215/35/18 or 215/40/18?

as you know, im not into performance or track or anything, so make your opinion based on that.

id like to hear from people running both size tires, i want to know the pros/cons of each size on a MINI.

also, if possible, some comparison side shots

 

How are the roads around you?
Are you lowered?

If you are not lowered you could probably get away with 40.

 

I just got the 215/40-18's cause i wanted to minimize the hit on the rims when the inevitable pothole pops up.
I'll get some shots tomorrow with the stock suspension.

 

I run 215/35/18's and plan on going to a 215/40 or a 205/40/18 when my tires wear out (if ever). Several of my group members run the 215/40's with H-sport springs and have no rubbing issues at all. I think most of them run a 42mm off set. They all seem to have different brands of tires as well. I can tell you that I can feel every little pebble in the road with the 35's and a person really need's to watch the road for any pot holes or imperfections in the road what so ever. It get's to be a pain in the A$$ some times but oh do they look good on our cars. I'm sure you will need to watch the road carfully even with a 40 series tire. Just the nature of the beast with 18 inch rims ! LOL ! I'm fortunate that I switch off between the 18's and a set of 16's when I head for the hills or long trips which makes for a nice change. The 16's are SO nice but the 18's look so good !!

 

215/35-18
fits rims 7 to 8.5" wide, 24" tire diameter 84 load rating
Gives-
more wheel gap with stock suspension
more wheel clearance with lowered suspension
gives good selection of more performance oriented tires
Stiffer sidewalls- less comfort but more responsive
Less protection against damage from poor roads
Looks more aggressive

215/40-18 (about 1 lb lighter or heavier depending on which tire)
fits rims 7 to 8.5" wide, 24.8" tire diameter 89 load rating
Gives-
Less wheel gap with stock suspension- might look better
Less wheel clearance with lowered suspension- increased risk of rubbing
gives some selection of all season and performance summer tires
Less stiff sidewalls- more comfort for street use
More protection against damage from poor roads

One option is to pick a tire and see if it comes in both sizes or only one.
If you want longer treadwear or more comfort then your choices are more limited. Budget also is a factor with which tires you can choose from.

215/35 has a much more sporty appearance.
215/40 is more practical for daily street use.

 

minihune, as always you are the man with the info when it comes to wheels and tires !

I myself don't see a huge difference in sporty appearance between the two. It's a pretty small difference in side wall height between the two (looks wise). I do agree that the 215/40/18 will be more practical for daily street use and I will change to that size for just that reason.

 

Agreed. They still look like rubberbands to me

 

i really want the 35s but the roads in Florida are horrible. i think i will get the 40s.
the 35s are 23.9" tall, the 40s are 24.6" tall, my 215/45/17s now are 24.8" tall.

so with a 215/40/18, and an 18x7.5" wheel, what offset should i do? 42 or 45? im not lowered yet, nor will i be until i get my heavy system all installed. that should lower it alot in the rear, then i will level it out in the front, but i cant do anything until i see how much the stereo affects my stock JCW suspension.


if i do 45mm, i can always add spacers if i need to bring them out right?

 

yep.

 

ok cool.

ya the 35 series are 412 shipped, the 40's are 464 shipped...

 

Good price. where did you get the quote?
http://onlinetires.com/ has pretty good prices.

 

www.discounttiredirect.com

free shipping, and 25 bux off any order!

im going to look at your link now though just to compare

 

205/40's are closest to stock in diameter.

 

ya i think im going to run those. safer.

 

I'd like to see pics between the two...lowered and not lowered

 

they would

although i know how its going to look for the most part, im wondering how each tire is going to ride.

i dont want to bend my rims on bumps either :(

 

I will post up some pictures in a couple of hours. Got to get some chores done first.

 

cool, thanks

 

What? Seriously? Every time I've been to Florida (Miami, Boynton Beach, orlando, those areas) the roads are perfect. At least compared to the roads up here in CT.

 

try tampa.....HORRIBLE!!! lol

 

theres some that are better, they need to repave the whole damn city though lol

i might get 35 series, and just watch where i drive

 

 

These wheels and tires (215/40/18) ride FAR better over bumps than the stock 16" rim with the run flats. Road noise from tires is cut in half at the same pressures.