I am getting the JCW 18" R105 rims and mounting non-RF tires on them. I want to go a little wider and need to know if I can change to 215/35/18 instead of stock size 205/40/18??? I know the overall diameter will be slightly smaller than stock.
Thanks for your opinions.

My car in stock now, but I will most likely lower it at some point in the future.

 

Aside from the fact that your wheels are extremely heavy, you should be good.

 

Look at the other threads on tire sizes for 18" rims.

215/35-18 is fine. Tire selection in that size is good.

 

215/35s will look a bit silly on a standard ride height MINI due to the smaller OD and rubberband-like sidewall.

If you're on the fence with lowering and/or won't do it for a while, I'd go with a 215/40 tire.

 

I agree with Wolfgang80, I'm currently running 215/40's on my R53 with JCW suspension and they help to fill the wheel gap nicely, you're going the opposite way creating more gap .

Check with Leo at http://www.edgeracing.com/ for great deals.

 

I disagree with the idea they look silly. I just put General Exclaim UHPs 215/35/18s on my R95s. They look great! And the ride is much smoother than the OEM RFTs.

One word of caution. I went to four different places to have them mounted before I found someone who could do the job. Even then, they said in 30 years of mounting tires, these were the most difficult they have ever had to deal with. Make sure you find a tire installer who knows what they are doing.

 

The R56 has a lot more wheel gap to start with than your R53.

 

Wolfgang, I totally missed that he had a R56. My bad.

 

I agree. I just went through that with my R53. Put on a new set of 18" wheels and tires (215/35/18) and hated the look. Too much gap for me, and I don't won't to lower the car. So, i was able to sell the tires; at a loss of course, and went with 215/40/18. Looks much better now. The 215/40/18 is actually a little taller tire than your 205/45/17. So look at what you have now, and envision a tire that is about 1/3 inch taller.

 

Thanks to all who replied. It looks like 215/40/18 is the way to go except the car will sit even higher than now. I agree it'll fill out the gap between the fenders nicely though. It'll look better than 35 and sidewall will be taller...

 

Here is another question for experts: I have been adviced by Morristown Mini people that I wouldn't need to steering stops which is good since it'll cost extra to install and then align the car with 4K miles only. I would like to get the 215/40/18 and am wondering if a slightly larger wheel would rub? Or should I just stay with stock 205/40/18 non RF?
Opinions????

Thanks.

 

You will have no rubbing issues with 215/40/18's , go for it