So, I purchased an 02 Mini Cooper a couple months ago, Love it! Except it has 18 inch rims and is lowered. The lowering springs have gone out in the rear and I think I'm just going to get new springs. The tires are 225/40 18 which I think is too big anyway. Should I just get the springs fixed and then get smaller tires later? The rims are actually quite nice so I'm reluctant to get rid of them.

 

It's not the rim size...it's the tire. You need a lower profile tire. Unfortunately, this will create a somewhat fragile situation making potholes your worst enemy.

 

I run 215-35-18 and its not a problem in terms of rubbing. Alot of other people are running this same setup and its not a problem either. In terms of ride quality, its not horrible...but maybe I am just used to it.

 

Depending on the size of your rims, you might want to think about going to a 205/40/18 or a 215/40/18. I myself run a 215/35/18 and it's true that you need to watch out for bad road ALL the time. It won't take much to wreck a rim with that size tire. I plan on going to a 215/40/18 next time around. My 18's are a 18X7.5.

 

Stock Rolling dia. on first gen Minis was 24.26mm (with 17" rims)

Going +1s with these on 18s means that you'd want 225/35s (24.20) or 215/35 (23.93) - speedo reads high
215/40 (24.77) - speedo reads low

Your current 225/40s have a rolling dia or 25.09, so your speedo is reading much slower than you are actually going...

When you say that the lowered springs have gone out, I'm assuming you mean that they broke... so I'd replace them with stock units if you don't mind the higher ride height.

 

Mine are 18X7.5 also.

I wasn't sure if the tires would fit right if I put the stock springs on. I think I would rather have the stock setup because I live in pothole heaven, which is why I think the springs are broken in the first place! If the car is going to look ridiculous with the huge rims at stock height I might just take the tires down a size. I don't even know!


Also- I thought the speedometer was off! It's a wonder I haven't been pulled over because I've speeding according to the car already- ha.

 

I don't understand. If you raise it to stock height why would you want a smaller tire?

 

I don't, if I don't raise it I will get the smaller tires. I think I'm just going to get the stock ones and leave the tires as is.

 

215 x 40 x 18 Toyo T1R's. They are great! Best combo yet.

Longboard

 

Does anyone know where I can find some stock springs? Is that what I search under or is there a part number?

 

Just check the marketplace. I sold my stock springs last year when I did my Hsports...I am sure many people have old ones they would be happy to part with.