I seen the R53s at A&E Performance in Campbell running 7.5 wheels with PS2s 235/40-17. I asked them about it they said they had to dremel moulding though. Did not ask about offset.

And both cars I seen were running Michelin PS2s.

 

Any update guys :) Like what size tyres you have measured that work?? since they arent consistant after all...

 

Well, I kind of punted . It is a very nice combo, but not what I was originally looking for. Those wheels in my sig are 17 X 7, with a 45mm offset and no spacers. The tires are Bridgestone Potenza RE01, 215/45-17.

So that is a relatively wide 215, but the same tire in 235 would be almost an inch wider.

From what I have read and experienced:
.......Front .....Rear.........Comments
205: OK.........OK ...........stock width
215: OK.........OK............some offset limitations
225: OK.........maybe.......expect some rubbing with suspension travel
235: OK.........problems....need perfect offset, and/spacers, will have have to trim inner fender liner

This is all at stock suspension height. If you lower the fitment issues get worse. As eluded to above, tires of the same 'size' do not have the same actual dimensions. These differences can be a significant factor when you are trying to squeeze in extra rubber. Also, try to stay with as close as possible to stock overall tire diameter.

The R56 has more room and I believe no problems even with the 235s.

 

Bringing this thread back from the dead! (with an important question I have not found an answer to)

So one important question, are these rubbing issues dangerous? e.g. cut tires, or will it simply tear up plastic wheel arches and such?

For some context on my specific issue, I picked up a set of 235/40-17 Yoko AD08's on 17X7 rims for autocross... came from an R56 which fit fine, I'm running them on an R53 ('06 JCW)... they clear the suspension (rear arm seemed to be an issue for some, it's fine for me), and they don't rub under normal street driving, but under heavy cornering the back of the rear wheel arch definitely rubs. I plan on autocrossing on these this weekend. I frankly don't care if I'm rubbing a plastic wheel arch that needs replacing at some point, and taking some life off the edge of the tire. However there's sheetmetal at some point beyond that plastic, so I'm hoping I don't have a serious issue. Again: no issues on the street, only under sustained high G cornering. Hoping for some input but I'm giving it a go in a few days so I'll report back either way.

The link below is broken but I would love to see what they say:

 

The tire will do a perfect job of clearancing the plastic inner liner. Much better than the dremel approach. There should be no metal interference issues. If in doubt, remove the plastic and look. It is simple to do.

 

thanks, yeah I'll be pulling back the plastic and keeping an eye on it between runs