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hello, i have a 2013 mini cooper s. i was wanting to get some new wheels for a more aggressive fitment. i have stock suspension and the only reason id lower it is just fill the gap. i want to get 17x7.5 wheels so i can keep running 205 45 tires because i have tire insurance that only covers factory size. i will eventually move to a bigger tire. my 2 main questions are, what offset should i get so i have a pretty aggressive look without rubbing or at least minimal. will my 205 fit properly since it is a run flat tire with a stiffer side wall. thank you
OEM 17” Cooper S wheels are 17x7 +48 offset. GP2 came with 17x7.5 +45 and 205/45-17 tires. You could probably go down to a +40 offset without thinking about it too much, especially sticking with the OEM tire size.
Neuspeed make wheels specifically designed for Mini in 17x7.5 and their offset is 45. I imagine that's a bit on the safe size considering they advertise that those wheels are made for the car and shouldn't have running issues. I'd be willing to bet you could even go to 40 if you're willing to keep the smaller tire.
i seen somebody was running 17x7.5 et40 with 235/40/17 and rubbed at full lock and harsh bumps. he also was lowered a little on NM Springs. so i should be fine with 205/45/17 and maybe up to 225 width with same side wall id hope. although i might go with et 42 so i could maybe run 235 without rubbing much and have good fitment. going to do more research throughout the day as well.
i seen somebody was running 17x7.5 et40 with 235/40/17 and rubbed at full lock and harsh bumps. he also was lowered a little on NM Springs. so i should be fine with 205/45/17 and maybe up to 225 width with same side wall id hope. although i might go with et 42 so i could maybe run 235 without rubbing much and have good fitment. going to do more research throughout the day as well.
That is a WIDE tire to be running on a Mini. I'm a little surprised he only rubbed at full lock.
@iwashmycar looks like they only have fifteen52 is 30 35 and 42. theres a crazy deal on fitment industries for all 4 for 575 dollars right now. i might just grab the et42 turbomacs and if its not frowned upon ecs tuning has some 5mm spacers if im not happy with the look.
Yeah, thats not a bad plan. I used 5mm spacers on another set for a while. No problems at all. The 35s would certainly work as well...you are talking three millimeters. That said the 42s will allow you to go wider on a tire if you so choose at a later point.
Both my pictures above were on BC coilovers, but they also looked nice barely lowered on H&R springs.
Rally ran 17x7.5 et40 and it was sweet looking (on air though). Said tires were 205/40s
@iwashmycar do you think i could run a 235 tire with a 45 side wall without using the spacer? stock side wall is 45 but the extra width might be an issue? i normally run firestone indy 500 tires on my other cars but they only offer 235/45 and no 40 option.
It would probably fit but a 235/45 is over an inch taller. If you are lowered it could get dicey. A 45 sidewall on a 205 isnt as tall as a 45 sidewall on a 235 because the 45 is a ratio of the width.
Most recommend a 215/45. I'd want a little stretch anyway if the edge of the rim is about flush with the fender flare.
@iwashmycar do you think i could run a 235 tire with a 45 side wall without using the spacer? stock side wall is 45 but the extra width might be an issue? i normally run firestone indy 500 tires on my other cars but they only offer 235/45 and no 40 option.
I've done the math on running a 235 tire and it's tight. You basically need perfect fitment if you're lowered. I've experience very slight rubbing on the strut with a 225/45 on an et45 wheel and rubbing in the fender with a 215/45 pushed out to et29. When you consider these two as limitations it comes out to a theoretical tire that's a 236/45 with an offset of et39.5. Round that off to 235/45 et 40. Pretty much guaranteed to rub on the outside of the fender and getting *very* close to the strut still.
I've been doing all this wheel math because I wanted to try running a 245/40 on a 17x8 but you pretty much need to cut the fenders to do so. The widest 17 inch tire you can comfortably run inside the stock fender is 225, assuming you are lowered.
i went ahead and purchased gloss white turbomacs that are 17x7.5 et42. i will get 4mm spacers by summer and try to run a 235 on firehawk indy 500s. i seen another guy with a similar setup run that size. with minimal issues lowered but i think im going to stay stock ride until i figure my setup out completely.
i have the same doubt, i found some nice wheels for mi MCS fur they are 17 x 7,5 ET 35, and stock wheels, i would like to lower with h&r near future, will it rub?
