I'm weighing wheel options. I'd love to find a used set of wheels but I may end up ordering and one of the wheels I'm looking at can be ordered in either ET43 or ET48.

I'll probably end up lowering about 1.5", if that's relevant to the discussion.

Secondly, if you compare two wheels, one 7" and one 7.5" with the same offset, am I correct that the 7.5" wheel will stick out .25" more than the 7?

Thanks for your help.

it also depends on how much camber and what tire size you are going to run

This is correct which also means that it will be .25" wider on the inside as well.

If you're looking at a 7.5" wheel, I'd say go with the et43

On a 7.5" wheel, I'd probably go with a 215/40 tire.

i would do +43 vs +48.

and 215/45/17.

The OP mentioned this will be on a lowered R56 so watch out of clearance using 215/45-17 which is about 0.4" taller than stock tires. You may have just enough room depending on how much you lower your MINI.

That's why 215/40-17 was mentioned since it is smaller than stock tire diameter and offers a little more clearance but a little stiffer sidewall means harsher potential ride and less protection from risk of damage to the tires and rims from hitting a big pothole.

205/45-17 is a usable size but tire selection is more limited. 215/45-17 gives good tire selection but is taller. 215/40-17 has good selection but usually is more performance oriented and costs more.

You don't always have much choice with wheel offsets. +43 mm for any wider than 7" rim in your case would be better than +48. If you get a little rubbing you can try to increase rear negative camber a little to gain clearance.

I run 17x7.5 40 offset, 215/45, and my car sits low, stance is great; but even after dremeling the inside fenders I still get quite a bit of rubbing on larger dips... so an offset of 43 should be better, different tires in the same size can make things better or worse, 215/40 should provide a bit more clearance... I went with 45 series for the extra protection on our bad roads...

man minihune you rock.

^^+1!

First mentioned I've heard of running 215/40/17's on a MINI. Tempting... Is anyone else doing this? Also, any negatives other than a rougher ride, more expensive tires and inaccurately faster speedo??? I know it's a significantly smaller diameter tire.

I also have an R56, will be installing lowering springs soon and plan to purchase a set of 17x7.5" wheels. So it relates back to the OP's question while helping me out.

215/45/17s work great.

here is VoiD's car with 215/40/17




yes, R53's, but R56's have more room if the offset is not too high

Sweet! I just love the look of low profile tires. They don't sacrifice any width and the 912's are about the same price in either size.

Question, why is it that 215/40/17 can accommodate a wider wheel over 215/45/17? According to 1010 Tires, the former fits 7-8.5" while the latter 'only' fits 7-8". Does that mean 215/40 would give better wheel (think curbing) protection and avoid any stretching? If so that'd be another big selling point of it for me.

the only spec that matters is the manufacturer's. The ones on 1010Tires's calculator are generic....don't read anything into it.

Oh okay, makes sense. Just had me a bit confused since they're the same width.

Thanks again

Mine is lowered with Mach V springs and 7.5 42 offset wheels, 215 45 17 tires. If I'm by myself it's ok, but add more than one passenger or lugggage and there's bad rubbing from all corners on any bump. I'll switch back to JCW springs probably. So it sort of depends on your anticipated load. 215 40 may do the trick too, but I doubt it.

7.5 ET45 with 235/40/17 clears fine with Mach V springs on an R56. The 215/45/17 is taller than stock...might be the main culprit

Hmmm, so maybe I should go for 215/40/17. The wheels I'm looking at are 7.5 ET45 as well. Also considered 235/40, but that size isn't available for the tires I want. I plan on lowering with springs that are even lower than the Mach V's (H&R) plus I frequently have a passenger. Really want to avoid rubbing at all costs.

There is a set of 17x7.5 ET 33 wheels for sale in the classifieds.

Do you guys have an opinion on whether these will stick out past the fender line? Is there more to worry about than them sticking out?

I've looked at OZs in 17x7 ET 37 but haven't seen this wheel in person on a MINI. Are they flush with the fender line?

My calculations show the aforementioned ET33 wheels sticking out an additional .41" versus the OZs.

Thanks for your thoughts.

I'm runniing 215/40/17 on the stock webspokes and TSW lowering springs (down about 1" all around... maybe 1 1/3 in the back). They fit and drive great. I'm able to run a 5mm spacer on the front to help with clearance on the Wilwoods and still have room to spare.

Now that I've got dedicated track wheels/tires, I'll probably go up to a 45 profile tire next time, though... more meat on the tires to soften the ride a smidge and protect the wheels from potholes.

My 17x7.5" with +45mm offset and 5mm spacers and 215/45-17 tires fit fine on my R56....check my gallery to see side pics of the wheels on....

Thanks MiniPete.

Those pictures help. Now I have to imagine what pushing them out another 1/4" will do.

well remember thats a +45offset on a 7.5" wide rim plus 5mm H&R spacers....correct me if i'm wrong but thats a total of +50offset....

Oh boy. I thought spacers push the wheel out, effectively taking your offset from 45 to 40.

I'll have to do some research.

AT least that the guys at M7 told me...might be wrong, let me know what you find out.

Actually....it becomes 40mm. The lower the offset, the further OUT the wheel is pushed.

Hy guys, i have one question, do you think JR11 wheels 17 7,5 ET 35 with 205/45 Michelin PS4 Will fit perfect on my mini R56 ? Without any problems?