Fellow Houstonians:

Just found out that the wheels I want in 17's are in and if I wanted to upgrade to 18's it's another $30 ea.

My question is it worth it in the long as far as the extra cost in tires and the harsher ride driving on our streets? Rubbing issues, lower profile sidewalls, ROAD CONSTRUCTION.
A friend goes thru tires very often during normal driving.

Tire size you prefer 215/40/18 or 215/35/18.

Thanks for your opinions.

 

Some may call me a heretic but I changed my 17's for 15's to get more side wall. LA roads compete with Houston's for worst roads in America and need the extra side-wall to save on dentist bills. l8's sound as painful as a pair 1970's platforms.

 

What suspension do you have now? What plans do you have to lower your MINI?

215/35-18 has tire diam of 24" which fits better
215/40-18 has tire diam of 24.9" which is taller than stock- will fit stock suspension but be at risk for rubbing with lowered suspension

18" wheels have a nicer big wheel look and $30 is good. But you do get more weight on each wheel so you'd make it harder to accelerated, brake fast and be nimble. I'd estimate about 2 more pounds each rim.

18" tires are probably going to be 35 series sidewalls which can be ok if you pick a tire that is more compliant and gives you a softer ride. But if you do that you do give up a little handling and traction. 35 or 40 series sidewalls are very stiff, you get good turn in response but you can feel every bump in the road.

If you roads are truely horrible then 17" wheels and tires would make the most sense- probably 205/45-17 or 215/45-17.

No matter what you get you must be very careful not to hit potholes because the shock will damage your tires, your rims and your suspension or even your shock towers (mushrooming). This means driving slow when needed- unfamiliar places, night or low visibility times, during rain or bad weather. This can take the fun out of driving.

If you really like the 18" wheels then
in 215/35-18
for a softer ride easier for daily use then consider
General Exclaim UHP (UHP Summer tire) $85 380 treadwear
These are also possible- a balance of handling and comfort-
Kumho Ecsta SPT $97 320 treadwear
BF Goodrich g-Force Sport $135 340 treadwear

or in UHP All Season tires same size
Pirelli PZero Nero M&S $156 400 treadwear
Kumho Ecsta ASX $97 420 treadwear
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ireSearch=true

 

I have stock susp now, however when the jcw susp comes out planning on going with that. I've heard from motoringfile (Gabe) the susp. drops the car about 1".

I think i'm going with the 17's. Now I have to figure out what tires. My dad has 215/45 on his and he says hit bottoms out alot, plus he's always having to replace them. (R53)

 

I've got 215/45 17 no rub no problem, factory suspension though, I live by San Felipe and Fountainview (construction central) and I've been ok


Paul

 

I'm also in Houston and just had a loaner with 16's while my MCS with 17's was in for a service. I'm seriously thinking about getting 16's now, the ride is much improved. I'd have chipped teeth with 18's!

 

If you lower your MINI you need tires that are not larger than stock for enough clearance and no rubbing.

So 215/35-18 makes the most sense.

See if you can find other MINI owners in your area that have that sized tire to go for a ride and see what you think.

 

I'm riding 215/45/17" Yokos all season rubber and would not think to go to an 18" wheel set up here in Houston. I would not want to be caught going down on Kirby riding 18" wheels..yikes!

 

Thank you everyone for your valued input. I will be going with 17's. I suppose the 215/45 also.