Yes I have the dealer, stock 15x5.5 inch "spooler" style wheels. Mini does spec out 205/55/15 tires as an acceptable size on these stock mini wheels. The look is great as the side wall sticks out slightly giving the wheel a deeper look. The initial feel is that of resistance from the wider tire and it feels slightly slower than 175/65/15 tires. The ride is greatly enhanced in that with these tires it a smoother ride, quieter, and the car tracks much straighter being the tires are wider. Truly, after about two weeks the slow feel goes away and the car now feels incredibly fast. I can corner like never before taking on and off ramps at 55-60 mph with no tire give or squealing. The feel is that you can corner faster and faster. On a base Mini that is what we hang our hats on. I highly recommend the 205/55/15 tires. On 15 inch wheels its a unique look that enhances the ride and performance. I tried to find out this information before I took the leap too and couldn't find the exact information that I offer here. Seems like nobody had actually done this. I researched this and went for it. Glad I did. Again the 205/55/15 is almost identical height wise and the tire fills the width of the tire well better from front and back. Good luck both 195/60/15 and 205/55/15 are good choices.

 

195/65-15 is too tall at 25" tire diameter vs stock.

Narrow tires like 175/65-15 and 185/60-15 offer less weight and less rolling resistance so going straight is quick and you get a little higher mpg

Wider tires offer better cornering if the tire is more performance oriented such as an Ultra HP Summer or All Season tire or more comfort if a Grand Touring All Season tire. Summer tires will tend to wear faster and offer more grip.

 

Thanks, you guys have been a tremendous help. My decision is to purchase the 205/55/15's. I found them at a good price as well. Can't wait to get them mounted, and to drive my **** off. From what you both have said about the handling, I really can't wait to try them.....
Again, thanks so much.

Great help!

 

To minicoop & minihune....

WOW!!!!! 205/55/15's Fantastic!! Had these tires installed, and can't believe the way my Mini handles now! More responsive in turns, much quieter ride, didn't get the slower feel that was mentioned, feels much faster, and the cornering is way better! Again, my thanks to minicoop & minihune for all their advice. I got a way faster, cooler Mini again!

 

I'm glad that you like them and that I could offer some advice from experience. Enjoy the ride. Take care.

 

sounds good on the setup!
about to pull the trigger on a smae size set as well as my stock Conti's are almost done and winter is here.

what tire did you end up getting? and do you have photos of your setup.
would love to see how the 205/55's look on the Spooler wheels.

thanks!

 

Sorry I didn't repond earlier. Unfortunately I am not savvy on posting pictures here. The look is that the sidewall is wider than the rim itself. This looks aggressive and more rally style for the Mini. It eliminates the flat look of the 175/65/15 on the spooler. The edge of the tire approaches the lip of the fender flair and from the back and front it widens the look of the car. I like it alot. It hunkers down the look and maintains the Mini original look. I am seriously considering aftermarket 15 inch wheels as a result. If you look under show me your wheels there is a first generation Mini with 15 inch BBS wheels and 205/55/15 tires. The photo is by David Bunting and he does have a website. Hope this helps.

 

Following this thread with great interest as I'm about to replace the tires on my '06 Cooper w/ 15" wheels. One question: Do the wider tires spray more dirt or stones onto the body? Thanks!

 

It might a little but it's not generally a big deal. For the Cooper you can add front and rear mudguards.

There is also aftermarket clear bra that will help resist damage from rocks.

 

The tires at 205/55/15 do not extend outside the wheel well if you are using the stock wheels at 45et. If you have after market wheels with less offset and greater width - say 30et and 6.5 inch - then they may spray as you will be flush or slightly outside the wheel well and molding.