I have a 2003 cooper....my questions are
1. Will 17in rims fit in the wheel wells??
2. If they will fit will i be able to eventally lower the mini
3. i need all season tires. I perfer a low profile tire. What brand would you recommend?

I owned a jeep before the mini so I never had to worry about things like will the tires fit.

Thanks for all the help

 

I am by know means a Expert, but I can share with you my comments.

1. 17" rims should be fine, also depends on what tire/and Offset, I am getting 17" on my Mini with a Offset of 40mm and tire 215/45. On stock Shocks

2. If you are going to lower your mini, I think you are going to need a offset to be 42+

3. When it comes to tire, not my department, but I do like the nittos.

I also used to have a jeep before I got my mini, Jeep Commanche (POS) I am still in the process of trying to unload it.

 

Rave, contact TireRack. They are a very good source and very helpful concerning tires.

 

Rave,
Aloha and welcome to MCO!
You have "my eyes" are we related?
>>I have a 2003 cooper....my questions are
>>1. Will 17in rims fit in the wheel wells??
Yes, All MINIs will fit 17" rims without problems. If you want to be safe stick to 17x7 or 17x7.5 width.
With 17x8 you may get some rubbing depending on which tire is used.

>>2. If they will fit will i be able to eventally lower the mini
Yes, if you select the rims above and keep in mind an offset of roughly 42 to 48mm then you should be OK even if yu lower the MINI using aftermarket springs (usually about 1 to 1.5" lower). If you go with an offset in the 37 to 40mm range then there is likely to be rubbing, depends on tires used and which springs used.
Before choosing wheels, read this (see comment by RandyBMC)
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=16613

>>3. i need all season tires. I perfer a low profile tire. What brand would you recommend?
Consider Sumitomo's HTR+ available in a 215/45-17 size. Also talk to alex@tirerack for options.
see this discussion on high perf all season tires:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=16360
Winter tire discussion:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...amp;topic=7813
>>I owned a jeep before the mini so I never had to worry about things like will the tires fit.
>>
>>Thanks for all the help


_________________
ALOHA

 

hello rave
I am also no expart on wheel but I am very happy with my new HP EVO wheel set that I got from wheelguyz. The price is the best in town and they are having a special sales on 17" I think it start at about $444 wheel and tire. check them out because I am very happy with their service. also a free shipping too....

 

1 yes

2 yes, just don't dump it ( not lower that 1.4 inches F)

3 215/45/17 is your ideal size, I would concider Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S.

Alex