I will be selling my stock 17" wheels to go to 15". I live on a dirt road and short sidewall is killing us. What is out there that I can mount the widest tire available?
Thanks

 

You can choose-
15x7
15x8
15x9

But wide isn't always the best solution for a dirt road.
What did you have in mind?

Is your MINI lowered or do you have plans for that?

How much of your driving is on streets vs dirt roads.

I would think that clearance would be best kept stock if on a dirt road and tires for more grip would be better.

15x7 rim and 205/55-15 with snow tire like tread pattern.

Try talking to Alex@tirerack.com for ideas.

 

The 15x7 sounds like a good option with 205/55. I want a beefy sidewall and tread. The 17'' run flats had a few cuts in them, which I'm going to blame the dirt road for. I was thinking a good rally setup would be nice for car. We have no intentions to lower car. My wife drives 5 miles on road before she hits paved road. A durable tire with a better ride is a good choice here.

 

Can't believe nobody suggested these amazingly awesome OEM 15 inch wheels yet:


Holies! Do it!

mb

 

Here is what the 205/55/15's look like on a 15x7 rim. I am personally a huge fan of the look!

Jason

 

Yes, and stock 15x5.5 rims are also OK for general use.

205/55-15 will fit rims 5.5-7.5" wide so it doesn't matter exactly which rim you have. Narrow rims weigh less and have less rolling resistance, they work better in snow or when cutting through ??mud??- do you get rain and mud?

In ultra high performance All Season tires
205/55-15
Continental ContiExtremeContact $82 each 400 treadwear 19 lbs


Kumho Ecsta ASX $66 each 420 treadwear 20 lbs.

Also comes in 195/60-15 and 205/60-15
Both will work.

Tire test results for both
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...ay.jsp?ttid=88

 

Jason,
Nice pic. I've got a BRG/W MCS and I normally run the stock 17's, but I just put the snows on with a set of 15" konigs. Ride quality improved immensely! I was thinking about putting some summer 15's on in the spring and I just happen to have the same Kosei wheel on my Miata.Sometime in the next few days I'll swap them on to see how they look. They're white (not silver) and with the BRG/W they might be just the ticket. Thanks for that photo !
Warren

 

Hey Warren,
I don't think you will like the white Kosei's on your car, I think you'd be much better off trading me for my silver ones

Seriously though, I think the white Kosei's would be the hot setup on a BRG/W, if I wouldn't have picked up my set of silver Kosei's for a good price used, I would've gone for a set of white ones for sure!

Jason

 

For dirt roads and a rally llike look, choose steel rims.

 

One question whats your budget, if its on the low end you could buy some OEM 15' wheels from a Mini owner that has upgraded. . . .

 

mplatt911,
I run 205/50/15 Kuhmo ASXs on my Miata on love them. They have enough "stick" for the occasional Sunday morning jaunt at extra legal speeds, but are a nice quiet and smooth riding tire. They'rer currently on the white Koseis that Jason "so generously" offered to trade for.I'll have to slap them on the MINI and get pics as well as an evaluation of the ride. I'm thinking this tire in a 205/50/16 would be pretty good on a MINI.
Warren

 

Thanks All. I'm leaning to a white 15" also. Wifes car is Indi blue with white top/mirrors/stripes. I would be willing to trade anyone her 17" stock wheels for a really nice set of 15's. I like the look of the Momo winters though.

 

If you want a sample, look in my gallery. I've got white 15x7 and 16x7.5 Kosei's on BRG/W. Personal favorite of mine. Those are 225/50-15 Yokohama A048s, by the way. 5mm spacer up front.

Scott
90SM

 

What is the asking price of the 17" stock wheels? Any pics?

John M

 

what about konig rewinds? i love holies, too, but konig rewinds would come right behind 'em for my choice

more pics of mcs w/ holies?

 

You mean like these?



And I have this set of Rocket 5-spokes available if you're interested.

 

If you want a rally set up, get some Compomotives:

They're available in 15" x 6, 6.5 or 7" from $260 each.

Or check out this Minilite-ish version:


No idea if they're available to fit Minis, though.

 

Yes! Holies!

 

dirt setups for rally are almost all 15" - Enkei makes a few dirt competition wheels.

for 4x100....this one is available in 14" - not sure if that would even clear OEM brakes to be honest



these are available in 17:

 

Here is a nice set of 15" wheels with tires:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...55#post1953455

 

I just ordered 15x7 35et rota RBs from 18 racing - $500 shipped.

I prefer the shape of the RBs to the Rewinds - to me the rewinds look more like the S-lites, and less like panasports....

YMMV!

 

The biggest reason to select a 15" wheel for dirt roads is the extra sidewall you will have to adsorbe rock hits and various holes that you will be encountering.

!7" rims will get bent much more easily because of the short sidewalls and less ability to adsorbe impacts.