i noticed that when i clicked on 16 inch wheel/tire bundles for the mcs on Edge Racing's site that all of the bundles come with 205/55/16 tires. Isnt 215/45 a better choice? wider and less sidewall right? this site confused me.

 

Yes thats correct, But it will also give you a stiffer ride because of a lesser height of a side wall...

 

>>i noticed that when i clicked on 16 inch wheel/tire bundles for the mcs on Edge Racing's site that all of the bundles come with 205/55/16 tires. Isnt 215/45 a better choice? wider and less sidewall right? this site confused me.
If you go to tirerack.com and choose any of the 16" rims you get matched with 195/55-16 tires which can be changed to something else. Many tire companies will go with the safest least aggressive option in keeping with the stock tire options. Moving to something far off the stock size could risk voiding your warranty- check with your dealer. The 205/55 and 215/45 sizes will both work even if you lower the car by one inch front and rear. There may be slight differences with load capacity, tire height, and tire weight. The 215 is the widest tire by 10mm and the 205 is similarly wider than the 195.

 

The 45 series tire is 1.25" smaller in diameter than the 55 series tire. Don't do it!

 

you should get 205 or 215/50 tires. do not get the 55 aspect ratio tires! someone on a group run this weekend has them (also from edgeracing) and they rub even under light driving.

 

um... practically everyone i know (throught this site and at auto x) runs 215/45/16 with the falken azenis. I know its fine.

 

Not only that, but you will really need at least a 7 inch wide wheel for 215s (the factory 16s are 6.5).

 

this may help...

here is a link to a great wheel & tire info site that has a java calculator that lets you plug in old & new tire sizes. it then tells you the diameter and other differences, and even calculates speedometer error.

http://www.chris-longhurst.com/carbibles/tyre_bible.html

 

205/55 is tall for the car, not advised.

215/45 ( while not a tirerack recomended size, is widley used, and has a good diameter of 24.6, and has load bearing capacity the Mini requires)

Alex

 

Use Tire Rack instead. I used Edge Racing and they sent me a used wheel, and also the wheels did not work on the MINI.

 

still waiting for those SSR Comp R pics

 

>>Use Tire Rack instead. I used Edge Racing and they sent me a used wheel, and also the wheels did not work on the MINI.

Hey Ant,
How did things work out with the Apex wheels...any ideas on why you were having problems? Since seeing you at the Litchfield meet, I happened upon an MCS with the Apex2 wheels. Owner said he had no problem and they seemed to fit well (looked great too). I wish there were more choices of dark-colored wheels with polished lips to choose from.