I have 2 sets of 16 inch rims, R83 5 star sport pkg and R90(?) V-spoke standard S rims. I'm looking to replace both sets of tires very soon and I'm convinced that going with 205/50-16's is best overall due to a wide selection of this size out there.

My issue is I actually like the look of the run flats (I have both the Goodyears and Dunlops currently) and I'm concerned the 205/50-16's will look too small. Can anyone out there PLEASE send me some pics of your cars with the 205's installed. I would be very grateful! Long live the R50/R53.

 

based on this calc:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

you are looking at 4.2 vs 4.0 inches on the side walls - i don't think it's going to look THAT much different. A little wider, but I doubt visually it will look that much shorter.

As soon as i order up my 205/50/16's, i'll take some pics for you.....

 

The 205/50-16s definitely are/look a little shorter than the 195/55 stock tires.

Here's a pic with 205/50-16 Pirelli P-Zero Neros on 16x7 Panasports:

http://on.miniusa.com/resume.jsp?use...nge=1&start=69

Here's a close-up with 205/50-16 Dunlop SP Sport 9000 NON-runflats (same type a the factory Dunlops, but non-rf):

http://on.miniusa.com/resume.jsp?use...ge=1&start=147

Well, the front anyway. Sorry, I guess I don't have a pic online of the whole car with the Dunlops. BTW, the non-runflat versions of the Dunlops aren't bad, but the Dunlop Sport Maxx tires I've got on the car now are even better, but have a similar tread pattern if you like the look.

 

Sorry to add another dimension to this thread, but I ordered some R99 anthracite wheels in 17" for my pepper white MCSc. When it came with the S-lites, I changed them right away and never liked the result. I lived with it for several weeks, then sold the dark wheels and put the silver ones back on. It was a matter of the dark wheels making the tires look smaller than the silver. Something to think about.

 

I wonder if it's the R99s rather than the color. I've got silver R99s, and even though I know they're 17", they don't look as big as the S-lites for some reason. Optical illusion.

 

Yeah, could be.? I never thought about it being anything but the color! The wider spoke on the S-lites could look like it "fills in" more. I like the look of the very thin (sidewall) tire and so big it fills the wheel well, but I hate the ride!:impatient I am definitely a creature of comfort ("built for comfort, not for speed"! as they say), so I will get some non-runflats next time. The tire configurator on the Miata site is pretty good. Lets you see how the prospective size compares to the existing tire. Guess we kinda got off thread, sorry.

 

205/50R16 BFG g-force sport:


big version: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/99/26...93b81387_o.jpg

205/50R16 Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position:



big version: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/92/23...c3fa4691_o.jpg

205/50R16 Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3



Big version: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/33/38...66a72844_o.jpg

 

Here are a shot of my 205/50/16's. I'm sitting on H-sport springs.

 

Stock Suspension, SSR Comps, GoodYear GS-D3, 205/50/16

 

I like the way 16's look , I guess I am old enough to remember what sidewalls look like.
chuck

 

you can check my gallery for mine... but the true difference on mine is
the width is 7.5". you really need that extra 0.5" to make the 205/50/16
to stretch a little for that extra bling factor...

and better steering response/feedback.

 

After saying "stretch a little for that extra bling factor" it's a good thing you added the line "and better steering response/feedback"

 

So just how well do 7" rims handle the 205/50/16s? I had wheels all picked out, but now I'm having second thoughts...

 

They fit perfectly. Look at the second picture linked in my post above. Those are mounted on 7" wide wheels.

 

7 inch should be fine. On my miata I 225/50 on 7" wide rims. I like the meaty tire look. I will probably try and fit the same size tires on my mini when i kill th runflats.

 

My SSR is a 7". Goodyear specifies 5.5" to 7.5" for the 205/50-16 GSD3.

http://www.goodyeartires.com/goodyea...6&sidewall=VSB

I figure it's probably a little better to a bit inside of the max end of the approved widths... Plus, I think the I saved my SSRs from a good curbing once (GY has a great rim protector) being a bit narrower.

 

7.5" still has at least 8-9mm rim protection with the 205/50/16 GSD3's.

 

well, both are equally important to me.

 

Thanks to all that have replied so far, but is there anyone out there willing to post more pics of 205's mounted on the stock 16's? There HAS to be quite of few of you since all most everyone is gets rid of the run-flats. Any effort to post pics is greatly appreciated.

 

The Continental ContiSportContact 2 has a 24.4" overall diameter in 205/50/16.

 

check post #7. those are stock wheels...

 

Word !

 

Yes, and I appreciate the great pics, but different tires have different looks. The tires may say 205/50-16, but they all look slightly different with tread and sidewall designs. I know I'm being ****, but just trying to acheive the right look that suits me that's all.

 

that post also has several different tire models on them too...

 

"Different tires have different looks". Exactly.

So now you have to go and find a MINI event and go and check out the tires. The variety of tires in 205/50-16 is large and larger still in 205/55-16 for the MINI.

Tread pattern is certainly easy to see but sidewall even if they are supposed to all be 50 series is not always the same. Specs will tell you a little when you see tire diameter, section width and tread width.

Most pictures don't do justice to the appearance of the tire in relation to the MINI itself. Many are done with lighting that doesn't show enough detail. Pictures are only the beginning, you'll have to do some additional homework.

Decide what tread pattern you want (aggressive?). Decide what sidewall look you are after. I think you might be better off looking at another tire size than 205/50-16. Maybe a 16" tire that has 45 or even 40 series sidewall. This usually means a lower than stock tire diameter so lowering springs or coilovers would be an option. If you want to keep the stock suspension then maybe 225/50-16 might work for you.