Well, like the title says, I am curious how big of an outside diameter (OD) can we run and not have the tires rub the inside of the fenders in the back when it bottoms out. The car is a 2005 MCS Coupe w/ Factory 16" Rims.

OK, let me explain..... I may have screwed up. My wife bought tires Bridgestone RE01R's (205/55R16) after going back and forth about 45 or 55 series. We went with the 55 series because they were only .1" wider than the 205/45R18 that come on the GP Kit, and should have a slightly more compliant ride.

Well, I forgot to look at OD. D'OH!


I found that regardless of tire package on the R53, the one thing that has remained constant from Mini is the tire OD at 24.4", whereas the RE01R we just bought and installed last night are 24.9" OD.

It's tight in back - width is fine, but I think the OD may be a problem.....

Now, I could have me and my fat buddies sit on the tailgate to compress the rear end, but if the tires are too big in OD I don't want to damage the inner fenders doing the squish test. We've road tested the car w/full tank, and everything clears, but we're loading up for MOTD and I just want to be sure.

Thanks for listing to my whining.

 

205/55-16 is taller than stock but with stock suspension you should be OK. It is about the biggest OD that you can run but if you lower your MINI it won't fit.

No rubbing just very close clearance under load. Pack light.

A better size would have been 205/50-16 but tire selection would be different.

 

I drove to the tire place today with a set of 225/45-17 Avon Tech R on the car to get my new Dunlops installed. It would rub mildly in the rear over bumps. This is with a Koni Yellow Sport/TSW springs

 

Words to live by! Thanks for getting back to me/us (wife's on NAM as fastautoxmini).

I/we agree completely about the size, but my wife really likes the Bridgestone product line - her last three sets of tires were 205/50R16 S-03s (R.I.P. S-03)

cpayne, forgive my ignorance, but the TSW Springs, I'm guessing that's a little bit lowered?

 

Since you have the tires just use them and enjoy.

Otherwise, in Bridgestone for 205/50-16

There's the "new"-
Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport (Ultra High Performance Summer tire)
$99 each 340 treadwear
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....e1=yes&place=0

There are no tests or customer comments yet but I'd expect it to be better than the BS Potenza RE750.

I just replaced my four year old S-03s with BS RE-01Rs.

TSW are lowering springs.
http://www.txwerks.com/servlet/Detail?no=28
About a 3/4" drop front and rear, a little more in the back.

 

I too replaced my NoGoodYear run hards and now I'm running Michelin MXV4 Plus on my stock MCC 16" rims in 205/55/16 with no rub issues. However, being a convertible a big load is two bags of groceries which fills the boot. They handle great with very quick steering and ride very smooth. I'm happy with that size which as was pointed out runs about 24.9 diameter vs. the 24.4 stock.

With the stock JustaCooper suspension I think the 55 series would have a better ride than the shorter sidewall sizes which come on the "S" models with their tighter suspension. I tried a set of Michelin MXM4's which I have and really like on my Mercedes but the sidewalls were just too stiff for the stock suspension and light weight of the MINI and they beat me to death on anything with an irregular surface!

I was tempted to buy a set of 17" OEM rims because I like the look but the dealer told me not to go that route as there is a reason that 17"s were not offered as an option for my '05--the suspension setup and the power difference. Good luck.