them.

 

Welcome to NAM and MINI ownership!! Yes, graphic vendors can do virtually anything in stripes, just hook up w/ them and let your imagination run wild!! As for tire questions, there is a tire forum...you might get some help by posting there as well.

You are you sure you bought it for the wife??

 

Welcome to NAM and owning a new MINI.

It has been suggested you can do the 205/50/16 tires on your wheels. I may try that on my 2nd set or 215/50/60, if I can figure out the rub issues.

On the 17s or 18s, you should search for posts in the performance area, lots of good information has been posted.

Graphics for the R56, AC (Aesthetic Creations) does some great stuff on the new MINI, they do custom work, too.

I imagine you the other graphic vendors can be helpful, you should browse the various websites in the vendor area.

Nice set of options on your MINI, it will be a great drive for your wife, if you let her drive it.

 

www.tirerack can help you with your tire questions.

 

You can go to 215 on the 7" wide 17" and 18" wheels. Going wider than that would require wider wheels and clearance may become an issue. Due to the great natural handling of the car, I haven't heard of many MINI owners going wider. I think you can get more grip out of better tire compound. If it's the wider stance look you are going for, then suspension mods and/or steering limiters may need to be part of the equation. You can find some helpful contacts in the aftermarket wheel/tire industry in the vendor and modifications section here at NAM.

Definitely don't mix RF and NRF tires. I personally don't recommend any mixing, but if it has to be done, stick with same width/height/size/speed rating/weight rating for safety.

And welcome to NAM! You'll find many friendly people here that share the same passion =)

 

Welcome to NAM.

The large wheels are mainly for looks. You can get as good handling with 16".

Look through the Tires Wheels & Brakes forum in the General section. I think you will find that people are putting 215 and 225 tires on 16" wheels without rubbing.

Your wheels are 16x7, right? From what I understand, you could put Eagle F1 GS-D3 215/50 16 on those wheels and be within 0.4" of the stock O.D. The tire specs say they will fit on 6-8" rims.

I think it is more a matter of their web pages, rather than what they can do. As was said, AE can do custom stripes to order.

 

Thank you all for chiming in - I appreciate the quick and helpful responses.

- This MCS really is my wife's - for now anyways.... my daily driver is an E39 540 Touring, on Bimmerfest, same handle. A torque monster, but a different animal altogether.
- I'm already impressed with the stock 205/55/16's, although somewhat noisier at speed than her super-quiet Saab. Any tire upgrades would primarily be for aesthetics, but I wouldn't do it if it degraded the perfomance or the ride.
- Thanks for the AC link for the graphics...they didn't readily come out on Google searches, though as I familiarize myself with this forum, I'll get to know the vendors more. I think I'll go for the checks for the A-panel. And as the dealer is asking $200 for the OEM twin bonnet stripes, I think I'll go for the Viper stripes instead.