Hey guys,

I'm looking at some Drifz 505's in 17x7 and want to run 215/45/17's.

The offset is listed as +40

Assuming that I do not lower it...will this work? Or do I need to go to 205/45/17's?

Obviously, I don't want them sticking out past the wheel arches.

Thanks for the help!

 

1st gen shouldn't be a problem

2nd gen even less of a problem

 

Ah yes, that would have helped...I have an 08 MCS.

So...should be ok, yes?

Thanks!

 

It's OK, just confirm with the vendor that the new wheels will fit MINI 14mm wheel bolts.

215/45-17 is slightly taller than stock but otherwise OK.

No rubbing expected.

 

Ahh, ok. Would not have thought of any wheel bolt issues.

Appreciate the help!

 

Minihune:

With input from both Alex@Tirerack and you, I'm going to buy either Potenza RE-01R's (or, maybe, Direzza Sport Z1 Star Specs), for my '08 MCS JCW with
stock sport suspension.

Do you see any problems, if I get such tires in 215/45X17 and mount them on the 17" OZ Ultraleggeras (with a 37mm offset) that I also plan to get?

And, what do you think of the new Z1 Star Specs vs. the RE-01Rs?

 

Fits just fine on Gen 1 even with a JCW lowering (.5-1.0") and severe lateral loading.

 

I tried to find a listing on Continental's site for the OD of the stock tires. They are 196/55/16 ContiExtremeContacts.

As I recall, I think the Yoko W4S in 215/45/17 is somwhere around 24.6"

Do you think there's too much of a difference in OD?

 

Depending on which stock sized tire you check.
Outer tire diameter for stock MINI is about 24.3 to 24.4" tall.

215/45-17 is wider than stock by 10mm and taller at 24.7"
The actual tire diameter will vary a little from one model to another,
I have seen that size with 24.6" diameter.

This is fine for stock suspension but might be close to rubbing with any lowered suspension. Depends on wheel offset and on how much rear negative camber you have. More offset like +45 mm and more rear negative camber like -1.6 degrees gives more clearance.

Direzza Z1 Star spec is brand new- I don't have much on it.
Check with Alex if they have done some early testing at tirerack.

The 215/45-17 size is fine for your 17" wheels and stock suspension.
It is tall so in a performance application the stock 205/45-17 is better for gearing and for weight and it still fits the 17" wheel fine.

Another option is 215/40-17 for performance but RE-01R doesn't come in that size and it's less comfortable for daily street use.

For wet handling and traction the older Direzza Z1 tested well in comparison to all other Extreme Performance summer tires. That's why I was looking at it for wet autocross.

Right now there is a $50 rebate on the Direzza Z1 Star Spec for a set of tires and it's less expensive per tire vs the RE-01R.