For reference the OEM 195-55-16s are 24.4" dia. for the ContiProContacts. So that lands right between the 205-50-16s and the 205-55-16s.

From what has been said I like the sound of the ASX tires, but if they were available in both sizes I'd rather go for the 55s and take the slightly larger diameter. But in the end its only a hair of difference - about 3/8" in ride height.

 

Yet another question. Since my MCS has been lowered [H-Sport Progressive], will that affect a 205-55-16 tire, with regard to rubbing?

 

Maybe, depends on which 16" rim you mount it on. If it's the stock rim then probably you are OK but close.

195/50-16 23.7" outer tire diameter
195/55-16 24.4" outer tire diameter (stock sized)

205/50-16 24.1" outer tire diameter, gives more clearance

205/55-16 24.9" outer tire diameter is larger than stock so less clearance and more chance to rub on inner rear wheel arch plastic liner if rim is wider than stock and if offset is less than about +42mm

When I had H-sport springs for 1" lower front and back on my 2003 MCS and 215/45-17 tires on 17x7 rims with +42mm offset I got rubbing in the rear wheel arches a little and that was with 24.7" outer tire diameter.

 

I have the 16" R-84 v-spoke x-lites on the MCS. They came with the car; in fact, it was one of the reasons I bought the car last May off the lot, even though it doesn't have other things I could have used [like DSC or LSD].

 

Given your stock 16" wheel you should be OK. 205/55-16 is only 1/2" taller than stock. Wheel offset is good for fitment in the wheel well. Later if you ever change to another wheel about 16x7" then look for an offset about +45mm.

Sometimes a little more negative camber in the back will help a little. You can adjust a bit in the lower rear control arm if you are too close for comfort but it will ride OK.

 

Thanks for your advice. I guess now it comes down to my deciding if I want a 205-55-16 or a 205-50-16. Pricing is about the same for each tire, so that's not an issue. Hmmm...I'm headed back to your earlier posts in this thread to reread and hopefully learn more.

Yep, upon rereading your earlier posts, it looks as if I'm about to leave the "wunnerful world of runflats" and become a 205-50-16 Kumho ASX owner.

 

I'm looking into possibly getting the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS in the 215 size as they don't come in the current size of have now (205/45/17). I was told the size increases about 1/2 inch. As far as I know, I have stock suspension but is there a way to check to see what I have. I bought my Mini third-hand and I know the gentleman I bought it from did not have anything done like that. I just don't want to have any problems with rubbing, etc... Thanks so much for all the info you've given me so far! I've learned a lot from the others that have posted questions on this thread and you're response to them.

Chris
Dovermini

 

If you have stock suspension you should be fine with
Bridgestone RE960AS in 215/45-17
One way to check is to take a picture of your MINI from the side and post it here or in your gallery and I can look at it.

Another way is to measure the height of your front and rear wheel arches in inches off of the ground at highest point over the center of the wheel.

My MINI measures 25" high at this point and I have lowered my suspension about 1.75" or more so your stock height will vary but be about 26.8 to 27" most likely. I did measure this once at the dealership on various MINIs and found it to be variable with different sized stock tires.

And still another check is how many fingers will fit between the top of the tire and your plastic wheel well? In the stock MINI it's about 2.5 to 3 finger diameters and in my car it's about half a little finger tip or less.

 

Well, I measured the height and, in front, I have about 25 1/2" and in back, it is about 25". Using the finger test, I can get 3 fingers between the top of the tire and the bottom edge of the plastic wheel well. On the back, about 2 1/2 fingers.

Concerning the tires, the dealer mentioned that what he can get on the Bridgestones also has the "XL" feature. He said this means "extra load" and that the sidewalls will be a little stiffer. Is this good or bad?

Thanks for such a quick reply on my last question!

Chris
Dovermini

 

Due to lack of funds and a great rebate deal I switched from Pirrelli P Zero Nero M&S to the Kumho ASX. I'd say straight line that there isn't any difference to me. Noise level, feel, etc. The difference comes in cornering. The Pirrelli's cut a tight line while the Kumho's seem to flex quite a bit. Say you take a sharp right then back to straight ahead. The Pirellis will go right then straight. The Kumhos will go right then straight then a little bounce to the left then straight. softer sidewalls? I'm waiting to see how the Kumhos wear.

 

Thanks for the update.
See post #25 in this thread.
Question there was about which tire is more comfortable and usable for daily driving. Slight edge to P Zero Nero M&S but handling score favors it over the Kumho ASX (much better value!).

Again everything is a compromise. P Zero Nero M&S a better overall tire but also more expensive. If they both cost the same you'd choose Nero M&S.

As far as wear is concerned it will depend on tire pressure and your driving style and habits but I would expect about the same for each tire with slight edge going to P Zero Nero M&S. Since handling in corners is not as crisp with the Kumho ASX I doubt that you will be driving quite the same or as fast so hopefully treadlife will be helped a little. Smooth starts and stops also help treadlife as does less load.

 

Lets assume you have the stock tire 205/45-17 and there are three fingers worth of height between the top of the center of the tire (highest point) and the top of the inner wheel arch. That would suggest that you have stock suspension and the 215/45-17 would be OK to use.

Some examples-

Lowered suspension and 17" wheels


205/45-17 stock sized tires and stock suspension.

 

I always check TireRack's ratings. They help a lot. Like in the owner's comfort I was wondering if sacrificing .3 in comfort was worth $40. I see in the tests that Kumhos rate higher in comfort.(.12) For my 2¢ comfort it's the same.(.07 difference ) While the ratings do help it does come down to personal perceptions. One man's lousy tire is anothers favorite.

 

All of the customer ratings are dependent on the tire size and the car being used. As a group you can look at tendencies and trends.

The tirerack tests are often done using a standard size like 225/45-17 and a standard sport sedan like BMW 3 series. Even the reference tire tends to be the same, Goodyear Eagle RS-A.

The numbers cannot be easily used as a strict comparison tool because there are so many variables. That's why you can see very different reviews. Some tires are available in a very wide range of sizes and sidewalls and even with different speed and load ratings.

You have to read between the lines and get a feel for your own situation and experience with your car and with your past tires.

Comfort has to to with your suspension and which tire size you choose along with the tire design, tire pressure and road conditions. Some roads are horrible and others make any tire feel really smooth.

In the end the $40 difference in price is what is easily appreciated. If both tires are very close for any owner to discern, then save your money unless your budget allows.

 

I think that is where the ratings help. They're a good starting point for your decision making. Get's you an idea of what tires to consider using.