Hello everybody,

I'm looking at a set of 225/45-17 RE-01Rs, which I'm looking to stick on the factory 17" wheels on my completely stock 2002 R53. I understand it could be a tight fit, and that the 225s aren't recommended, but should I expect them to fit?

I'm getting an absolute killer deal on the tires ($100 per, barely used), and I know it's a close thing, but does anyone have any input on these specific tires, this size, what severity of rubbing I might expect, and whether that's something that should be acceptable, or if there's anything I can do to reduce it, what that might be.

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

They will fit, but they will also rub, plus they are pretty tall. Now, they won't rub all of the time, but when your wheels are fully cranked to lock, or certainly with any load on the rear, and you will be in rub town. Plus your odometer will be low by a good 4mph at 60.

Most people have used 40 or even 35 series when it comes to 225, plus they also go with a 1/2" wider rim. I know this is probably not the news you wanted to hear, and maybe someone else will have better info, but the few Coopers I have seen with that size of tire have not had happy owners.

 

Will spacers or any kind of aftermarket equipment help with the fit? Is it likely to rub on the suspension, or on the well, inside/outside, front/rear?

I don't particularly care about the odometer/speedometer, as I can control my speed well, but I would like to avoid significant rubbing. I also do autocross, which I why I picked these up, so whatever I do, I'd like to remain stock-legal.

 

On the rear you will have outside fender rubbing. Not too sure about the front, I think you get a little bit of both inside rubbing, and on the front lower suspension.

I don't think a spacer would work with the stock 17s like the S-Lites.

 

Any suggestions of an offset or offset/wheel combo I could look into at a reasonable cost? Or should I just bite the bullet and look for something else?

 

I think you'll find a 25 inch tall tire yeilding a bit too tall gearing, JMO for autoX. With boku torque, you could work it out, but wouldn't be stock legal.

205/45/17 Re01R - works with your stock wheels

Alex

 

Thanks, Alex. I picked these up anyway (I can definitely sell them at a reasonable profit), and am thinking about 215/45-17 Kumho XS.

Thanks for the input, everybody. I would have been really annoyed if I got these mounted and balanced and wound up having problems.

 

I can vouche for the 215/45 R17, they do fit with no rubbing and on the stock s-lites .

 

Thanks! Now to find some WRX/M3 driver who wants these 225s. :D