Just bought a 04 this week and I dont like the hard ride of the dunlop run flats. Would like a wider tire for the R84 stock wheel. what is the largest size that will fit ?

 

For the stock rim 16x6.5 you don't really need a "wide" tire.

You'd want a tire that fits the MINI and the stock 16" wheel which is usually
205/50-16 which is slightly smaller than stock tire diameter or maybe
205/55-16 which is slightly taller than stock at 24.9" tire diameter - this will work with stock suspension and decrease wheel gap a little.

If you run on the track then wider 215 or 225 mm tire sizes are also possible but they will be 40 or 45 series lower profile tires that are stiffer and less comfortable for daily street use. Also these tend to be smaller than stock tire diameter which would increase wheel gap when used with stock suspension. If you have a lowered MINI then that is better with these tires.

Tire selection is less with 215 and 225 mm tires than with the sizes I mentioned first in 205mm.

 

205/50/16 is wider than stock but still has a good amount of sidewall for some cushioning. It's my favorite size for street use, both performance- and aesthetics-wise. It's not huge, but unless you're pushing big power, it'll be adequate, and the stock wheel width isn't optimal for much larger.

 

I found the xlites could handle very well the Falken Azeni 215-45x16 tires. They are a little smaller in diameter than stock so the acceleration is better with the old - pre 2005- transmission. Plus they stick really well.

 

You can go with a 215/50R16 that will match the stock diameter, the tire selection is rather limited in that size. If you don't want a hard ride you'll want to go for an equal or higher overall diameter. The aspect ratio for sidewall is width dependent so the 205/50s would have less sidewall than the 215s. The ride can get rather tire dependent so sidewall isnt everything. Just check out the numerous user ratings on tire rack for opinions. Personally I think the stock all season continentals i got have a pretty decent ride. A lot softer than my performance summer tires on 16s.