I have a 2011 hardtop hatch base model (not s) completly stock.

My 2 options are:

205/60r15 on 15x5.5 et45. I think they will fit but I'm unsure.

OR

205/45R17 on 17x7.5 et35.

If both setups will work, would 1 setup allow lowering more than the other?

Thanks!

 

I think it will fit however the 205/60 may look odd on a 5.5 inch wheel.
I'm running 195/60 15 on 15X7 ET35 it sits pretty flush.

 

205/45-17 tire diameter is about .3" shorter. ET 35 moves the entire wheel and tire outward. As noted, tends to be flush with fender.

However, I have it on good authority that some MINIs commit suicide when subjected to the California surfer look. They're Brits after all.

 

Point well taken. Lol

I'm torn on weather or not to go for the whitewall look or get the 7.5 wide 17's. The 17's are just like the jcw 17's (cross spoke) but 7.5" wide instead of 7.0" wide and only 550.00 for all 4 instead of double that for the jcw's. Do you think the extra 1/2" width will pose any issues with fitment, camber, handling, etc...?

 

7.5" and 35 ET will not be a problem with fitment. Handling will improve slightly with the extra 1/2" width, but won't be noticeable in sane street driving. Compared to a 205/60 the 205/45 tire is going to be considerably superior in handling, less comfortable in ride on bumpy pavement due to the shorter (and stock) sidewall height.

 

I like it!

But really, they're BMWs with a cosmetic job.

 

To give you some #s to add to the confusion I have a 2013 JCW hatch that is lowered 2" and rolls on 235 (YES) 40/17 on 7.5 rims (et 45) and drive the worst roads (R.I.) inthe USA. and I hammer this badboy. NOOOO PROBLEMS and looks so badass you have to ask.

ISAMIN

 

How did you get 2 inches of drop on springs? Which springs? All the springs I've found are only 1 or 1.25 drop
Post a pic

 

If your goal on drop is to hit a SPECIFIC # (useful bragging rites @ cruz nite) then you drag out the chop saw and cut. Don't use the torch and sandbag method or one side may come as 2.02 and the other as 1.96. You could then claim stagger (left or right) and tell the boys it improves handling. I asked Merlin for advice but he was busy and let me borrow his GWAND. Sorry, no camera but if you're in the area the badboy will be @ THE MAIN STREET CRUISE (Putnam, CT) 8/14/16.

ISAMIN

 

Did you cut lowering springs or stock ones?

All the lowering springs I've seen lower the car the same on all 4 or the front a bit more. Personally I'd like to lower the rear more to level it out. I'm thinking 1.5 in the front and 2 in the rear or at the very least 1 in front and 1.5 in rear.

 

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